World Cup - Late, Painful Realization

I finally got around to seeing who the U.S. could face if they make it out of the first round of this summer's World Cup. Reviewing the television schedule, I see that the teams who make it out of Group E (our group) face the teams who come out of Group F. So, who's in Group F?

Brazil, Japan, Croatia, and Australia.

Shit.

So, consider that the winner of Group E meets the runner-up in Group F and vice-versa. Then consider that Brazil - the absolute pig-lovin' kings of cushy draws - will, failing a highly localized pandemic, top group. Obviously, we'd be better off topping this group, so it's time to focus the mind.

But, assuming we get Brazil in Round 2, it's hard to be optimistic.... ¶ 3:33 AM