Welcome everyone to our third 2010 World Cup Preview here on FA Daily, and today, we reach what is likely the most hyped group in the cup, since it contains both England and the United States. Both Slovenia and Algeria are formidable squads as well, but this seems to be a two-team race, with the England-USA battle on June 12 being one of the most important matches that will take place this summer in South Africa. Let’s begin!
GROUP SCHEDULE
June 12, 2010
England vs. USA – 2:30 PM ET, ABC
June 13, 2010
Algeria vs. Slovenia – 7:30 AM ET, ESPN
June 18, 2010
Slovenia vs. USA – 10 AM ET, ESPN
England vs. Algeria – 2:30 PM ET – ESPN2
June 23, 2010
Slovenia vs. England – 10 AM ET, ESPN2
USA vs. Algeria – 10 AM ET, ESPN
*Times indicate actual game start times. 30 minute preview show before most games, so the actual coverage will begin a half hour earlier.
THE TEAMS
England
For England, the formula is simple. Tie or defeat the US in the first game of group play, and you should be able to take care of business the rest of the way. This team has the most talent in the group, and has a chance to possibly get to the quarterfinals and beyond. I don’t see Algeria or Slovenia giving them much trouble, so they should be able to pick up three points in each of those. The other teams in this group don’t have the likes of Wayne Rooney, John Terry, or Frank Lampard, so on paper, this is England’s for the taking. Good thing for the rest of the teams that games aren’t played on paper though, as the US will clearly be this team’s biggest challenge. Fabio Capello‘s squad will need to play well in group play, because they could then be dangerous opponents once the knockout stage rolls around. But if they can’t get comfortable wins over the predicted bottom two of the group, and enter the Round of 16 on a hot streak, it may be an early exit for them at that point.
USA
It’s hard to imagine a more hyped team in US soccer history than this one. This is the chance for the United States to prove their spot in the game to the rest of the world, and to quiet some of the critics who don’t believe this team has a shot. Unfortunately, if their defense as of late looks the same in South Africa, then they won’t have to worry about quieting the doubters. Because they’ll be heading back to the states after group play. This defense will be the biggest question mark heading into the game with England, as they can’t afford to give up early goals and then try to play catch up. Tim Howard is good, but he can’t do it all. Scoring is not as big of a worry, since guys like Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey should be able to create opportunities for the squad. They’ll have to, because if the defense doesn’t find some quick fixes, they may be reaching to score two or three goals per game to have a shot at a win. While the game against England is important, the Slovenia matchup may be more significant, as a win there should lock up that second (or first, with a win against England) spot, and advance them the Round of 16.
Algeria
I don’t think Algeria has much of a shot in this group, because I think they lack the depth to match up with the other three teams. I’m not sure many people expected this team to even make it to South Africa, but they are there nonetheless, so none of these teams can overlook them. However, when looking at their past two friendlies (3-0 loss to Serbia, 3-0 loss to Ireland), it’s hard to look at this team as a legitimate threat to do much of anything in this tournament. This is the first time they’ve qualified since 1986, so it’s been a long drought for the team, and they’ll be looking to at least relish in the underdog role in their games against the other three in Group C. Again, the top teams can’t afford to completely overlook them, because losing points to this team could greatly affect their chances at advancing. You have to give Algeria credit for making it here, but I can’t see them lasting past the group stage.
Slovenia
And now we reach Slovenia, who is garnering a lot of attention as potentially being the surprise of this group. If Slovenia is the surprise of this group, then that means that the US will be on the outside looking in. I don’t see that happening, but Slovenia does have the potential to take points away from both the US and England. They probably match up better with the US than England, so expect that June 18 contest to be a swing game for one team or the other. If the US can come out with a full three points, they will advance. But if Slovenia can force a tie or pull off the win, then they may be able to control their own destiny against England. This team doesn’t have the most experienced roster, but they are very energetic, and if given some momentum early in games, they could ride that into a point gaining situation. This could be the “draw” team of the group, as they could take away key points for the US or England if they are able to force draws instead of taking losses.
PREDICTIONS
*Winner in bold
England vs. USA – DRAW
Algeria vs. Slovenia
Slovenia vs. USA – DRAW
England vs. Algeria
Slovenia vs. England
USA vs. Algeria
1. England (7 points)
2. USA (5 points)
3. Slovenia (4 points)
4. Algeria (0 points)
Well that’s all for the Group C Preview here on FA Daily!
What are your predictions for the group? Be sure to vote on our poll to the right, and let us know who you think will win Group C!
Also, just an editor’s note here, as there will be no World Cup preview tomorrow. We’ll continue Tuesday, June 1 with our Group D preview.