Pretoria - U.S.A.~ Algeria - June 23

[Nordecke]

Algeria held England to a goalless draw in the Group C encounter in Cape Town, leaving both sides still in with a shout of qualification for the last 16.

The USA will qualify for the second round of the World Cup with a win over Algeria, and they could also advance with a tie. They will be eliminated with a loss.

A USA win
With a win, the USA will finish above Algeria and either England or Slovenia – depending on the result of that match. But they can finish no worse than second.

A USA draw
The USA will also advance with a draw if:

1.Slovenia defeats England.
2.England and Slovenia draw – so long as England’s doesn’t score two-plus goals more than the USA in its draw.

A USA loss
The USA will be eliminated with a loss because at least Algeria and Slovenia will finish with more points.

These are the current Group C standings:

1. Slovenia: 4 points, 3 goals for / 2 goals against (+1 goal difference)
2. USA: 2 pts., 3/3 (0)
3. England: 2 pts., 1/1 (0)
4. Algeria: 1 pt., 1/2 (-1)

Possible startring XI
Cherundolo-DeMerit-Goodson-Bocanegra
Edu
Dempsey-Bradley-Donovan
Buddle
Altidore​

 

[chicoazul]

Ideal scenario would be a dominant US performance and win, and a Slovenia England draw.

 

[Nordecke]

I'm hopeing we and England win, that way we both advance..

 

[spikeman]

Slovenia deserves to advance though. England doesn't.

 

[jdeezy]

Slovenia deserves to advance though. England doesn't.

Nah, I think that's just the perception based on expectations. They have 2 points, if they beat Slovenia they'll have 5 & will be through. Fair game. Plus, you could argue Slovenia didn't even earn the draw against us in the first place.

And knowing slovenia is through w/ draw, they'll pack it in. So if England can win despite that fair do's.

 

[Allezfan]

Slovenia deserves to advance though. England doesn't.

If they deserve to go through, we won't beat them. If we do, then we will deserve it.

 

[chicoazul]

If they deserve to go through, we won't beat them. If we do, then we will deserve it.

I don't think anyone has shown any consistency in the group to claim a passage through to be honest, hence why it's going down to the final day.

 

[Allezfan]

I don't think anyone has shown any consistency in the group to claim a passage through to be honest, hence why it's going down to the final day.

Exactly.

May the best team win and all that. Given that only Algeria have to rely on other results I don't think anyone can have too many complaints if they don't make it.

 

[TX Bill]

My predictions:

England 2-1 Slovenia
USA 2-1 Algeria

I'd go for a clean sheet against Algeria but we've been leaking goals.

 

[jdeezy]

Lineups/changes?

Findley's suspended, Torres unlikely to get call again.

We'll likely see Clark, although Edu/Benny is possible. I'm betting Jozy/Buddle at forward, unless bob slides Dempsey up top & bring on Holden. Could we see Beasley make his 1st appearance??

Will Gooch continue to get a run or as Bill alluded to, be rested in favor of Goodson? Bob wouldn't dare slot Bornstein at LB & shift Boca centrally would he??

 

[Nordecke]

Lineups/changes?

Findley's suspended, Torres unlikely to get call again.

We'll likely see Clark, although Edu/Benny is possible. I'm betting Jozy/Buddle at forward, unless bob slides Dempsey up top & bring on Holden. Could we see Beasley make his 1st appearance??

Will Gooch continue to get a run or as Bill alluded to, be rested in favor of Goodson? Bob wouldn't dare slot Bornstein at LB & shift Boca centrally would he??

I think (my opinion only) Edu will get the start, over Torres and Clark..

Against a team like Algeria who is'nt that Physical, you might see Demps move up top with the Iceman on the wing..

Beasley as a sub, only if Stu Holden Starts I'm thinking, even then it's a long shot..

Gooch should get a rest, but this is a must win game, Does BB have faith in Goodson?? Not sure..

The only way Johnny B. Starts is if Boca is hurt..

 

[jhf14]

USA vs. Algeria

Do or Die time... thanks to England's stellar performance against Algeria, the USA are back in control of their destiny. I was absolutely 100% wrong on my last prediction... so I'll let the others on this forum take a shot at it first.

Excited/nervous for this game!

 

[Rook]

The Algerians will have to try to win the match too so it should be wide open. However they are also tough to break down as the only goal given up came from a howler. Brougera has been very good at the back.

I'm hoping for a comfortable 2-0 or 3-1 victory. My head says 1-0 either way.

 

[bluebloodinmyveins]

Depends which USA turns up. If it's the same one in the second half against Slovenia, then you should win. If it's the one in the first half, then you might be lucky to get a draw.

 

[Welton Toffee]

I'll be routing for your lot thanks to Howard and that man Landon. Hopefully you'll do what we were incapable of and get the win