By Sean Connolly

The US Soccer team has been asking for respect for I don’t know, the last ten years. And guess what, they’re not getting any from FIFA. In the new world rankings, FIFA dropped U.S.A to 30th in the world, falling 9 spots from 21st. With a team who showed so much promise before the 2006 World Cup in which they were ranked 4th in the world in April of ’06, what does falling 26 spots since then and falling below teams like Paraguay, Israel, and the Ivory Coast mean to the U.S. Soccer program?

Looking at the United State’s last game in which they only beat Barbados 1-0, they really need to get their act together. I mean Barbados is a team who is asking citizens of Barbados to step up and play on their website. I’m not joking either, seriously it’s hilarious check it out…http://www.barbadossoccer.com/. They beat Barbados by 8 at home but for some reason when they played in Barbados they looked like a completely different team. I mean, what are they going to expect when they go into Mexico and try to win?

The U.S. played Spain almost one month ago, and showed some hope by only losing 1-0. Spain is now the number one team in the world according to the new FIFA rankings and the U.S. has to look back to that game for hope. In their exhibition matches coming up to the World Cup Qualifiers they played somewhat admirably against Spain, got spanked by England, and then had their best game against Argentina in a 0-0 tie. I really don’t think FIFA should have dropped them 9 places but they shouldn’t have gained any ground either.

This new ranking will do either two things. One, get the team so demoralized that they feel like there’s nothing they can do to get respect in the soccer community and play poorly. Two, they use this ranking as fuel to the fire, and use it as motivation to get to the next stage which is making a significant impact in the 2010 World Cup. The Barbados Soccer website says to give Barbados a chance, I think it’s time for U.S. to pick up the same slogan. Give U.S. Soccer a chance!

Finally, it’s here. It’s been four years since Greece shocked the world and won Euro 2008 and this tournament should be just as exciting.

Alright, if you’re looking for predictions for Euro 2008 you came to the right place. Lets start with the first group, group A. You got Czech Republic, Turkey, Switzerland, and Portugal. Expect Portugal to have an outstanding Euro this year as they will easily top Group A. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portugal side, despite trade rumors that he may leave United to go to Real Madrid, deep into the tournament. He is coming off his best season with Manchester United, and now knows what it takes to be the best in Europe as he won the UEFA Champions League title. Czech Republic should be the second team to come out of Group A thanks to the best goalie in the world, Petr Cech.

Group B has Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Poland. Although Austria will be playing on their home turf, I don’t think they’ll have a chance to get out of this solid group. Germany, an absolute soccer power house, will top the Group. My surprise pick of the entire group stage will be Poland. This is Poland’s first debut in Euro 2008 and I think they have a great chance to be this year’s Greece. Europe should not underestimate Poland.

In the most exciting group France, Italy, Netherlands, and Romania will fight it out in Group C. Now this is obviously the most difficult group as the group contains the World Cup winners and runner up in France and Italy. Both France and Italy will top the group but not without a fight from Netherlands. Luca Toni will put up a huge number of goals just like he did in 2006 and Italy’s defense will lead them to the top of this group. This will be the most entertaining group so make sure you tune in.

And finally Group D. Group D contains the surprise Euro 2008 Champions in Greece so they will play with a huge target on their back. The group also has Russia, Spain, and Sweden. Spain will easily top this group as they along with Portugal, Italy, and Germany are the sure favorites for winning the tournament. Spain’s Torres is an absolute star and should lead the tournament in goals and bring Spain deep into the tournament. Following Spain in Group D will be Greece. They did it four years ago and I expect them to make a move again this year and be this year’s Greece (it does make sense).

Portugal, Italy, Germany, Spain. Pick one of those countries if you want a Euro 2008 champ. Don’t expect a huge surprise winner like in 2004 but don’t count out a couple spoilers like Poland, Greece, and Czech Republic who can ruin someone’s day.