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Let’s take a quick look at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Group C teams.

England: Having won their only World Cup back in 1966, this year’s tournament has added pressure for what has been a bumper crop of talented players in recent years. They now have the manager, the players, the form, and what  they have been lacking in recent years, the right temperment. Having breezed through the qualifying rounds, England appears to have a favorable draw, and has the chance to make a run deep into the tournament. Their biggest issue is that they don’t score that many goals, which could be a problem in closely contested games, and shoot outs.

United States: A newcomer to the world stage of soccer, it has taken David Beckham to get the country excited about the sport, and they’ll now face him in their opening match. Having made it to the quarter finals in 2006 and almost pulling off a major victory in the Confederations Cup, it’s time to prove that this team is for real and worthy of being considered one of the best in the world. Coach Bob Bradley’s attention to detail will make sure that the best prepared team is on the field for every game. The day-to-day status of Altidore may make his job more difficult, but their solid goaltenders and stingy defense should keep them in every game.

Algeria: Making their first appearance in 24 years, Algeria had to defeat their bitter rival Egypt, in a single game playoff to make it into this year’s Cup. A fast paced game and high pressure defense will make them a tough opponent, but their lack of a game dominating star will make ti difficult for them to advance out of this Group. Still, they should not be taken lightly and will require a solid performance to be defeated. Having defeated Egypt, they certainly know how to perform under pressure, so don’t be surprised if they pull off an upset.

Slovenia: Having defeated Russia, and finishing ahead of Poland and the Czech Republic in qulaifying, Slovenia is the little country that could. Unfortunately, with a game based on a stubborn defense, and no real goal scoring power, Slovenia will be fortunate to steal a game from anyone. Their lack of pace on offense means they will need help from an underachieving opponent to pull off any victory. For Slovenia, making it into this year’s World Cup willl most likely be their only prize.

Schedule:

June 12, 2010

• Match #5 England - United States Draw 1 – 1

June 13, 2010

• Match #6 Slovenia def Algeria ; 1 – 0

June 18, 2010

• Match #22 Slovenia vs United States, Draw 2 – 2
• Match #23 England vs Algeria, Draw 0 – 0

June 23, 2010

• Match #37 England Def Slovenia, 1 – 0
• Match #38 United States Def Algeria, 1 – 0

Pick: England

Standings:  (ADVANCE TO KNOCKOUT ROUND)

United States    5 pt    

England             5 pt

Slovenia             4 pt

Algeria               1 pt

This is possibly the worst call in the history of the World Cup, when the 3rd United States goal against Slovakia was disallowed. Pay attention to Bradley being virtually tackled in the box (but not seen/called).