Group C – World Cup Group Preview
June 4th, 2010 |
Tags: 2010 fifa world cup, algeria, england, group c, slovenia, usa
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ENGLAND
Formation: 4-2-3-1
TAB Sportsbet: $6
The Coach: Fabio Capello
A great leader, Capello will be looking to add the biggest trophy to his impressive CV. He came in under controversy and has had to deal with a range of dangerous situations including the Terry-gate saga, but he led them to the Cup having only lost one and winning nine games.
The Captain: Rio Ferdinand
Captaincy has been a massive issue for England over the past few months and many touted either Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard to get the spot, however Rio’s presence at the back won him the job. His leadership at the back will be crucial.
The X-Factor: Steven Gerrard
Whilst he endured a very difficult season at Liverpool, the sleeping giant of England could prove the extra ingredient needed to take them all the way. His ability to produce when required and desires to get something out of a terrible year or two will be enormous.
Keeper Drama... Who will put their hand up?
The Flaw: The Keeper
Whilst England certainly doesn’t lack keepers as such, they are more in need of a consistently well performing number one. David James looks like he’ll get the starting spot over Rob Green and Joe Hart as he has been awarded the number one jersey for the Cup. But neither of them have been able to really cement their spot in the side and have all looked shaky in their time.
The Verdict: Champions
They’ve had their fair share of controversy over the past year and a bit, however this is most likely their best chance to win the Cup since 1970. The fact that many of this squad will be gone by the next Cup will be a motivating factor and when you have so much talent on hand it’s hard to go past them.
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USA
Formation: 4-4-2
TAB Sportsbet: $67
The Coach: Bob Bradley
Not the most popular coach ever with his lack of team cohesion and style seeing him lose faith with some fans. However, he led the country to their sixth consecutive Cup and will remain at the top.
The Captain: Carlos Bocanegra
Can Landon produce his Everton form?
Bocanegra has become a great leader for the States after captaining his country for the first time in 2007. He led them to that win over Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup and will lift his team in South Africa.
The X-Factor: Landon Donovan
The strikers showing for Everton last season made people sit up and notice. His electric pace and ability to beat his opponent is brilliant and if he can do that in South Africa, it could spell a rise to fame for the striker.
The Flaw: Defence
The States leaked 13 goals in qualifying from only 10 games and could only keep Trinidad and Tobago (twice) and Mexico scoreless in three games. Lacking a ‘big’ name in defence could be their downfall and when they come up to technically superior team like England they might struggle.
The Verdict: Quarter Finals
If they can muscle up the back and guys like DaMarcus Beasley Jozy Altidore can step up, they have the ability to do well. Their performances in the Confederations Cup shocked the World and if they can repeat those performances, we could see a few American upsets.
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ALGERIA
Formation: 4-4-2
TAB Sportsbet: $251
The Coach: Rabah Saadane
The fact that Saadane was drawn to tears before Algeria’s game against Egypt to qualify for the Cup conveys how much this man works for the team. He’s already led them to the Cup in 1986, but the biggest challenge will be maintaining his players in the dressing rooms.
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