USA's Past World Cups

Yours truly was on hand this past Saturday as the US came from a goal down in the first half to defeat Turkey 2-1. Landon Donovan anchored the US attack assisting on both goals in the second half. Clint Dempsey's goal in the 75th minute proved to be the game clincher and sent the US to South Africa with confidence.
The US will play on more tune-up match against fellow world cup participant Australia on June 6th and then set their sites on England.

The US has qualified for the past six editions of the World Cup, here's how they faired:

1990 Italy: It was 40 years until the US returned to the World Cup and 1990 proved why they had been gone for so long. The Yanks were outscored in their three group stage games 8-2 and failed to gain any points. It was a disappointing performance for the US, but just making that tournament was a huge accomplishment.

1994 USA: The unthinkable happened in 1994, the World Cup made its first appearance on US soil and the US advanced to the knockout stage. The US stunned the world by drawing 1-1 with the Swiss in game one. Game two pitted the US against a tournament favorite in Columbia. After an own goal by Columbia, the US added another and behind a brilliant performance by keeper Tony Meola, they escaped with a 2-1 victory. The US lost their final group stage game, but they still advanced to the knock out stage. The knockout stage was short lived as the US was matched with eventual tournament winner Brazil. The US bowed out with a 1-0 loss to Brazil

1998 France: In 98 US soccer was riding on an all-time high. Not only had the US played above and beyond their level in 94, but the creation of MLS was furthering the USA's player development. Sadly, 98 showed the World just how far behind the USA's soccer program was. As in 1990, the US failed to gain any points in the group stage and only scored one goal (Brian McBride).

2002 Korea/Japan: Lead by head coach Bruce Arena, the US once again shocked the world. Game one pitted the US against the talented Portuguese. When the final whistle blew the US left with a 3-2 victory. A draw against Korea secured the USA's advancement to the knockout stage for the second time in four tournaments. The knockout stage pitted the US against continental rivals Mexico. The US scored in the first eight minutes and Brad Friedel has amazing in goal as the US beat Mexico 2-0. The next match up pitted the US against Germany for a chance to go to the semifinals. Germany won 1-0, but not without controversy. An apparent hand ball by the Germans was not called and the US was dispatched.

2006 Germany: A much hyped US squad traveled to Germany with a daunting group in front of them. The Czech Republic, Ghana and eventual champs Italy made up the rest of the group. After a deflating 3-0 loss to the Czechs in game one, the US found themselves in an unflattering position. Italy was up next and the US fought valiantly after going down to just nine men to draw 1-1. In the final game against Ghana, the US needed a win to advance. They fell short losing 2-1.

So what does all this mean? It means that if the pattern holds, the US should not only advance out of this year's group stage, but they should make some noise in the knockout stage.
The US contingent has stated all year that getting out of the group stage is their main goal at the Cup. Don't think that this is any easy task. A tough English squad is up first followed by another tough European team in Slovenia. To rap up the group stage the US must face Algeria, an African nation playing on home soil.
Whatever happens in Africa, the US must play with the same confidence they displayed last year against Spain. They have to believe they can play with the world.

That's it and that's all