USA vs England

I don't know if there is any other opening match that I would want to see.  Sure it would be great to have an easier group (I don't think that's possible), but I would love to beat England.

The USA is going to have a difficult time with England. I expect a win, would be happy with a draw and realistically think they will go down 3-1.  Here is the bottom line problem for the US in this game, Onyewu is not 100%.  When the US have a counter attack style of play, especially against better teams.  We don't have the skill across the board to win the possession battle and be in the attacking half of a majority of the game.  Here is why Gooch matters so much, the US is going to sit back in their own half and pack it in to stop England.  Without the 6'4" 220 Onyewu anchoring the defense, I don't think we can hold off the likes of Rooney for 90 minutes.  I think we can score some goals, we have shown the ability in the counter attack with  our speed up top to catch teams out of position and put the ball in the net.  Without the defense winning a lot of battles in the back, those opportunities wont present themselves often.

On the positive side, the English are historical choke artists in international play.  Reading their roster is scary, but it rarely translates into success on the field.  For the US, Landon Donovan is playing at the highest level of his career and spent the last 3 months proving he can play with everyone in the Premier League.  Pairing him on one wing with Clint Dempsey on the other, could really give the English problems in the midfield.  I have been a Jozy fan since he was on the Red Bulls, but still want to see him deliver against top competition, why not on Saturday.

Prediction: USA 2 England 1

Beer:  Nothing imported, I might go as far as saying no beer styles that originated in England.  I'll be drinking a PBC Blonde until its gone, then...well the game is at noon, so that will probably be all.  Since none of you can get any PBC Blonde yet, I recommend Deschutes Twilight or Anderson Valley's Summer Solstice, excellent beers for both the morning and the rest of the summer.