What to Expect: GROUP C

England:
Games: vs. United States (June 12, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg); vs. Algeria (June 18, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. Slovenia (June 23, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth)

How they qualified: England thoroughly dominated their European qualifying group winning nine games and losing one, while only conceding six goals and scoring 34. The hype has been building each step of the way for the English. They are going to South Africa with great expectations.

World Cup History: England has appeared in twelve World Cups, including a championship in 1966. They have qualified for 4 of the last 5. They reached the quarterfinals in the previous two World Cups and look to make a deeper run this summer.

Player to Watch: Wayne Rooney has continued to develop into one of the greatest strikers in the world. Playing for Manchester United in the English Premier League, he puts fear into the eyes of every defender. His speed and superior touch on the ball, even when moving at full pace, make him one of the most difficult players in the World to contain. If England expects to make a run at the finals, Rooney will have to play at the top of his game.

Prediction: 3-0, 4th place, lose to Brazil in the semifinals, lose to Argentina in 3rd place game


United States:
Games: vs. England (June 12, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg); vs. Slovenia (June 18, Ellis Park, Johannesburg); vs. Algeria (June 23, Loftus Persfeld, Tshwane/Pretoria)

How they qualified: The United States finished first in the final stage of Concacaf qualifying by tying Costa Rica on a Jonathan Bornstein header in extra time of their final qualifier. They went 6-2-2 and finished a point ahead of rivals Mexico. Jozy Altidore led the team with 6 goals throughout all of qualifying.

World Cup History: In their first World Cup in 1930, the United States finished 3rd. They made another appearance in 1950 and would not qualify again until 1990. Since then, they have qualified for six straight, including a quarterfinals appearance in 2002 where they lost to Germany. The United States has solidified itself as a World Cup player the past two decades but has not been able to perform consistently. With expectations somewhat higher this summer, the United States hopes to take their game to a new level on the world stage.

Player to Watch: Landon Donovan is coming off an MVP season in the MLS. Still not receiving the respect he deserves around the world, he is on the verge of signing a temporary contract with Everton in the English Premier League. He will use the likely three month stint to hone his skills and fitness before leading the U.S. in South Africa next summer. His speed and finesse have not fit in with European competition in the past. He will need to use hard work and creativity to take his game to this new and exciting level. I expect a massive performance from Donovan come South Africa 2010.

Prediction: 2-1; lose to Germany in the round of 16

Algeria:
Games: vs. Slovenia (June13, Peter Mokaba, Polokwane); vs. England (June 18, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. United States (June 23, Loftus Versfeld, Tshwane/Pretoria)

How they qualified: Algeria lost its final match in African qualifying to Egypt which consequently set up a playoff against Egypt, with the winner going to South Africa. Egypt, the African champions, were the favorites in a game that was played neutrally in Sudan. With a goal by defender Anthar Yahia, the Algerians needed no more than that and went on to win.

World Cup History: Algeria made appearances in both 1982 and 1986 but did not make it past the group stages. Beating European champions, West Germany, in 1982 is one of the only highlights Algeria has had in their two appearances.

Player to Watch: Madjid Bougherra plays for the Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. A staunch defender and fearless leader, Bougherra has had great success playing in Scotland. In his first year with the team he quickly became a fan favorite and was voted Player of the Year as he led the Rangers to a Scottish Cup title and the SPL championship. Also of interest, Bougherra plays with two United States internationals, Maurice Edu and Demarcus Beasley, both of whom are vying for World Cup roster spots where they would face Algeria in their final group stage game.

Prediction: 1-2; do not advance


Slovenia:
Games: vs. Algeria (June 13, Peter Mokaba, Polokwane); vs. United States (June 18, Ellis Park, Johannesburg); vs. England (June 23, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth)

How they qualified: Slovenia, in a relatively easy European qualifying group, were still not expected to make much of a run at the World Cup. However, they easily finished second behind Slovakia which set them up for a two game playoff with Russia. Still given little shot at winning the series, Slovenia was able to score a late away goal in the first game in Moscow, despite a 2-1 loss. In the second leg, Slovenia held the Russians off for a 1-0 victory, securing their unexpected spot in next summer's World Cup.

World Cup History: Slovenia has appeared in nine previous World Cups, eight of which were as Yugoslavia. In 1930, they reached the semifinals, which is their best ever finish. In 2002, in their first World Cup as Slovenia, they did not advance out of group play.

Player to Watch: Currently playing for Cologne of the German Bundesliga, Milivoje Novakovic was Slovenia's leading scorer in qualifying. Novakovic has been known to lack the ability to score the big goal, but has always had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He is tall and skinny but has the ability of maintaining strong possession of the ball. He needs to score goals for Slovenia to compete with the higher caliber teams they will be facing in South Africa.

Prediction: 0-3, do not advance