Just a random thought but how far does the US have to advance for this WC to be considered a success?
Anytime the United States can make it out of the group stage . . . IMO, that is a victory. The group is favorable for the US to advance, so unlike 2006 where we weren't expected to advance . . . this is a group where we ARE expected to advance, so it definitely would be a dissappointment not to.
Taking an early look, if we can make it out of Group C . . . we will face the teams of group D, which is the German group. The Germans aren't as strong, but always play well in the WC. The other 3 teams are solid, but not anybody we cant beat.
I think the United States really needs to win the Sweet 16 match for the WC to be a success.
Looking way far ahead . . . we would have to face people out of Group A and B in the Quarterfinals . . . and we can hang with those teams also. So even the Semi's isn't out of the question.
So here we go:
Disappointement - Fail to make out of group stage
Expectations - Round of 16 loss
Success - Spot in the Quarterfinals
Best Potential - Spot in the Semifinals
Unexpected - Spot in the Title Game
Unrealistic (but anything is possible) - 2010 WC Champions
Prediction - I expect them to make atleast the Quarterfinals (final eight teams). Definitely not out of the question.