The Football World Cup continues to catch the attention of almost the entire world, as two upsets shook the standings in Group A and B on the seventh day of the tournament.
Greece scored the first two goals of their World Cup history, as they edged out the Nigerian Super Eagles in a breathtakingly fast encounter that saw plenty of action in the second half, while in Group A, 1998 champions and finalists of the last edition of the World Cup, France, crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Mexicans, which has put their chances of qualification to the second round in serious jeopardy.
On Friday, two outsiders USA and Slovenia will be pitted against each other in a group C encounter in Johannesburg, and the duo practiced as the spotlight was on the teams taking the field in easily the most entertaining day of the tournament to date, which also saw two time champions Argentina pummel South Korea 4-1 courtesy a hat-trick by star striker Higuain.
The Slovenian squad held their final training session in Johannesburg, on Thursday, as they hoped to build onto their success against Algeria and book a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
The Europeans, who are making only their second World Cup appearance, looked in control and full of confidence as they gained their first win at the finals after three defeats in 2002, against Algeria.
They have plenty to look forward to as a win over the United States, who drew 1-1 with England on June 12, will guarantee Coach Matjaz Kek's side’s progression into the second round.
On the other hand, the United States squad knows that a defeat by Slovenia will badly scar their chances, and will leave them with a lot to do in their final league match against the Algerians.
However, they claim to have their focus on the job, with Captain Carlos Bocanegra saying that the players know the importance of their clash with the Europeans.
"Obviously, a loss putting us out is something that's going to be in the back of our minds," was the take by the United States skipper during a press conference at the venue of the match, Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
"One way or another we're going to have to go into this game and approach it in an intelligent fashion, I think we spoke about this the other day, saying that we need to be smart and not open ourselves up going for the win just because a loss will put us out of the tournament," he added.
The U.S got their tournament off to a solid start when they shocked one of the Cup favourites, England, with a 1-1 draw.
U.S Coach Bob Bradley has remained tight-lipped about his plans against the Europeans, claiming that his team has a great deal of respect for the Slovenian side that has conceded a mere four goals in ten qualifiers.
Their record is bettered only by another major title contender, The Netherlands, who played two matches less.
"Their qualification was strong, they're very well organised, tactically I think they are very smart, their defensive record in qualification was outstanding," said Bradley, who named midfielder Robert Koren as the mainstay in the Slovenian squad.
"They have a good balance in the team, good movement, good mobility, some dangerous players, guys that we've watched a lot both for Slovenia and their club teams. We have a great deal of respect for their team and look forward to the match," he added.
A large turnout of American fans is expected at the Ellis Park, as they have one of the largest contingents of fans in the tournament, who are expected to cheer their team on, whatever the result may be.
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