It has been a long four years for the USA players in their wait to make amends for failing to survive the group stage at the 2006 World Cup. The summer of 2010 is finally here.
And there is plenty for the Americans to smile about. The majority of the likely starting line-up ply their trade in Europe, gaining valuable experience and developing their game. An outstanding Confederations Cup run in 2009 – and qualification for South Africa – showcased the progress.
Yet somehow the Americans – and the MLS – are still underrated in comparison to the more established powers. All that could change this summer, though, if the USA put together a strong run. They have certainly managed some stirring efforts at previous tournaments, wowing their own fans in 1994 and then reaching the last eight in 2002 before a cruel exit against Germany. This time around, the USA are in Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria.
The Coach
Bob Bradley (USA)
52 years old
The Americans certainly benefit from a stable coaching situation. Bob Bradley is a strong leader who furthered his credentials through the outstanding performances against Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup. He also masterminded a fine qualifying campaign, in which the USA topped their group to reach the World Cup, and continues to get the maximum from his squad.
Heading to South Africa, Bradley is all too aware that the obstacles in Group C extend beyond the attention-grabbing fixture with England and has promised his team will be up for the challenge: "We feel the roster has a good balance of players who have been a part of previous World Cups, those who have gained great experience in qualifying and Confederations Cup and some newer faces that have proved they belong. We are confident that this is a group of players that will work together and be committed to doing whatever it takes to be successful."
Players to watch
Tim Howard
31 years old
Goalkeeper
Everton (ENG)
Howard enjoyed another solid season for Everton, proving once again that he is one of the league’s finest goalkeepers. But it will be his leadership as much as his shot-stopping that Bradley will rely on in South Africa. With AC Milan centre back Oguchi Onyewu feeling his way back from injury, it is Howard and Carlos Bocanegra who must take charge of organising the back four and thwart Wayne Rooney in the crucial opening group game.
Landon Donovan
28 years old
Attacking Midfielder/Forward
Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)
Having proved his ability in his short stint alongside Howard at Everton, Donovan is heading into the tournament on a high. He has been hailed as the USA’s ‘soccer superstar’ for many years now and he will not have a better opportunity to shine than this summer. Capable of scoring spectacular goals and creating chances for his team-mates, Donovan is a real dangerman.
Clint Dempsey
27 years old
Midfielder
Fulham (ENG)
Dempsey rivals Donovan as the Americans’ best attacker and his talent has blossomed in his performances for Fulham. He brings a vital combination of hard work and creativity to the mix, and will have freedom to roam from the right flank. The big question mark is over his fitness after suffering a serious knee injury early this year. Like Onyewu, who has also spent a long stretch on the sidelines, Dempsey is racing against time to get match practice under his belt and he must be close to 100% for the USA to reach the second round.
Jozy Altidore
20 years old
Striker
Villarreal (SPA)
Altidore had an eventful stint on loan in the Premier League with Hull this season, during which he only showed flashes of his potential. But, with first choice striker Charlie Davies injured, Altidore is sure to see plenty of minutes in South Africa. Strong and quick, he is a handful and if he can be more ruthless in front of goal, he could be a useful weapon for the Americans.
The view from the United States
The American supporters feel confident of reaching the second round and anything less would be a huge disappointment for a group of players desperate to push the sport to the level of popularity currently enjoyed by basketball, baseball and American Football in the USA. Reaching the last eight would be considered a huge success.
Prediction
Group C is extremely tough to call. England should claim top spot but the other three sides all possess enough quality to progress. On paper, the Americans look favourites for second place, but they are heavily dependant on Donovan. With Dempsey and Onyewu still finding their feet after injuries, there are lingering issues for the Americans and, ultimately, they may have to deal with a similar fate as 2006. Look for the Algerians to squeeze through ahead of Bradley’s men.
Did you know?
Donovan is the only member of the expected starting line-up who plays his club football in the USA – and even he enjoyed a loan spell at Everton. Including Donovan, six of the starters played in England this year, cranking up the tension ahead of the showdown with Rooney and company.
Group games
12/06/10: United States 1 – 1 England – Rustenburg
18/06/10: United States 2 – 2 Slovenia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23/06/10: United States 1 – 0 Algeria – Tshwane/Pretoria
