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I
I believe
I believe that
I believe that we
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN
If you are not pumped for this game, I don't know what else I can do for you. The United States have been knocked out of the past two World Cups by the Black Stars of Ghana. Not again. Not this year. Let's get to the game previews.
Germany vs. Portugal | 11:00 CST | ESPN, Univision
Ohhhhh boy. This one is going to be good. Zee mighty Germans against the Fighting Ronaldos. From a completely neutral perspective, this very well may be the most anticipated game of the Cup thus far (save the opener, of course). The number two team in the world will open up World Cup play in a 4-2-3-1 formation with talent all over the field. Keeper Manuel Neuer is regarded by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world. Philipp Lahm is among the best defenders in the world. Bastian Schweinsteiger is, you guessed it, one of the best midfielders in the world. In typical German fashion, this team will play with efficiency, but with a bit of swagger that only comes from a young, talented team. 36 goals to 10 allowed in qualifying. Be afraid Portugal.
Speaking of Portugal... It's Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo. Despite a few injuries and a witch doctor, the Ballon D'Or winner will be taking the pitch later today. While the majority of the attention goes to the poster boy (and deservedly too), the rest of the team are not shabby players by any means. Look for balanced midfield play in their 4-3-3 formation with lots of wing play and crosses into the box where Ronaldo, the man with the hops of Pierre Jackson and the size of Levi Norwood (sans fro), will be waiting to put home deadly headers.
Prediction: 3-1 Deutschland
Watch-ability: 9.5/10 - You don't want to miss this game.
Iran vs. Nigeria | 14:00 CST | ESPN, Univision
Any game is a must-win when you're in a group with Argentina, but with the way Bosnia-Herzegovina played last night, three points are critical for a team wanting to advance, because I don't see either of these teams beating Argentina or B-H. Regardless of their chances of advancing out of this group, there is a football match to be played. Iran, with their 4-5-1 formation, do not have the means to score many goals, but they also give up even fewer. Look for lots of men behind the ball.
Nigeria also do not score many goals. Their 4-4-2 formation echos their emphasis on team play. However, the lack of a star striker up front means that their defense must stand strong in order for the Super Eagles to win. Thankfully, they have a stalwart keeper in Vincent Enyeama. If you need a breather between the Group of Death matches, this might be the time to do it.
Prediction: 1-0 Nigeria
Watch-ability: 2/10. It's bus vs. bus in a must-win game.
Ghana vs United States | 17:00 CST | ESPN, Univision
Revenge for past transgressions. A new coach, a new team, a national behind them. All the talk pre-Cup is meaningless now. Now, we, as one team, one nation, take the pitch in the Group of Death. Go, go, USA.
Ghana run a 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on the midfield. Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah is by far Ghana's best player, and it comes as no surprise that he is a box-to-box midfielder. Watch out for the wingers, as well. Crosses into a crowded box will occur.
USA! USA! USA! The Americans are full of confidence going into today. Following three warm-up game wins that saw the defense meld together and Jozy Altidore get his striker boots back on, there are few among them that don't believe that they can win the day. The media have talked about the exclusion of Landon Donovan ad nauseam, yet the talking point will surely come up again today. The USA's 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield is a bit unconventional, but it looked good in the final warm-up match. I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!
Prediction: 2-1 USA
Watch-ability: Are you kidding me?! You need to watch this game.