Group C - The TeamsEngland
United States
Algeria
Slovenia
When looking at the teams in this group, many can see that this may be an exciting group to watch during this tournament.
England have put together probably the best team at this tournament. With the likes of Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea F.C.), John Terry (Chelsea F.C.), Glen Johnson (Liverpool F.C.), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool F.C.), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)......
Let's just say, you could take the whole list of 23 players and predict that they are all going to help this team during the tournament, with the exception of 3 goalkeepers as we all know England's terrible luck with finding a strong number 1 keeper.
England should finish first in this group.
The United States have a strong team this year at the World Cup. Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes F.C.), Oguchi Onyewu (A.C. Milan), and Clint Dempsey (Fulham F.C.) bring that veteran experience to the selected 23. Jozy Altidore (Villarreal C.F.), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Maurice Edu (Rangers F.C.), and Johnathan Spector (West Ham United) bring in the always important youth mentality to the team.
The U.S. should have a good run and progress to the Round of 16.
Algeria are back in the World Cup tournament after being absent for quite some time. The last tournament Algeria competed in was back in 1986, failing to progress from the group stage and only managing a draw against Northern Ireland.
Some key players to watch for at this are: Rafik Saifi (F.C. Istres), Abdelkadar Ghezzal (A.C Siena), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), and Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth). They will be looking to try and boost Algeria into one of the 2 progressing positions to the Round of 16, but this is likely to be a dream and a last place finish looks more realistic.
Slovenia come in with a very decent team. It is possible they will be able to challenge for that second spot to progress to the Round of 16. However, the U.S. will be a handful and will give 100% each time they take the field. Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion), Valter Birsa (A.J. Auxerre), and Milivoje Novakovic (1. F.C. Koln) are players to watch.
My prediction for this group will be a nail bitter as we will probably have an exciting finish for that last progressing spot.
England - 2 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Draw
United States - 1 Win, 1 Loss, 1 Draw (Advance on goal difference)
Slovenia - 1 Win, 1 Loss, 1 Draw
Algeria - 0 Wins, 2 Losses, 1 Draw
England and the Untied States progress to the Round of 16.
*U.S. progressing on goal difference.
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