JuanPabloAngel

Former Red Bulls star turned Telemundo analyst Juan Pablo Angel talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about the U.S. missing the World Cup, this summer’s favorites and the most exciting team to watch.

Q: Do you think American fans will be interested in the World Cup without the U.S. in it?

A: That’s a very big question. My feeling from the last World Cup was the game was starting to generate a lot more interest in the country. Not only in the Spanish population, but with everybody almost regardless if you followed the sport or not. I think they will. And that’s one of the challenges Telemundo has is trying to attract those viewers. We have to put up a great product.

Q: Were you surprised the U.S. did not qualify?

A: Massively surprising. I think it’s a great opportunity for people in the sport to restructure. They have to regroup and work together. There was a little bit of dysfunction in some of the things they are doing — not just the U.S. Federation, but the MLS have to work together to have a project that will last a little longer. They have to have more player development. The United States is in a good place, but not having the national team in the World Cup is a massive failure for everybody.

Q: Who’s the favorite?

A: I think it’s going to be one of those two, three, four teams: Germany, Brazil, Spain and France. Belgium might be a team that is a surprise in this World Cup. I really like the coach (Roberto Martinez) and the way he likes to play. That’s one team that I would like to see progress and do well during the World Cup. You never know.

Q: Which team would you recommend would be fun to root for?

A: The last World Cup I was very sad to see the way Brazil played. Following the last qualifiers, the way the new coach (Tite) came along, he basically gave them freedom for the players to play the way they like. And they have space to dominate in the qualifications all the way. That’s a team that’s not only exciting, but has a chance to win the World Cup.

Q: Which group is the toughest?

A: “F” with Germany, Mexico, Sweden and Korea. That’s a very tough group for Mexico. It’s going to be a massive challenge knowing the pressure the coach (Juan Carlos Osorio) has been under throughout his time with the national team. Hopefully, they can progress to the next round. And if they do progress, Mexico would have done really, really well.