The World Cup draw is today and contrary to popular belief, the United States is in a great position.

Sure, there is a scenario in which the U.S. will face Brazil, Italy, and Holland in group play. The deadliest group of death that ever died. Even if the U.S. dodges that scenario, in all likelihood, this could be the most difficult World Cup for the U.S. in 20 years.

And that’s OK.

This isn’t 1998. This isn’t even 2006. The U.S. isn’t playing a 3-6-1 and Claudio Reyna isn’t trying to dribble out of the back anymore. The United States has thrived under Jurgen Klinsmann for nearly three years. This team is deeper and more talented than ever before. Soccer in America has never been stronger.

Sure, a weaker group in 2014 would give the U.S. a legitimate chance to advance deep into the tournament. But a stronger group would give an opportunity far more valuable. It would be an opportunity to reset expectations and put the world on notice. The U.S. is a better team now than it ever has been and it doesn’t matter what group they’re in, the Americans can find a way to advance. The goal shouldn’t be to win the World Cup, it should be to raise the level.

In both 2002 and 2010, the United States crept past group play into the second round. In both instances, the Americans only managed one win in three games. The U.S. doesn’t need to sneak through the backdoor any longer. This team is better than that.

So sure, hope for a group with Switzerland and Algeria. But celebrate when the U.S. draws Brazil and Holland. That’s the group that will make this team better, and that’s the group you want to watch.

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More of today’s winners …

Teddy Bridgewater is possibly an alien.

Jimmie Johnson is really good at jokes.

The Spurs lost to a bunch of barefoot children from Mexico.

Lindsey Vonn looks like Nightman.

And Jason Kidd is getting booed … pretty much all the time now.