Imagine if the United States cared about Soccer?

"We had horrible luck," said Landon Donovan. "I don't know if we pissed someone off somewhere and our karma is coming back or what."

That quote is after a stunning 2 - 1 loss to Ghana in 2006. Donovan is most clearly referring to the mystery penalty shot called on Oguchi Onyewu. So its a rematch from 2006. The problem in 2006 (beyond the referees) was United States made significant defensive errors, quite similar to 2010‘s lapses.

In 2002, the US were ousted by Germany after an apparent hand ball prevented a goal. This was tough. USA soccer did not have the following it has now, back in 2002. However by advancing out of their group, it appeared the US had gained a bigger following. By exceeding expectations, America rallied behind the Yanks helping them defeat Mexico. The loss to Germany, although devastating also left America with a gigantic sense of pride. Advancing further than hoped, and putting up a solid showing gave Americans hope that in 4 years, the team would be more experienced.

Editors Note: Introducing Dan to the team

So each team started playing their final games for the opening round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The fields have looked spectacular, the crowd is lively with their vuvuzelas. I don’t get why they cant just call it “A Horn” You know, like Alec Baldwin says to his son Dildo in Outside Providence. Or when his poker buddy chimes in “Hey Satchmo, why don’t you play us a couple of notes”. Here's a little breakdown by each Group up through the first round.