Eyes on both sides of the pond will be transfixed to TV screens when the Brits and Americans kick off in Rustenberg this afternoon. The Americans are the underdogs, but in this country's history, that hasn't stopped them from defeating the English before (see: the Revolutionary War; 1950 World Cup). Though the U.S. disappointed in Germany in 2006 and England is considered one of the world's best, expectatons are high for the Americans. The matchup features the favorites to advance out of Group C, and there is a challenge in playing your chief rival in the group first. If one team manages to take the full three points today, the loser must scramble to assure passage into the knockout stage.
United States
Coach Bob Bradley has selected a squad that filled in equal parts with veterans -- Landon Donovan, Steve Cherundolo -- and young, talented players, such as Jozy Altidore and Bradley's son, Michael. For the most part, this is the team that advanced past Spain and almost knocked off Brazil in the final of last year's Confederations Cup, in South Africa. Perhaps no country in the world rises to the task of playing as underdog than the United States. Former U.S. midfielder Tab Ramos said in an interview earlier this week that he feels the Americans are so good as underdogs, they experience a letdown when they're the favorite (we'll revisit that in their next two Group C contests).
Man to watch: For the United States, midfielder Clint Dempsey will be the most vital player on the field. Certainly, he is the Americans' most creative attacker and most likely will be asked to play underneath Altidore, the lone true striker in the starting 11. Dempsey has an uncanny ability to try things on the field that others might not think of or dare do. If his mix of pluck and skill can fuse to create a few chances, the U.S. could walk away with three points.
Injuries of note: Altidore had been hobbled by an ankle sprain that he picked up earlier this week in training. However, Bob Bradley has said the former Red Bulls striker will start. Defender Oguchi Onyewu has been outspoken that he is ready to compete after knee surgery in October robbed him of the season, but his form in the friendlies leading up to the World Cup has been inconsistent. We'll know where he stands if he walks out of the tunnel in the starting lineup today.
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England
The England squad that will take the field at Royal Bafokeng Stadium today won't be much different from the club that underwhelmed at the World Cup four years ago. But there is one significant change to the side. Italian import Fabio Capello has led the Brits through qualifying with a steady hand and the coach said this week that his team has the talent to make the final. The pressure on this team, from the rabid fans back home, is incredible, and while many might hope for the best, they expect the worst. If Capello can find a way to eliminate the distractions off the field and poor decisions on the field, the English have a chance. Still, there are questions that need to be answered: Who will partner up front with Wayne Rooney? Who will start in goal? Can the back line coalesce in time? Only time will tell.
Man to watch: Steven Gerrard will captain England but his greatest responsibility will be playing effectively with Frank Lampard. England's two most talented central midfielders have had trouble in the past when on the field together because their styles of play overlap. Bradley and the U.S. will look to blanket Gerrard to prevent him from being the bridge to Rooney that is so vital to the England attack.
Injuries of note: Captain Rio Ferdinand tore knee ligaments in training during the lead up to the tournament and will be missing. The central defender was an anchor in the middle for the English and his replacement -- either Ledley King or Michael Dawson -- lacks Ferdinand's composure and skill. Central holding midfielder Gareth Barry will sit today with an ankle injury. The versatile player will be replaced by Michael Carrick, a player who's best attribute is his long-range shooting. Reports have also emerged that James Milner, who was set to play on the left side of the English midfield today has been slowed lately with a stomach illness and has lost several pounds in the past few days.United States
Coach Bob Bradley has selected a squad that filled in equal parts with veterans -- Landon Donovan, Steve Cherundolo -- and young, talented players, such as Jozy Altidore and Bradley's son, Michael. For the most part, this is the team that advanced past Spain and almost knocked off Brazil in the final of last year's Confederations Cup, in South Africa. Perhaps no country in the world rises to the task of playing as underdog than the United States. Former U.S. midfielder Tab Ramos said in an interview earlier this week that he feels the Americans are so good as underdogs, they experience a letdown when they're the favorite (we'll revisit that in their next two Group C contests).
Man to watch: For the United States, midfielder Clint Dempsey will be the most vital player on the field. Certainly, he is the Americans' most creative attacker and most likely will be asked to play underneath Altidore, the lone true striker in the starting 11. Dempsey has an uncanny ability to try things on the field that others might not think of or dare do. If his mix of pluck and skill can fuse to create a few chances, the U.S. could walk away with three points.
Injuries of note: Altidore had been hobbled by an ankle sprain that he picked up earlier this week in training. However, Bob Bradley has said the former Red Bulls striker will start. Defender Oguchi Onyewu has been outspoken that he is ready to compete after knee surgery in October robbed him of the season, but his form in the friendlies leading up to the World Cup has been inconsistent. We'll know where he stands if he walks out of the tunnel in the starting lineup today.
* * *
England
The England squad that will take the field at Royal Bafokeng Stadium today won't be much different from the club that underwhelmed at the World Cup four years ago. But there is one significant change to the side. Italian import Fabio Capello has led the Brits through qualifying with a steady hand and the coach said this week that his team has the talent to make the final. The pressure on this team, from the rabid fans back home, is incredible, and while many might hope for the best, they expect the worst. If Capello can find a way to eliminate the distractions off the field and poor decisions on the field, the English have a chance. Still, there are questions that need to be answered: Who will partner up front with Wayne Rooney? Who will start in goal? Can the back line coalesce in time? Only time will tell.
Man to watch: Steven Gerrard will captain England but his greatest responsibility will be playing effectively with Frank Lampard. England's two most talented central midfielders have had trouble in the past when on the field together because their styles of play overlap. Bradley and the U.S. will look to blanket Gerrard to prevent him from being the bridge to Rooney that is so vital to the England attack.
Injuries of note: Captain Rio Ferdinand tore knee ligaments in training during the lead up to the tournament and will be missing. The central defender was an anchor in the middle for the English and his replacement -- either Ledley King or Michael Dawson -- lacks Ferdinand's composure and skill. Central holding midfielder Gareth Barry will sit today with an ankle injury. The versatile player will be replaced by Michael Carrick, a player who's best attribute is his long-range shooting. Reports have also emerged that James Milner, who was set to play on the left side of the English midfield today has been slowed lately with a stomach illness and has lost several pounds in the past few days.
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