World Cup Update /Preview

Well Group A is decided with Germany and Ecuador advancing easily and Group B in the books as well with England and Sweden advancing. Group Standings as of today.

USA will be in action again on Thursday with Ghana. Both needing a win and a little help from the Czech vs. Italy game to advance. Funny the way things shake out... Ghana are missing their two goal scorers and the US is missing two (or at least one) top defenders. So, what are the USA's chances? Good question. In my mind it all comes down to which team shows up. If it is the timid, slow, lathargic team that got pummeld against the Czech Republic then they will be pummeld yet again without doubt. But if it is the "nail spitting" team that played Italy we may just have a shot. Bruce Arena has taken a defensive posture throughout the tournament that has resulted in 0, yes 0 goals in 2 games played. He will have to change something on Thursday if he hopes to beat Ghana and/or make up any of the -3 goal difference the US face heading into this match. Mt preference is an attacking lineup...See below

Forwards: Mc Bride Johnson
Midfield: Convey Donovan Renya Dempsey
Defense: Bocanegra Gooch Conrad Cherundolo
Keeper: Keller

It will be interesting to see Bruce have to go out of his element. If he in fact does do that. I would not however be terribly surprised given the last two games to have him go into this game again thinking he can get by with only one striker. We shall see my friends, we shall see.