Group C - The favorites at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
England
The power-packed English side – filled with Premier League stars – will hope to emerge as ever-running lions at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Historically, England have never won a World Cup trophy overseas, but this time, they’ll strive to break the curse which is following them. The Three Lions had an impressive campaign in their qualification for the tournament, scoring 34 goals to finish as top scorers in the European qualifying zone. Famous striker Wayne Rooney was a key to this success, and his combinations with other aces such as Defoe, Gerrard, Lampard, and Terry should normally push the English all the way through the quarter-finals at least.
United States
The United States of America are not as familiar with football as England; and that is for sure. Nonetheless, they have made a fine contribution in the sport recently, and they have been able to make a name for themselves. The USA failed to survive the group stages four years ago in Germany. But it was in 2002 that they caught people's attention by reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Korea-Japan. Making a better impression in South Africa is their goal as the country aims to develop its image in soccer. At everyone's surprise, the Americans reached the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Brazil after taking a 2-0 lead earlier on in the first half. This story should normally give them a boost ahead of the 2010 World Cup tournament. They are expected to go beyond the first round along with England.
Group C – The underdogs at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Algeria
The Algerians aren’t observed as a team that can surpass England or the United States in the qualification for the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. The North Africans nevertheless won convincingly over Egypt in the play-off to get back to life after 24 years in the dark. Their strongest players – especially their influential stars Karim Ziani and Antar Yahia – are anticipated to hold the national team throughout their presence in the tournament. Algeria, who finished fourth at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, are dreaming of creating upsets in South Africa. Could they be the suprise package of the competition?
Slovenia
The Slovenians finished in second position and only two points behind Slovakia in Group 3, at the end of their World Cup qualification campaign . Yet, it was a shocking victory over Russia which granted them tickets for the world’s biggest football tournament. Their biggest stars lie in Milivoje Novakovic and Robert Koren, and they are the two men in charge of supporting the rest of their team – which is said to lack of experience. Slovenia’s future during South Africa 2010 will depend on the results of their battles against England and the United States. But unquestionably, the Slovenians will need to produce upsets before tasting life after the group stages.
Group C - The players to watch at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
England: Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry.
United States: Landon Donovan, Tim Howard.
Algeria: Karim Ziani, Antar Yahia.
Slovenia: Milivoje Novakovic, Robert Koren.
Group C – The crunch match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
England vs USA
This clash will highlight some of the world’s greatest players, although most of them will be featuring for the English side. Like in other groups, this match is expected to carry a lot of heat, since the United States will be looking to control the Three Lions just as they handled the Brazilians in the first half of their 2009 Confederations Cup final match – which was also in South Africa. Will England allow their counterparts to reach their target? That is very much unlikely…
Group C - A look back at some big points
The United States and England – the 1950 World Cup
A tactically poor USA national football team met giants England at the Estádio Raimundo Sampaio, while playing in the 1950 edition of the FIFA World Cup tournament. Surprisingly, the game didn’t turn out to be England’s one, and a 38th minute goal from America's Joe Gaetjens was all the home side needed to stun the Three Lions. 1-0 was the final result in that encounter. This match remains one of England’s most painful defeats and upsets in their football history.
Group C - The big question
Will England be able to live up to the expectations of their fans and top their table with ease in order to signal clearly their intentions of stealing the 2010 World Cup trophy?
