Three and out.

Yep, that was my prediction for the U.S. national team when the World Cup draw was announced way back when. You can look back at my reasoning and see it had less to do with my lack of confidence in the boys than it had to do with what I saw as a tough draw.

Turns out I was way wrong on one count and way right on another. No, the U.S. didn't go three and out. And, yes, it was a tough draw.  I mean, the two teams my e-mail antagonists predicted the U.S. would whup up on, Korea and Poland, turned out to be the Yanks' toughest opposition, while Portugal, the team no one thought the U.S. could beat, was the meal ticket.

	Donovan is ready for his close-up.

One thing I hope we can all agree on now is that it's been one strange trip. Surreal for me, because I found myself watching the U.S. defeat Mexico 2-0 to advance to the Final 8 -- the Final 8 in the World Cup! -- and I didn't feel immediately euphoric. Why? Because it was Mexico, a team we've beaten and tied before in big games. I was like, Aren't you supposed to make it to the second round of the World Cup, go play Brazil or Argentina or France, pray you keep the score close, lose, and go home with your head held high? Seriously, I sat in my basement saying to myself, "This isn't that big a deal. We beat Mexico."

Then I let it sink in.

There are maybe five countries in the entire world that wouldn't go home to a heroes' welcome after making the Final 8. Italy. Brazil. Argentina. Germany. Maybe France, because they're the defending champs. Maybe Holland, because that country is so hell bent on finally winning one of these things. England? Final 8 is a very solid showing for them. Spain? Well, they want more, but there's no shame in what they've done.

Point is, I don't think anyone in any one of those countries would be sitting around like me (Loser!) saying, "So what, we beat Mexico, big deal." They'd be like, "Woohooo! Final 8 baby!"

So, you see, I'm happy after all.

And I'll remain happy win, lose or PKs against Germany on Friday morning. (The only thing I pray is that we don't get run off the field, but keep that quiet, okay?). See, I've adopted a Rest of the World Mentality as oposed to an American "Winning isn't Everything, It's the Only Thing" Mentality.

Weird thing is, now you almost have to believe the U.S. can beat Germany. Why? Well, in this whole World Cup we've seen the underdogs (a.k.a. the counter-punchers) succeed. If you want further proof than the U.S.'s victories over Portugal and Mexico -- and their draw with South Korea -- see Argentina and France at home on their couches watching television. Those guys owned the ball in Group Play and scored, what, two goals between them (one of which was rebound off a penalty)? Can the U.S. beat Germany? Sure, if they stay on form and bury the one or two chances they create and Germany doesn't do well with its chances. Why not?

But regardless of what happens, the Americans deserve a heroes' welcome when they're done over there. After watching the Mexico victory a second time, so much of my initial "Big Deal" attitude was washed away. Was it just me, or did Claudio Reyna (who's been the U.S. savior and whipping boy for so long) play the game of his life for the U.S.? Reyna was everywhere, not only providing the burst down the right that set up Brian McBride's goal, but also on defense, clearing headers out of the box, getting stuck in on tackles. And what about Landon Donovan? Does anyone really care if LD even goes to Europe now, to play with some club run by an Asprin company? Did he or did he not show he's a 20-year-old phenomenon in the world of soccer? Does it matter if he plays in San Jose or Leverkusen now?

Everyone knows I'm an MLS cheerleader,but isn't it time we all admit, the U.S. would be nowhere without the league you all (all you "footy" snobs anyway) love to hate? In past World Cups, I've stared at my television and wondered, "Has anyone on this team ever scored a goal before?" Yeah, I know that's harsh, but with MLS, we've at least been able to watch guys like Donovan and Clint Mathis rip the net and then rip their shirts off in celebration. I think MLS has given some of our players the courage to score goals.

And part of me revels in the fact that I know (yes, I know) there are 20 U.S. national team rejects sitting at home right now thinking, even though they're happy for their country, I could be out there and doing just as well. Jason Kreis. Robin Fraser. Ante Razov. Steve Jolley. Carlos Bocanegra. Peter Vagenas. Diego Gutierrez. Chris Klein. Let me say, I hope you guys agree with me. Because that's what this is supposed to be about. The national team used to be a scholarship. With MLS, it's become a weekly battle for the roster. And when you see the U.S. on the world stage, competing with guts and a hint of cockiness, think of MLS.

Now, it's countdown to kickoff time. I have no idea what Bruce Arena (the Magician) has up his sleeve, but I watch with great anticipation. My gut tells me it will be the same squad as the Mexico game with only one change, Mathis for Josh Wolff. But that's just my gut. I know Arena will do something to keep the Germans from running midfielders through the center of the field the way did in their 4-2 pre-Cup victory over the U.S. The coach will certainly not leave Pablo Mastroeni stranded the way Chris Armas was in that defeat.

Other than that, the formula must remain the same. Harass the Germans' passing. Absorb what you have to absorb. Get forward with care. And, if you get a chance, do what you've been doing all month long. Finish.

Prediction? How about this.

Three and out. That seemed to work well for the U.S. last time.

Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at jeff.bradley@espnmag.com.