2010 World Cup Primer

Here is everything you need to know for the 2010 World Cup.

Here is the FIFA 2010 World Cup homepage:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/index.html

First, and most importantly, the USA's group schedule and local times:

6/12 1:30 PM ENGLAND
6/18 9 AM Slovenia
6/23 9 AM Algeria

That England game is on a Saturday and I say we all head to a bar or find a house with hi-def big screen and start about 10 AM so we are rowdy when the game starts. If the US can draw that game, we should make it out of the group with no problem. The USA is currently ranked 18th in the world and Slovenia and Algeria are 27th and 32nd, respectively. The big thing the US has going for them is experience. Neither Slovenia or Algeria played in the 06 World Cup. Hopefully, the US won't be nervous and will come out and own those two teams.

As for the other games, here are the ones in the group stage that look to me like can't miss games:

June 17th 1:30 PM France/ Mexico Battle of two heavyweights although France is going to be easier to beat this year in my opinion.

June 22nd 1:30 PM Greece/ Argentina The Greek squad will be hard to beat. The Argentinians may have the group locked up by the thrid match. If not, this one will be a can't miss.

Any match in Group G. This has got to be the Group of Death. Brazil, to me, looks to be down a little unless some of their young guns step up. I don't think the Ronaldihno crew can get it done. Ditto with Portugal as they are collectively a little older (unless either manager chooses younger sides for these nations). If either one of those two slip up, this group looks wide open to me.

Any game Spain plays provided:

A) David Villa is healthy. If he is, the two pronged attack of Fernando Torres and Villa will be fed constantly by Xavi and Andres Ineista. Add in the best goalkeeper in the world and you have a recipe for the trophy. Spain will be the team to beat if they are healthy. They are ranked #1 in the world right now and the only team that will be able to outgun them (in my mind at least) are The Netherlands who may be my pick to win it if Villa is hurt. If you like attacking soccer, you can't go wrong watching either Spain or the Netherlands.

Players to watch: No surprises here. Christiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) are the two most dynamic and exciting players to watch in the world. The next tier of players includes Wayne Rooney (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), and also Wesley Schneider (the best during game, long-range passer in the world- Netherlands) will be exciting to watch.

Predictions:

Really have a chance: Spain, Argentina, Netherlands. I'm leaving Brazil out as I think they are overrated and it will show here. The Italians can't be counted out either; especially if the ref allows them to swan dive all over the park (see 2006).

Middle of the pack: Germany has an outside shot at winning if they get a few lucky breaks. I don't think their defense is good enough to stop the top-tier teams like Spain or Argentina. England fall here as perennial international no-shows Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard need to step up and control the midfield for a change in order for England to have a chance. Rooney needs to continue his out of this world form as well. If the US gets knocked out, I'll root for England but I don't think their chemistry has ever been level due to the enormous rivalries and hatred between English clubs.

Dark Horses: Usa has a slight chance (and I mean very slight; if a lot of really good oiffensive teams get knocked out and they can grind it out in the final, they could win. I like the Ivory Coast as well.

Either way, let's get together and watch as many games as possible. It's always a great summer when the World Cup is on.