I think it's only appropriate that I decide to write something on the 2014 World Cup drawing on this thing after having quite the writing hiatus. Certainly many people were anticipating the draw, as we've seen a rise in interest of the US National team (along with soccer in general). The pre draw show was certainly interesting, a Brazilian Drake who looked oddly uncomfortable not only dancing but standing next to what had to have been the Brazilian Adel. Then there was some more dancing, a gorgeous host, and finally the representatives who would be assisting in the drawing.

Conspiracy theorist must have been in fits after seeing France and Brazil both put into relatively easy groups, and most spectators had to have been giddy about Spain and Netherlands going toe-to-toe in the first round. To me, it seemed there were two groups of death (even though most people tend to disagree), but England, Uruguay, Italy, and Costa Rica all in the same group? Uruguay and Italy are always contenders in the World Cup, Costa Rica have been in fine form, not to mention that both Uruguay and Costa Rica are location wise, more on home soil than previous World Cups. England on paper always look good, and despite their constant disappointment, you can never really count them out, nor can you not expect them to just roll over.

And wouldn't you know it, Jurgen Klinsmann and the boys have been thrown into the most recognized group-of-death, along with Germany, Ghana, and Cristiano Rona, I mean Portugal. The truth is when I first saw the groups I was instantly on the "we're fucked" train, but after giving it some thought, I believe that this uphill battle is certainly doable. Against Ghana, it's always a grudge match. Our record doesn't look so suave against them, but it's always well fought, not to mention they make quite the travel this time around. As for Portugal, you never know if they are going to show up. Ronaldo will certainly have all eyes on him, but history shows (with the exception of the Sweden games) that this tactic doesn't always work for them. He's IT for the team. They have other quality players but the tend not to utilize them; everything goes through CR7 and just as in qualifications, that doesn't always pan out, and again not to mention, Portugal better remember what happened to them in 2002. Germany will be the most difficult to play obviously, their whole team on paper is world class and their play proves it. The one perk that we have is we have German coach who was born and raised on German style soccer, and we also proved ourselves against a "bench warming" Germany team, but the one positive from that is we can match their style of play, just because it was different players, doesn't mean their style was all that different, in fact, it should be almost identical. It is up to JK now to pick the appropriate players (soon hopefully) and try and gel those (let's say about 15) players together, instead of allowing different guys to keep getting a shot on the team.

Some guys that need to get the hell off the team and never be allowed to put on an American uniform again are guys like Edgar Castillo, Eric Wondolowski, Brad Davis (sorry dude), Will Bruin, Joe Corona, Kyle Beckerman (I like him, but not for the national team), Josh Gatt, Jose Torres or Onyewu. Sorry fellas, but either your too old, too slow, or just not good enough to be playing at this level. At the same time there are a couple of guys who need to be regularly playing for the team in order to gain confidence or mesh better with the team. Clarence Goodson, even though I feel iffy about him seem to play well during qualifications, and him and Omar Gonzalez could prove to be a solid pairing in the back. Mix Diskerud brings fantastic diversity to the team, maybe not necessarily as a starter, but certainly as a player getting time. Timothy Chandler, Steve Cherundolo and Fabian Johnson, once healthy could be factors, and the little Icelandic kid, Aaron Johannsson shows flashes of being very creative in the midfield, something we severely lack in the attack.

Other notable guys who haven't even been spoken of on the team are Eric Lichaj, who is lightning and spent his entire career over in England, DeAndre Yedlin, the left back for Seattle Sounders I think is fantastic and is more of a new age outside back who loves to get into the attack. Perhaps it's a little biased but I think Sarkodi of the Houston Dynamo is a very effective outside back (see ya Corey Ashe). I also like Benny Feilhaber (who has been recently called up), and as a side note, I'd love to see Brek Shea on the team, but only, and I mean ONLY as a super sub, never should he be standing on the pitch when the starting whistle blows.

These are just some things to think about, and this is who I think should be in our 23 man roster when we make way to Brazil.

GK Tim Howard
RB Steve Cherundolo
CB Omar Gonzalez
CB Omar Gonzalez
LB DeAndre Yedlin
CM Michael Bradley
CM Geoff Cameron
ACM Clint Dempsey (I'd argue that maybe Johannsson could play here)
ALM Landon Donovan
ARM Fabian Johnson
ST Jozy Altidore

Subs:

GK Brad Guzan
GK who gives a shit
DEF Erich Lichaj
DEF DeMarcus Beasley
DEF Matt Besler
MID Jermaine Jones
MID Brek Shea
MID Mix Diskerud
MID Benny Feilhaber
MID Alejando Bedoya
ST Eddie Johnson
ST/MID Aaron Johannsson


I know I mentioned Sarkodi, but oh well. Anyways, just my thoughts, and I believe we can pull this off!