In my World Cup 2010 bracket, I have Team USA miraculously reaching the semifinals of the biggest sporting competition on earth — which starts today with Mexico against South Africa at 7 a.m. local time.
No, I have not been ingesting hallucinogens.
Team USA will win its group, which also includes England, Slovenia and Algeria. It will defeat Australia in the round of 16 to set up a monumental grudge match against Mexico in the quarterfinals.
That I have Mexico going that far probably also is insane. Many believe Mexico will lose to South Africa today amid the emotion of the first World Cup on the continent.
The immortal Nelson Mandela will be in the house, creating a chance for life to imitate art and the film "Invictus" — in which Morgan Freeman as Mandela inspires South African rugby players to sporting glory.
Mexico is notorious for wilting in big games and is very young at the skill positions. Its back line is suspect, and it lacks a superstar on the international level.
Then again, you could say the same about the Americans.
What Team USA has is an elite goalie in Tim Howard and creative players in Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, who have excelled in the English Premier League.
For a million reasons, American players lack the technical genius of players from Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy and Germany.
To read the complete column, visit www.sacbee.com.
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