Germany lost a key player in a friendly, Marco Reus. He's a big time attacking midfielder. Gonna slow them down a bit. I expect Spain, England, Germany, and Brazil to play well. Don't count out the Dutch either. My only hope for this WC for us is to get out of the group stage. A 3 and out would not surprise me at all.

As far as Donovan goes, when he decided to take his "Into the Wild" type trip, it cost him his spot. You can't leave for several months during a time when the team is being formed and expect to come back. Soccer is a game that requires 100% dedication and he simply didn't have it this go around.