What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: United States vs Algeria (Group C)
When: Wednesday 23rd June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

USA All the Way

On 18th June, the United States recorded one of the tournament’s most exciting comebacks, reversing a 2-0 deficit to finally draw the game against Group C rivals Slovenia. Furthermore, if the game had continued any longer, then it would be highly likely that the USA could have come up with all three points as they bombarded the Slovenian goal.

Bob Bradley’s team have failed to really shock the World Cup audience as they did last June during the Confederations Cup, but they certainly can be credited with being one of the most resilient sides in this competition. Now that the United States have gained precious points when all seemed to be lost, they’ll need to up their game should they want to go further in this contest.

One Two Three Vive l’Algérie

England might have grabbed all the headlines as they endured yet another disappointment against Algeria, but credit must be given to the Fennecs, who produced a solid performance against one of pre-tournament favourites. Coach Rabah Saadane’s team caused the Three Lions all sorts of problems during the game and had they taken their chances the score could have been different.

Morale is high in the Algerian camp after their English “success”. Despite resting in bottom place in the group with a mere point, a win over the United States would grant them the final ticket of progression, unless England fail to beat Slovenia by more than one goal, and the Algerians themselves fail to score more than once.


Recent form

United States:
USA 3-1 Australia (05/06; Friendly)
England 1-1 USA (12/06; World Cup – Group C)
Slovenia 2-2 USA (18/06; World Cup – Group C))

Algeria:
Algeria 1-0 UAE (05/06; Friendly)
Algeria 0-1 Slovenia (13/06; World Cup – Group C)
England 0-0 Algeria (18/06; World Cup – Group C)


Players to watch

United States – Landon Donovan: The United States’ most important player is the go-to guy in such circumstances for his team. After guiding Bob Bradley’s men back into the game against Slovenia, Donovan’s presence and leadership will be crucial in the Americans’ bid for a place in the next round.

Algeria – Madjid Bougherra: Bougherra did a fantastic job against the English attack, keeping the likes of Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Frank Lampard at bay for the entire 90 minutes. Now, the Rangers stopper must make sure to replicate that form when facing Jozy Altidore and Robbie Findley.


Match prediction

Both teams go into the game with massive hopes for qualification. While the pendulum is in the United States’ favour, Algeria cannot be completely ruled out just yet. A qualification decider, the match will most definitely be an attacking joust between both sides. A draw is the most likely outcome, unless one of the team adds an unprecedented extra dimension to their play.

Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.