Group C is still the most wide open of all of the World Cup groups in South Africa. All four teams still control their own destiny to make it into the Round of 16. Check out the three keys to the match for both the Stars and Stripes and the Desert Foxes for what needs to happen to advance.
USA vs. Algeria Betting Odds:
- USA is -110 to win and -1/2 goal for -110 (bet now)
- Slovenia is +290 to win and +1/2 goal for -110 (bet now)
Key #1 – Does Algeria have enough offense to contend? – Even though the tactic was perfected against England, Algeria really didn’t show the ability to do much else but defend. It performed the task well and held on to a much deserved point to be in this situation. However, only a win is good enough now, as three points is the only option for survival. In African qualifying for this event, Egypt saw just how strong this team can be with its back against the wall, but there is a big difference between a top African team and what the United States is about to throw its way on Wednesday. (see live World Cup Odds)
Key #2 – What will Bob Bradley’s starting 11 look like on Wednesday? – This will tell a lot about how the Americans are going to play this match. If players like Maurice Edu and Hercules Gomez are in the lineup or called upon early as substitutes, it will be clear that the Stars and Stripes are searching for the three points that would most likely win Group C and set up a date with one of the squads from Group D in the first knockout round. However, if the same starting 11 comes onto the pitch that started against Slovenia, expect a slower game, which could insinuate that Bradley is hoping that a draw is going to be enough to get the job done. (see World Cup prop bets)
Key #3 – Which USA team will show up against the Desert Foxes? - It was a tale of two halves for the Americans against Slovenia on Friday morning. The first half was slow, lackluster, and showed very little energy to boot. In the second half, the squad looked totally different and was ready to pounce on anything and everything that came its way. Chance after chance opened up in the box, and players flooded forward from both the back line and the midfield. If that is the team that shows up, Algeria is going to be in a world of trouble. If not, the United States is going to be doing a lot of scoreboard watching to see whether Slovenia can do it a favor against England. (see odds to win 2010 World Cup)
This is the USA’s match to lose. American soccer has proven time and time again that it can succeed at this level, and teams like Algeria are ones that should be beaten and beaten soundly. We expect nothing more than an inspired effort out of players like M Landon Donovan and M Clint Dempsey, as an early goal should set the stage for what could be a huge American romp into the second round as the winners of Group C.
USA vs. Algeria World Cup Score Prediction: United States 3 – Algeria 0
Also popular for 2010 World Cup Betting:
- Live World Cup Betting Lines
- 2010 World Cup TV Schedule
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