Going into World Cup 2006, the US team was regarded as it’s best ever, a vast improvement that advancd to the quarter finals of World Cup 2002, and most likely the semi-finals had it not been for Torsten Fring’s hand. Once seeding had been announced, and the US was not seeded, but Mexico was, it was apparent the US was going to be in a tough group again. While Mexico was paired with Portugal, who had not advanced out of the group stage in 40 years, and Angola and Iran, two new comers to the World Cup, the US was paired with perennial favorite Italy, the Czech Republic, ranked 3 in the world, and Ghana, the best African team over the last 15 years.
Once I saw the groups, I figured that the US would have to win one of the two matches against Italy or Czech, and then beat Ghana in their final match. You would have to figure that the winner of the Italy, Czech match would also advance, and would probably be the winner of the group.
After a 3 - 0 lashing at the hands of the Czechs, and a spirited 1 - 1 draw with Italy, the US needed a win against Ghana to advance. Two weeks ago, if the two had played, the US would have been favored heavily. After beating the Czechs, Ghana was confident. Ghana gets a goal on a mistake by Reyna that should never happen at this level, and a second goal on a phantom foul in the box. The US finally scored their first goal of the tournament, and their last, as they lost 2 - 1. During all three matches, it was apparent Bruce thought he could get two draws and a win against Ghana to advance. The 4-5-1 should never appear again in US soccer, and may have cost Arena his job.
In the end, the US was picked third in the group, and it would have been a small upset had they advanced, but being ranked 5th in the world, this team sure doesn’t get any respect. And why should they?