USA World Cup Football Team 2010
Despite the unpopularity of the sport in the United States, the national team have been a regular in the World Cup finals, often negotiating tricky World Cup Qualification Groups featuring stronger teams from Latin America. The USA were bronze medalists at the inaugeral World Cup in Uruguay (a feat that hasn't been repeated by any team outside of Europe & South America). However, their success wasn't repeated at their next two world cups in 1934 & 1950, being eliminated in the first round (though in the 1950 tournament they did famously beat England 1-0 in the first round).
The United States didn't qualify for another tournament for 40 years, and they struggled losing all three games in Italia 90. They hosted the tournament in 1994, beating much fancied Colombia 2-1 & drawing to Switzerland to advance to the 2nd round, where they lost to the eventual winners Brazil. The USA failed to capitalize on this success, losing all three games in 1998's World Cup.
In 2002, the United States were seen as another weak side. However a shock win against Portugal and a draw with South Korea saw them advance to the last 16, where they also produced a surprise win against Mexico. A controversial win against Germany in the quarter finals saw the Americans eliminated.
In 2006 in Germany, United States were expected to do well, however being placed in a strong group with Italy, Czech Republic & Ghana (three teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the time), meant that they limped out with a draw (against Italy) and 2 losses.
The States qualified for the 2010 tournament quite easily, topped their group with only 2 losses. They have been handed a group with Algeria, Slovenia & England.
