World Cup 2010: United States

World Cup 2010: UNITED STATES

FIFA ranking: 16

Overall World Cup record: 6-16-3

Coach: Bob Bradley

Best performance: Third place, 1930

Overview: A stunning upset of European champion Spain and a gutsy performance in a one-goal loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year might have raised American hopes too high. Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and friends could have peaked a year too soon, especially in light of subsequent injuries to so many starters, not least of all speedy forward Charlie Davies. The opener against England will reveal much.

-- Grahame L. Jones