World Cup Update: Treading Prohibited Edition
As Monday's opener with the Czech Republic draws nearer, U.S. Men's National Team Coach Bruce Arena had this to say to reporters yesterday: "you can't believe everything you read in the papers". Although Arena was referring to reports that the Czechs would be without the services of their injury-ridden star players, the statement could well serve as a mantra for his squad throughout this month's World Cup.
The U.S. has the misfortune of being drawn into what many consider this Cup's Group of Death. In order to qualify for the elimination rounds, the U.S. is faced with the task of finishing ahead of traditional European powerhouse Italy or a Czech team out to justify its lofty placement in the world rankings. The MNT's remaining opponent in group play, Ghana, is another strong team that would be favored to advance from many other groups. Should the U.S. manage to secure second in its group and move on to the elimination rounds, its opponent would likely be Brazil, an absolute juggernaut of a team that is heavily favored to take home its record sixth World Cup.
Because of the looming presence of Brazil, the U.S. is hopeful of a first place finish in group play. Across the globe, the pundits do not share that hope. The BBC predicts that the U.S. is "unlikely to make much of an impression". Six out of ten Sports Illustrated experts do not predict the U.S. to move on from group play. Even publications from the heart of America are predicting disappointment from the MNT.
The U.S. has taken the doubts of the media in stride, and has galvanized upon facing the hostility of opposing fans. The team is determined to use this adversity as a catalyst; they hope to unify behind their "Don't Tread on Me" motto and silence their doubters with a series of stunning upsets on the field. There is one thing of which the U.S. can be certain: in a sea of speculation, doubt, and punditry, they believe in themselves, and not what they read in the papers.