England and United States head Group C in South Africa this June
The World Cup in South Africa starts in June. The United States finds themselves in Group C with England, Algeria and Slovenia. Two of these teams will advance out of the group stage and into the final 16. On paper, you would think England and the U.S. are clear favorites, but the games aren’t played on paper. Do not sell Slovenia or Algeria short. Either one of these two teams is capable of sneaking into the round of 16 ahead of the U.S.
Let’s run down the four teams.
England is the favorite of the Group. Under the leadership of Fabio Capello, England has returned to a world power. Although they may lack strength to make it all the way, England should have an easy go of it getting out of this group. The only thing that could derail them early in South Africa would be a first game loss to the United States. Should the American team win the opener, England may find themselves under a lit bit of pressure in making sure they win the final two games against the easier opponents.
England is led by striker Wayne Rooney, who has really come into his own this year with Manchester United. Many believe he may be the best striker in the world. I wouldn’t go quite that far, but his ability to make great runs and find the net are a real threat. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) anchor the middle. Both are great players, but many in the U.K. believe they are too similar to play on the pitch together. John Terry, despite all his off-pitch troubles this year, anchors the England defense, along with Manchester United main-stay Rio Ferdinand, who has taken the captain badge away from Terry. The keeper is probably David James of Portsmouth, but this far from certain. Ben Foster, the backup at Manchester United, and Robert Green of West Ham could still steal the spot.
Overall England is quick and talented, but may lack the strength to make it all the way to the final.
The United States is the clear number 2 team in the group, and should advance. But, we all felt that four years ago as well, and of course they didn’t make it out of the group stage. This team is coached by Bob Bradley, who has worked wonders with this team since taking over for Bruce Arena following the German World Cup. Landon Donovan is the star, and any success this team has depends on him. No other country will live or die on one player more than the Americans. Donovan’s time in Everton this winter has prepared him well. He is playing the best football of his career. Clint Dempsey and Stuart Holden should be back from injuries in time to play, but their fitness may be a problem. Jozy Altidore, getting some quality time with Hull City, is another big part of this team. Goalkeeper Tim Howard is as good as any keeper in the tournament, and this could carry the U.S. a long way in South Africa, if they can score themselves.
The U.S. is strong and quick. I can see them out of the group stage, and even to the final 8. Anything more than that is unlikely, but not impossible.
The other two teams in the group, Algeria and Slovenia, are no push-overs, and should not be taken lightly. Neither team displays the depth of England or the U.S., and this may prove to be their undoing.
The last time Algeria qualified for the World Cup was 1986. The only other appearance they made was four years earlier in 1982. Although this 2010 team lacks the ability to hold possession of the ball, they have a good defense and quality counter attacks, which is how they try and beat you.
Slovenia’s only other qualification for the cup was 2002. They are the true underdog in this group. The star of the team is Milivoje Novakovic, who plays in the Bundesliga in Germany for FC Koln. I haven’t had the chance to see this team play, but the word is they play well together and are quick. Unlikely to move past the group stage; but any team in this tournament must not be taken lightly.
Group C is far from the group of death. Group G gets that distinction (Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast). But neither England nor the U.S. better get too comfy, or they’ll find themselves on an early flight home from South Africa.
England and the U.S. play on June 12th to start the group off. The Americans second game is June 18th against Slovenia, and the final game of the group stage June 23rd versus Algeria.
By: Ron Furlong
DFN Sports Staff Writer
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