Putting the cart admittedly before the horse:
Between Mexico and Italy, who would you prefer to see the US play next round? I would normally say Mexico, because we know them better, we often do well against them, and historically Italy go farther in the tournament than do Mexico. However, this Mexican side look very much on form, and Italy look quite unsorted out, especially in the middle of the field, which is where the US usually gets it all wrong.
Keeping in mind that a win might get us all the way to the semis, because the next opponent after might be easier to dismiss, who should we hope to take on?
Spain, Ireland, Germany are not exactly easier to dismiss than Italy or Mexico…and Paraguay is kinda hard to pass by Germany…
USA will have a hard time in the quarter final rounds even if they go past this round be it Italy or Mexico.
And I should remind you that, Italy has always been a poor performer in the group rounds of the world cup, but a very tough opponent in the elimination rounds. If I were you I would prey to play against Mexico!
Definitely Mexico. We’ve shown in qualifying that we can beat them. Making it to the quarterfinals would be outstanding.
Italy might have been weak in midfield today, but they still have pretty good talent in that position. Nothing outstanding, but solid. Plus, they have an embarrassment of riches in offense and the US defense isn’t exactly the stuff of legends.
Italy is always slow in the group stages. I wouldn’t want to face them when a loss means a flight home. Plus, I’ve been an Italy fan since back in the days when the US had no prayer of qualifying, so I don’t want to see the two teams meet.
The U.S. has a high level of familiarity with the Mexican team. That’s good, in that they wouldn’t be awe-struck or as jittery in an elimination match. That’s bad, in that Mexico would feel the exact same way. And both being upstart teams, you know neither is going to overlook the other.
Watching Italy’s sleepwalk against Mexico today, and in particular their glee at the end at advancing - and not a hint of disgust over how they’d almost blown it - made me change my mind about desiring Mexico as an opponent.
I think there is a great chance Italy will look down their nose at the U.S. squad, and take them lightly. To a certain extent, this is happening with all the European teams. “Oh, look at those cute little CONCACAFers. Let’s give them a little pat on the head for what they’ve done.”
My dream scenario would go something like the Portugal game. The Americans blitz Italia from the opening kick, take a 2-0 or 3-0 lead before the Italian side can say, “Merda santa, abbiamo un gioco sulle nostre mani!” (“Holy shit, we have a game on our hands” in Italian, according to babelfish. :)) And the U.S. then holds on for a victory.
Yes, Milossarian I can agree with some of that, but what about the quarterfinal game? Who do we want to face in that round? Would that affect which half of the bracket you want to be in?
Give me Germany over Spain as an opponent any day of the week. And God help us if we meet Ireland…
