FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 - USA vs Algeria – Predictions and Assumptions.
Group C of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa 2010 is perhaps the most hotly contested mixture. Dominated mostly by draws, only Slovenia has been able to register a win with heavy weights England and USA only managing to pull off frustrating draws. Slovenia, currently lead the group with four points, with England and USA tied up with two points each. Algeria sits at the f*g end of the group with a single point. Each of these teams will play their final group match with England facing a tough Slovenian side while USA meets the inspirational Algeria.
USA would look to qualify for the next round at the expense of the Algerians. It would be easy however and the coach would want to bring on their best mix for this crucial encounter.
USA Coach Bob Bradley would want to stick to a 4-4-2 formation, although he has a tendency of changing the mix. He would want to stick to goal keeper Howard, who has been perhaps the best in the tournament. Algeria would look for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Matmour being the sole striker. In the keeping department, U.S. holds a slight advantage over the Nigerians as Howard has been exceptional in this tournament.
Moving on to the defenders where Algeria seeks to employ five at the back to stop the advancing forwards of the USA. Having a 4-4-2 against Algeria would be really absurd and a stubborn Cappello would know that pretty well. The combination will easily be disrupted by the sheer numbers that Algeria would employ in the midfield and defence. Karim Ziani would be the mainstay for the team - although he hasn’t been able to train after the England game - following injury scares. Algeria managed a 0-0 draw against the English, and would look to perhaps defeat the USA to cement a place into the next round.
USA, on the other hand, has the capacity to come forward in numbers, with the dangerous Jozy Altidore ably supported from the midfield by the likes of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. They’d be hopeful to use this talent to their use and bring down the Algerians, who would be confident after holding England off.
The players to watch would be the young keeper of Algeria, who was impressive against England, against the attacking play of Altidore. He pulled a surprise goal against the Spanish side in the Confederation Cup, sinking Spain and making them bow out of that tournament. He would want to get on the score sheet.
Both are very different but effective styles of play are set to meet in this do or die situation for each of the teams. Failure to produce a performance at this match would see both of the teams go out crashing, with England favouring Slovenia.
Algerian Coach Rabah Saadane knows what he needs to do. In an interview, he said, ‘It’s going to be a tricky match, in my opinion. The Americans were one of the teams fancied to qualify from this group. We simply don’t have a choice; a win is imperative. I can see it being a very tough game for both sides”.
Algeria hasn’t scored a single goal in this tournament while USA has been able to have 3 shots past the keeper. Algeria would therefore be expected to score and come at the Americans with all their ability. The tricky game play and the quick short passes might confuse the Americans and may just stumble to the Africans. However, USA enjoys a strong squad, with the midfield having the talent and ability to bring down anyone. They held Brazil to a 2-0 first half in the Confederation Cup final, defeated Spain and held the English to a 1-1 draw, so they have the credentials to achieve an upset. All this and the rock solid goal keeper and defence, combined with the muscle play of the forwards, make the U.S. the evident favourites for this crucial bout. Failure to do so would result in huge disappointment and shock for the American fans. A 2-0 score line in favour of USA is expected, with the Algerians crashing out of the World Cup altogether.
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