I didn't want to miss anyone's opinion so I'll post here too.

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=647386&forum_id=23

Australia??

Playing our very best, we could not have beaten Italy, Ghana, AND Czech Republic.

We would probably have scored more than one goal, but winning the Group???

We looked like a better team than Italy in the first half of that game and they won the group...Ya i think we could have won the group

I watched the game against Italy in a bar at NY Kennedy Airport with a bunch of Italians. They were mouthy (but so was I).

The calls were horrible, but that's what we're going to get. Think of United Nations referees and you get the idea.

In a few years, it won't matter. We're going to be that much better.

Personally, I think Bruce Arena was a great coach, with the emphasis on "was." It struck me that he played not to lose and when losing, played not to get blown out.

I know the 4-5-1 is the rave, but Landon Donovan seemed lost without support. Personally, I've never liked playing one striker and couldn't help notice how the surprisingly strong Ghana team was aggressive on the attack. What if Arena went for broke, put in the guys who could but the ball in the back of the net and let them play?

Oh, and why is Casey Keller still in goal? Don't we have the starting keeper for Man U?

Anyway, I think we make the semi's for the next cup and the finals for the one after. Knowing what gives with the ODP and youth programs provides me with lots of optimism for US soccer.

back up goal keeper for man U who is now the starting keeper for Everton...Keller was the right choice...he was allword in qualifying...literally carrying us through some matches we should have dominated. He is actually widely regarded as one of the top goal keepers in Germany. Howard is the keeper of the future (hopefully) but he doesnt have the games nor the experience under his belt yet.