Raven Country

Ravens Coach John Harbaugh Pulling for Long-Shot U.S. In World Cup

Baltimore Ravens coach watches soccer.

Todd Karpovich

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OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens coach John Harbaugh was asked to make a prediction for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

He's hoping the United States could somehow bring home the trophy despite being +15,000 to win it all, meaning if you wafer $100 to win $15,000. 

“I’m expecting a World Cup – I’ve got to be honest with you – and if we don’t get it, I'm going to have some questions to be asked," Harbaugh said with a laugh. "I’m going to have a few queries. I’m not going to be a critic. But, I'm expecting nothing but a world championship. Is that unfair? It’s a little unfair? 

"OK, alright, we’ll lower the expectations a little bit. But I watch it. I actually get the soccer channels from the Premier League. I watch that a little bit, too. It’s a great sport.” 

The U.S. is in Group B with England, Iran, and Wales. 

Brazil is the favorite to win at +350.

Harbaugh said he does watch the English Premier League when he has down time, however, he has yet to pick a favorite team. 

"I need to do more research," Harbaugh said. "I want to follow a club for the right reasons. ... I do kind of want to be with a winner. Is that the right thing?"

Harbaugh is more preoccupied with preparing for the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. However, the Ravens are heavy favorites and looking to win their fourth consecutive game and stay atop the AFC North as the league opens the second half of the season. 

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Todd Karpovich
TODD KARPOVICH

Twitter: @toddkarpovich Email: todd.karpovich@gmail.com Skype: todd.karpovich Todd Karpovich has been a contributor for ESPN, Forbes, the Associated Press, Lindy's, and The Baltimore Sun, among other media outlets nationwide. He is the co-author of “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box,” “Skipper Supreme: Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles,” and the author of “Manchester United (Europe's Best Soccer Clubs).” Karpovich, a Baltimore native, is a graduate of Calvert Hall College high school, Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, and has a Masters of Science from Towson University. 

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