In addition, there is a lot of familiarity between the players that could prove the difference. The core group has been playing senior national team games together for 2+ cycles now. Continuity/familiarity is a huge advantage in international play. A big part of soccer is knowing your teammates' movements, how/when they like to make runs, what they like to do when they're out wide in the final third, etc…

International teams don't typically have that level of familiarity amongst their players. The Iniesta/Pique/Busquets/Xavi/Puyol Spain teams that dominated were a good example of this. They had a big advantage because their core group of guys all played together at Barcelona. In any event, I think this familiarity could be a big advantage for Team USA.

Here are some of my predictions as we kick off the tournament:

Individual Players

• I think Dest and Pepi will be the standout players for the US. Dest is just so bloody good. Poch is bringing out his best with this formation and tactic. I see Pepi coming off the bench, doing his super-sub thing, and looking awesome. Both should have their transfer prospects boosted and end up with big transfers after the WC.
• Similar to above, Freeman is another player that I think will boost his stock with this WC. He should then become a regular starter at Villareal over this next year and get a big transfer next summer.
• Berhalter is going to play a meaningful role for the team. Poch loves him and his set piece ability will be valuable in games where they're chasing a goal. Despite all the hate he gets from the USMNT online pundit community, I think he's shown well and he'll boost his stock with this WC. I expect he'll transfer to a European team after the WC.
• Pulisic, McKennie, Adams, Richards, Weah, Robinson are going to do their thing. They're all likeable, love the US, and give everything for the shirt. We're lucky to have such a great group of guys to root for. This might be the last WC with all of them starting, so we need to enjoy it while we can.
• I hate to say this, but I just think Balogun is going to disappoint. He historically hasn't been able to carry his club form into his national team appearances. I have a feeling Pepi will be starting the final group stage game and the knockout rounds.

Team

• My prediction is the Paraguay game is a tough battle with the US dominating possession and generating several chances and ultimately winning 2-0. US has the home field advantage, the squad continuity, and is just more talented.
• US should handle the game against Australia fairly comfortably as well.
• Predicting that the US and Turkey will both be 2-0 and playing for 1st in the group. I think Turkey has more quality and ultimately beats the US 2-1. Honestly not too sure how much 1st vs 2nd in the group really matters. 1st would play a 3rd place team. That 3rd place team will likely be either Bosnia/Canada, Ivory Coast/Ecuador, Japan/Sweden, Norway/Senegal, Austria/Algeria. 2nd place would play either Egypt/Iran/New Zealand. Honestly, 2nd place is the easier road to the round of 16. Then in the round of 16, 1st place in group puts you on a path to play Belgium and 2nd place puts you on a path to play either Argentina or Uruguay. Not sure there's much of a difference there.
• My gut is the US comfortably gets 1st or 2nd in the group and wins their rounds of 32 match.
• Round of 16 will likely either be US vs Belgium/Argentina/Uruguay. I think the US, due to the home field advantage and squad continuity, gets the upset and advances.
• If they're on the Belgium side of the bracket, that would mean they're likely playing Spain in the quarter-finals. If they're on the Argentina side, it means they're playing Portugal. If they're playing Spain, I think the run ends there. If they're playing Portugal, I think they have a real chance.
• Final prediction is a quarter-final run. US become captivated by the team, how fun they are to watch, and how likeable the players are. The knockout rounds are some of the biggest sporting events in the US in years and this team becomes beloved by Americans for years to come.

USA!!! USA!!!! USA!!!!