The United States meet Slovenia, who are so far Group C's only winners, on Friday at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Despite only achieving a draw on Saturday, the United States can count their match with England as a victory as they were expected to get nothing from this match. Slovenia still has a tough test against the Three Lions looming ahead, but are currently leading the group.
The United States are in the middle of a great string of performances, most recently were defeats of Australia and Turkey followed by a 1-1 draw with heavily favoured England. Slovenia are on a similar run of form, having won 4 consecutive international matches against Russia, Quatar, New Zealand and Algeria. Odds are in favour of the Yankees, but Slovenia seems ready to make a serious bid for the knockout stages.
Group C: United States - Slovenia
Date: 18 June, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Stadium: Ellis Park Stadium - Johannesburg
Referee: Koman Coulibaly (Mali)
United States: Keeper: Tim Howard
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Ricardo Clark
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle
Manager: Bob Bradley
Injured:
Booked:
Slovenia:
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic
Defenders: Miso Brecko, Marko Suler, Bostjan Cesar, Bojan Jokic
Midfielders: Andraz Kirm, Alexander Radosavljevic, Robert Koren, Valter Birsa
Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic, Zlata Ljubijankic
Manager: Matjaz Kek
Injured: -
Booked:
Conditions in Johannesburg will be sunny with clear skies and temperatures around 9 degrees. Malian referee Koman Coulibaly and his team will judge proceedings in this match.
Last meeting: These teams have not previously met.
Wins United States: 0
Wins Slovenia: 0
Draws: 0
The United States proved themselves worthy World Cup contenders with their runners-up finish at last year's Confederations Cup. Bob Bradley has put together a flexible and resilient squad that has shown it can get the result when needed. Slovenia are high on confidence after 4 consecutive wins and will present a genuine challenge for the USA. However, expect the United States to play sufficiently well for a draw or win.
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