What If America's Best Athletes Decided to Play Soccer Instead?

Here's what team U.S.A. would look like this World Cup if our best athletes chose to pick up a soccer ball when they were little instead of a football, basketball or even swimming trunks...

Goalie-Michael Phelps (Swimming): This 6'4" swimming great has the height, determination and not to mention a wingspan of 6'7" that could translate into America's Gianluigi Buffon and maybe take some of those gold medals and translate them into a World Cup or two.

Center Fullbacks-Dwight Howard (NBA) & Brock Lesnar (UFC): This backfield will provide size (Lesnar at 6'3", 265 lbs and Howard at 6'11", 265 lbs), defensive prowess (Howard is two time NBA defensive player of the year) and most importantly, intimidation that will keep attackers out of the backfield.

Left Fullback-Joe Mauer (MLB): Considered one of the best offensive and defensive catcher in the game, Mauer will know exactly when to attack and when to stay back and defend against the world's best.

Right Fullback-Troy Polamalu (NFL): Polamalu is one of the best at turning defense into offense and will add an extra bit of intimidation when needed on set plays.

Central Midfielders-Lebron James (NBA) & Adrian Peterson (NFL): Both James and Peterson have the play-making skills to roam the midfield but also have the size and defensive know-how to slow down attackers before the last line of defense.

Left Midfielder-Zach Parise (NHL): Parise has the speed and skills to move the ball upfield and the vision to cross the ball to an attacking striker. Besides his skills, Parise is one of the toughest players out there and has the grit to attack opposing defenses.

Right Midfielder-Alex Rodriguez (MLB): What more is there to say then A-Rod's 591 homeruns? The guy knows how to score and whether you agree or not A-Rod is a team player. He was probably the best shortstop in the MLB but was willing to change positions to win, and that's something team USA hasn't really done in the World Cup, win.

Centre Forward-Dwayne Wade (NBA): Wade provides the height, physicality and jumping ability to attack the keeper and notch up some caps. And don't forget he's a winner, leading the Miami Heat to the NBA championship in 2006.

Striker-Chris Johnson (NFL): Speed, speed and more speed. Johnson ran the 40 yard dash in 4.24 seconds at the NFL combine in 2008, posting the fastest time in NFL history. But Johnson isn't just a sprinter, he knows how to perform, racking up over 2,000 rushing yard last season. With Wade's physicality, Johnson's speed adds a perfect mix on the attacking end.

Coach-Peyton Manning (NFL): The most prepared quarterback every Sunday in the NFL will have this team as the most prepared in the World Cup with his work as their sideline general.