Group C
England Toil As USA Top The Group
England came into the tournament as one of the favourites, but nearly slunk out before the knockout stages as key players failed to fire. Continuing the theme of the Group stages so far, this one also went down to the wire. Slovenia were through when the final whistle went at Soccer City, but an injury time strike from Landon Donovan sent the Americans into the second round as group winners.
The USA deserve enormous credit for toughing their way out of this group, coming from behind to sneak points against both England and Slovenia, before finally breaking the deadlock in an incredible game against Algeria. They don’t have too many household names, but they play as a team, and have the self belief and will to win that characterises American sportsmen. In the words of captain Landon Donovan, “We are Americans. We get on with it, we don’t complain”.
USA celebrate their late winner against Algeria
Their mentality is admirable, and they will fancy their chances of advancing to the quarter final at the expense of Ghana.
The Americans are at their best when bombing forward, as they were forced to do in throwing caution to the wind in all three group games. Scoring four goals and creating a host of chances bodes well for their chances of breaking down the solid Ghanaian back four. They need to be alert though, because the Africans love to play a counter-attacking game. Should they commit too many men forward, they may well regret it. The movement and link up play between Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Donovan will be their best chance of getting on the scoresheet, but Onyewu will need to make sure his defence stay on top of Asamoah Gyan.
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