U.S., Mexico and Other Team-By-Team World Cup Previews

USA: Americans are only happy when they win.

Whether it is wars, gambling or sports – the results have to be in their favor to keep them coming back for more. There has been talk ever since the 1950 World Cup, when the U.S. men's team shocked England, 1-0, in what is still considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history, that the sport would "catch on" in the states. Though it has gained popularity since then, it has never been the dramatic growth that was expected. This is in large part because the U.S. doesn’t do what's demanded of them to be adored: win.

Starting on June 16 against Ghana, the U.S. will feature in its seventh straight World Cup. Dusty history books tell us the U.S. made the semifinals in 1930 of the inaugural World Cup, but the event was far different than it's modern day incarnation. More recently, the U.S.'s best adventure took place in 2002 when the tournament was hosted by South Korea and Japan. There, the U.S. rode buccaneering performances from Brian McBride and a 20-year-old Landon Donovan to the quarterfinals before losing 1-0 to Germany. Apart from that, the highlights have been few and far between.

Celebrating a mere appearance in the quarterfinals is not in the American DNA. For something to be popular in the U.S., the country must be able to dominate it. Americans are similar to the kid at the playground who doesn't get his way and takes his ball and goes home. Sports fans take their eyes, go home and watch one of the sports America is actually formidable at: basketball, football, baseball, etc.

When it comes to soccer and winning World Cups, the sport will seemingly always be ruled by the powerhouses of Europe and South America.

Enter German football legend Jurgen Klinsmann, who was hired to by U.S. Soccer Federation in July 2011 to coach the squad and lead the country to new heights in it's most overlooked sport. If you can't beat them, join them.

Klinsmann won the World Cup in 1990 as a player with Germany. In fact, at that point it was still called West Germany. In 2006, Klinsmann led Germany from the sideline as its manager. The former striker promoted youth and speed in what became a new-look German squad. Germany went on to be the talk of the tournament with their proactive play and eventual 3rd place finish.

Although Klinsmann lives in Southern California, he was brought in for his international flavor. But Americans haven't necessarily been fond of some Klinsmann's foreign tactics since he took charge of the red, white and blue.

First, in December 2013, Klinsmann told New York Times Magazine that the U.S. had little chance of bringing home silverware from Brazil.

"We cannot win this World Cup, because we are not at that level yet," Klinsmann told the magazine. "For us, we have to play the game of our lives seven times to win the tournament. Realistically, it is not possible."

Lowering expectations is a common practice in Europe, where fans and media members can be overzealous about a team's highs and lows. However, in America this was seen as a weakness and Klinsmann was slammed for his comments by U.S. fans and pundits alike.

Even some American players distance themselves from Klinsmann's attempt to downplay the U.S.'s chances, including defender Geoff Cameron.

"Let the doubters doubt. That's why Americans are Americans," he told ESPN. "We like to be the underdogs and challenge big things."

Klinsmann has used a major rule change by FIFA in 2009 to recruit players from outside the U.S. to join the national team. The change allows players with multiple nationalities to switch allegiances as long as the player hasn’t played in a competitive match for a country at the senior level. As a result, seven dual nationals are represented on the U.S.'s final 23-man squad in Brazil.

Making the U.S. national team an international group was further highlighted once Klinsmann had decided to cut all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan from the team. Donovan, although he may be past his prime at 32, would have been featuring in his fourth World Cup and still has enough left to help the U.S. with his legs and his head. Klinsmann's decision, likely a power stroke to stamp his authority on the U.S. squad, will be critiqued to no end should the U.S. bow out in the group stage and may even cost him his job.

With or without Donovan the core of the U.S. squad was always going to be Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Toronto F.C. midfielder Michael Bradley and forward Clint Dempsey. These three have all played in Europe's top leagues at one point or another – Dempsey and Howard in England's Premier League and Bradley in Italy's Serie A. The easiest well do discern the quality of a national side is by identifying how many of their players play their club football in Europe's top divisions.

This is where the U.S. lags regrettably behind. Europe's top club competition, the UEFA Champions League, featured only one American this season in Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones. Ghana, for example, had 10. And make that all 23 when it comes to Spain. On the field it's man versus man and deceiving to the eye, but when you put it on paper you can see the gap in talent.

Dempsey, Howard and Bradley represent three Americans who can do things no other members of the U.S. squad can, and it's evident when they play, even to the novice viewer. If the U.S. is to advance even past the group stage in Brazil this summer, they will all have to be exceptional. Dempsey, also known as "Deuce" and Klinsmann's elected captain, will have to provide goals and creativity going forward. At the back, Howard, who is already as sure handed as they come, cannot make even one mistake. The margins will be that tight. But Bradley holds the true key. He sows everything together through the middle, and, at 26, represents a player who maybe hasn’t reached his true promise. As Bradley goes, so does America.

The U.S. faces the incredibly difficult task of navigating what has been coined as this year's "Group of Death." In a twist of fate, Klinsmann will face his countrymen on June 26 when the U.S. plays Germany. The Germans arrive in South America ranked No. 2 in the world by FIFA, ahead of host nation Brazil and behind only defending champions Spain. The Germans offer a hoard of young offensive talent, the majority of which play together for Germany's top club team in Bayern Munich. As if they needed an abundance of chemistry in their back pocket: By all accounts, they’re the likely group winners.

Then there's Portugal, which is lead by the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo comes into the World Cup having just one club football's most prestigious trophy with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Portugal has plenty of quality outside of Ronaldo too, but there's no doubt they will only go as far as he can take them. Members of Group G can take solace in the fact that it appears Ronaldo is not entering this summer's tournament at 100 percent health. Keep an eye on this.

Ghana, as U.S. soccer followers know, represents the Joker to the U.S.'s Batman. In 2006 and 2010, the Black Stars eliminated the Americans with their fast-paced play and displays of brute strength. Ghana is considered the best Africa has to offer and the core of this squad has found continued success at the highest level. For my money, not only will they defeat the Americans in their opening match on June 16, but Ghana will also finish second in the group and send the U.S. home early, just in time to watch the MLB All-Star game as their fellow Americans love to do.

Klinsmann is raked through the coals for being booted before the knockout rounds and especially so for his silly decision not to bring Donovan. The fact they faced such daunting competition is enough of an excuse for him to save face and his job. The German will the lead the U.S. again come 2018 in Russia.

Prediction: Group Stage

Mexico: El Tri enters the 2014 World Cup with similar odds to that of its northern neighbors. In fact, both the U.S. and Mexico usually fall into the same category at senior international footballing competitions: possible hopefuls (if everything breaks their way), but ultimately outsiders.

The closest Mexico came to winning the World Cup was when it finished in sixth-place in 1970 and again in 1986. Mexico has failed to progress through the Round of 16 in five consecutive World Cups.

Being drawn in Group A with host nation Brazil is by no means a good omen for the Mexicans either who will not be relishing their June 17 matchup with the Selecao. Yet, Mexico has done what few have: beaten Brazil on the big stage. This wasn't some prehistoric victory recorded on black and white film either; this was in 2012 at the Olympics where Mexico earned the gold by defeating Brazil, 2-1. It is worth noting, however, that the Olympic tournament is not seen in the same light as the other, more prestigious international footballing competitions, such as the Copa America and the World Cup. Though many of the players from the Mexico and Brazil squads that day will feature again in the 2014 match up.

The real trouble for Mexico is not actually the host nation, but Croatia. The rather puny country has a population smaller than that of Kentucky with about 4 million people. Still, Croatia has immense individual footballers and find themselves primed for a long tournament run in South America. Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Ivan Rakitić of Sevilla have technical ability falling out of their socks and together form one of the best midfield partnerships in the world. Spearheading the Vatreni attack is Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandžukić, who has been prolific since moving to the German giants, scoring 33 goals in 54 appearances.

Whatever happens, it's likely Mexico will have to finish with more points than Croatia if it hopes to advance. The fourth member of Group A isn't exactly a pushover either. Cameroon is an incredible long shot to win the tournament at 500 to 1, but with a real talent and a proven goal scorer on every level in Samuel Eto'o, the African nation is more than capable of stealing a game or two.

The key player for Mexico is striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who plays his club football in England with Manchester United. Hernandez is mired in a lengthy goal-scoring drought, as he has not scored for his country since June 22, 2013. Due to his struggles Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has announced Hernandez will start the World Cup from the bench. For many, Hernandez, 26, has the most potential of any Mexican player, but his dip in form is discouraging for him and his country’s chances.

In his stead, Mexico will rely on playmaker Giovani Dos Santos and forward Oribe Peralta. Dos Santos has been a prodigal talent from an early age and emerged from the heralded Barcelona youth academy La Masia. He's moved around La Liga since then, but many say he's best football is in front of him.

Peralta can win games with his ability to score goals in bunches. The Club America striker scored both goals in the 2012 gold medal game against Brazil and five goals in Mexico's two World Cup qualifying playoff matches.

Mexico barely scraped into this World Cup anyhow, so from here on out they're playing with house money. An underdog title suits the Mexicans well, as evidenced by the Olympics two years ago. Should Dos Santos catch fire and Hernandez suddenly return to form then El Tri has a fighting chance to shock the world. Mexico possess the pedigree and depth of talent to someday challenge for a World Cup title, but it hardly seems likely that 2014 will be their year. Poor form entering the tournament and a tough group draw will be their undoing.

Prediction: Group Stage

Brazil: Mighty Brazil. They’re ultra-talented, of that there is no question. But this team lacks the experience and depth that its five previous World Cup winning teams had in abundance.

Playing on home soil has the expectations at the maximum, anything but full victory will be seen as a resounding disappointment for a nation that views football as religion rather than sport. Fronting the majority of the burden will be 22-year-old wunderkind Neymar. He's considered among the top players in world and he will lead his country to the promise land, only to be crushed by expectation and fall just short in the final.

Prediction: Runner-up

Belgium: Belgium is suddenly full of talent after years of relative anonymity. As a result, it has been labeled as the tournament dark horse heading into this summer's World Cup.

Eden Hazard had a breakout campaign in England with Chelsea and showed he has the potential to be considered among the world's ten best players. Much of Belgium's squad plays its club football in England, including captain and defender Vincent Kompany, who lead Manchester City to a its second Premier League crown in three years. Kompany will give Belgium security from the back end and allow its offensive stalwarts to roam forward and cause havoc freely. They’ll be fun to watch, but lack of experience hinders them in the end.
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Predication: Quarterfinals

Chile: The team with the hottest stock of any as the World Cup draws near. The Chileans are becoming a trendy pick to go far in this tournament thanks to the fact that the tournament is located on their home continent.

With legitimate stars in Alexis Sanchez of Barcelona and Arturo Vidal of Juventus, Chile has reason to believe. But a difficult group that includes Holland and reigning champion Spain will be too much to overcome and La Roja will wash out faster than many expect.

Prediction: Group Stage

England: Known for always disappointing its proud yet overly confident fan base, England's lone World Cup championship came in 1966 when the Three Lions hosted the event. Since then it's been nothing but disappointment – usually exiting via a penalty shootout.

Surprisingly, this England arrives in Brazil with muted optimism and a youthful cast that make their performances hard to predict. Liverpool's 19-year-old Raheem Sterling could continue his precocious exploits in South America and become a British legend should England reach the semifinals. Ross Barkley, 20, is also intriguing and exemplifies a wild card. Both youngsters are not afraid of anyone or anything and they'll provide the edge England's attack sorely needs.

Prediction: Semifinals

France: Little is expected of France in 2014, and the standards have been lowered even further now that its top player Franck Ribery has been ruled out of the tournament with injury.

Low expectations are ideal for France, which imploded in its last major tournament at Euro 2012. Looking through the history of Les Blues, the French reveal a pattern of on again, off again at big competitions. The last time they were "on"? France reached the final of the 2006 World Cup, eventually losing to Italy on penalties.

Prediction: Quarterfinals

Germany: The Germans are stacked at every single position, particularly in attack. Tied at 0-0 in a recent friendly against Armenia, one of Germany's top strikers Marco Rues was forced to leave the game with an injury. (He's since been ruled out of the World Cup altogether.) The Germans went on to dismantle Armenia, 6-1, anyway. Rues's replacement Lukas Podolski of Arsenal had one goal and three assists in the blowout. Podolski's nonchalant performance coming off the bench is just one example of their admirable squad depth.

Along with Spain, Germany represents the powerhouses from Europe with a real chance of returning home with the World Cup trophy, which no European side has ever done when the tournament is hosted in South America.

Prediction: Semifinals

Ghana: Brazen belief in the U.S. chances at this year's World Cup has numbed interpretations of the skill this Ghana side possess. With a group also consisting of Germany and Portugal, it is clear the Americans will have to take all three points off of Ghana for the U.S. to have any chance of advancing past the group stages. Because of this many a pundit has convinced themselves the U.S. will beat the Black Stars. Not so fast.

This Ghana team is strong and came within an injury time penalty kick of a semifinal birth in South Africa in 2010. The Black Stars are chock-full of offensive talent in the form of Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Prince-Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah. Ghana is known as the "Brazil of Africa" for a reason and will not only usurp the U.S. to advance from the Group of Death, but Portugal too.

Prediction: Round of 16

Netherlands: Known as football's eternal bridesmaid, the Dutch have finished runner-up in three World Cups, including 2010 in South Africa. It was a fantastic tournament for the Netherlands, which knocked out past winners Brazil and Uruguay on its way to the final where they met eventual champions Spain.

The Dutch style is known as total football, where all 10 outfield players are skilled and mindful enough with their movement to play all positions interchangeably during the course of a game. At its best it is an artistic expression in the form of football and can even rival the style of Brazil. Louis Van Gaal is a member of the Ajax football family where total football originated. If anyone would like to replicate total football it would be Van Gaal, but it appears the 2014 Netherlands squad will lack the personal needed. Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben will be enough to fire the Oranje out of the group, but anything beyond that would be seen as a surprise.

Prediction: Round of 16

Italy: South Africa was a World Cup to forget as Italy finished dead last in Group F. The Azzurri found an unexpected resurgence in form at Euro 2012 when it surged its way to the final on the coat tails of scandalous striker Mario Balotelli and wily veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Spain again stamped its dominance on Europe by winning the tournament for the second time in a row, but another message was sent: Italy is back.

Brazil and Italy are the clear leaders in World Cup lore as they combine for nine titles. Brazil leads all countries with five, but Italy has won most recently with its fourth and last title coming in 2006. Group D presents a tall task as Uruguay and England both expect to play in the knockout stages as well. The Italian squad is as balanced as any and could quite easily make a deep run in the tournament.

Prediction: Quarterfinals

Portugal: Portugal represent one of the few teams to have never won the World Cup despite possessing the talent to do so. Sadly, this will not be their year either. Yes, Portugal possesses one of the world's best in Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be asked to do everything but pull the team bus into the stadium parking lot. Around him is a seemingly sufficient cast of talent, but the once on the field there always seems to be a lack of cohesion and chemistry amongst this unit.

Ronaldo can carry teams at times – see his hat trick against Sweden in a must-win World Cup qualifying playoff match in November – but at this level it's asking too much. Not to mention he's not 100 percent at present as he carries some nagging injuries from his club campaign with Real Madrid. It will be further big tournament sadness for Portugal once again in 2014.

Prediction: Group Stage

Spain: What else can be said about this prolific class of Spaniards? One could write thousands of words of prose on their breathtaking play in recent years, but ultimately this group can be summed up in one word: winners.

The Spanish have one the last three major international tournaments with European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. Spain has transformed themselves from loveable losers to an unshakable winning machine. Some say Spain's pass happy, possession style football – known as tiki-taka – is on its way out and the fact that no European side has won a competition in South America will weigh heavily on their minds. Spain will finally fall, but they will do so admirably as this summer's tournament is the last chapter of this Spanish generation.

Prediction: Quarterfinals

Argentina: When it comes to the white and sky blues everything hinges on one man: Lionel Messi. The four-time FIFA World Player of the Year has had seemingly every success imaginable with his club side Barcelona. He's never been able to lead Argentina to such heights and isn't coming off a particularly inspiring campaign, at least for his high standards.

However, he'll have plenty of help with fellow stars Sergio Aguero of Manchester City and Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid. Considering the exotic climate of Brazil, all South American teams will have a distinct advantage. This is the tournament Messi finally steps out of the shadow of the legendary Diego Maradona and gives Argentina its third World Cup triumph.

Prediction: Winners.