Or so says the USA coach, Bruce Arena.

Arena, who guided the Americans to the last eight in Japan and South Korea, admits that getting through the group stage was his main goal for next year’s Finals.

This statement comes after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Scotland on Saturday.

Saturday’s performances will certainly not have had the bookmakers rushing to slash the odds on an American triumph in Germany. After taking the lead through the lively Josh Wolff’s ninth-minute penalty, the Americans were hanging on by the end after Hearts defender Andy Webster headed Scotland level eight minutes before the break.

Well, there is still time for the US team to improve their performance. A lot of things may happen until June 2006, so do not count them out yet.

Source: theStar.