After two grittily fought draws last weekend, USA and Algeria will meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria to decide who will advance from Group C. Friday's match once again illuminated the weaknesses of the United States defense, but also showed their ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is on. After going down 2-0 to Slovenia at halftime, the
Stars and Stripes battled back to 2-2 before the game decider was controversially disallowed by referee Koman Coulibaly.
The Desert Foxes showed their presence in South Africa is not a fluke by drawing 0-0 with England on Friday night. They are currently placed 4th in Group C, but can advance with a win on Wednesday. They have not yet scored in the World Cup and will need to do better if they expect to have a chance in this match.
Group C: USA vs. Algeria
Date: 23 June, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria
Referee: Frank de Bleeckere (Belgium)
USA:
Keeper: Tim Howard
Defenders: Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Steven Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle
Manager: Bob Bradley
Injured: -
Booked: Robbie Findley
Algeria:
Goalkeeper: Rais M'Bohli
Defenders: Madjid Bougherra, Nadir Belhadj, Anther Yahia
Midfielders: Foued Kadir, Hassan Yebda, Djamel Mesbah, Rafik Halliche
Forwards: Karim Matmour, Ryad Boudebouz, Karim Ziani
Manager: Rabeh Saadane
Injured: -
Booked: Mehdi Lacen
Tshwane/Pretoria has a forecast of 17 degrees for Wednesday's kickoff with sunny skies. All four teams from Group C will play at 16:00 and will be unaware of how the other competitors are playing. 44-year-old Belgian referee Franck de Bleeckere will oversee the match.
Last meeting: These teams have not previously met.
Wins USA: 0
Wins Algeria: 0
Draws: 0
We have seen what the United States is capable of when the pressure is on, first in last year's Confederations Cup and this year against England. They will come out more energized looking to score early. Algeria has been strong defensively but seem unable to finish on the other end. With advancement to the next rounds on the line, the USA should lead by the 90'.
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