2010 FIFA World Cup: Group C Preview

Group C has garnered a ton of attention because of a certain game between the United States and England. After that, most people will think it will be a cakewalk for both teams to advance, but not so fast.

Both Algeria and Slovenia should not be written off automatically. Although it will be a shock if they defeat the two other teams in the group, both the United States and England should take these teams seriously.

Team Previews:

Algeria

The Desert Foxes are making their first World Cup appearance since 1986 and are looking to spoil the favorites' hopes of advancing easily through Group C.

The most recognizable names to football fans not from Algeria are Madjid Bougherra of Rangers and the Portsmouth combo of Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj. Bougherra is coming off of injury problems, and we all know how Portsmouth's season went.

Players to Watch:

Madjid Bougherra: Bougherra's health is going to be key to the defense and if he is still feeling the injury problems he felt with Rangers this season, it could be a long tournament for the central defense.

Abdelkader Ghezzal: Ghezzal scored six goals for Siena in Serie A this season and will be the main goal scorer for the Desert Foxes.

Schedule: June 13 vs. Slovenia, June 18 vs. England, June 23 vs. United States

Slovenia

After a tough qualifying group losing out on first to Slovakia, they needed an away goal in the UEFA play-off against Russia to punch their ticket to South Africa.

Not many of the Slovenian players are well-known in international circles and being the smallest nation in the tournament could have something to do with it.

Players to Watch:

Samir Handanovic: The Udinese goalkeeper is one of the few Slovenian players playing for a mid-level club in one of the top leagues in Europe. Handanovic will be in goal for coach Matjaz Kek and should see a lot of action towards him.

Valter Birsa: Birsa is one of the options up front for Kek's team and the Auxerre forward needs to have success to give his country a slim shot of advancing.

Schedule: June 13 vs. Algeria, June 18 vs. United States, June 23 vs. England

England

Fabio Capello's team looked a lot better two days ago before captain Rio Ferdinand went down.

Now that the injury bug has bitten one of England's most influential players on and off the pitch, it is time for the Three Lions to find a replacement and get on with the task at hand: Winning the World Cup (of course that is a realistic expectation for maybe half of the teams coming to South Africa).

The question of the No. 1 keeper has been solved with David James getting the call and the questions over the health of Gareth Barry seem to be subsiding, but now the focus is on Matthew Upson or Ledley King at center back.

Players to Watch:

Gareth Barry: Barry's role in South Africa has just gotten much more important than it was. As the defensive midfielder providing protection for the back four, Barry might have to play more in his own half instead of pushing up the pitch with the absence of Rio Ferdinand.

Matthew Upson: Let's be honest, Ledley King's injury problems will most likely scare off Capello and give Upson the start alongside John Terry in the center defense.

Frank Lampard: The Chelsea star is now the captain of the England squad and is fully capable of handling that role. Lampard was on fire, as was the whole Chelsea squad, to finish the Premier League season, so look for that form to continue in South Africa.

Schedule: June 12 vs. United States, June 18 vs. Algeria, June 23 vs. Slovenia

United States

Clearly, the United States team wants to prove that the disaster in 2006 is well behind them and they want to look for the success of 2002.

The main difference is that in 2002 no one expected them to win, now it is expected of Bob Bradley's squad to at least make the knockout stage and win a game in that stage.

The injury concerns that came about in the past year are almost gone. Oguchi Onyewu is almost at full strength and should play against England on June 12. Captain Carlos Bocanegra also had a injury scare but is ready to go.

But one injury that could throw a wrench in the Americans' plans is the one to Jozy Altidore. Altidore is day-to-day and will hopefully be ready for the England match.

Players to Watch:

Clint Dempsey: I will say this every time I am asked the question, Dempsey is the key to the Americans winning any game. The Fulham player gets overshadowed by Landon Donovan, but Dempsey is there most of the time up front and is scoring goals when it counts.

Edson Buddle: My man-crush on Edson Buddle continues and he continues to perform. A two-goal effort on Saturday against Australia proved he can score internationally like he has in MLS this season. With Altidore not 100 percent, Buddle could be the go-to man up front alongside either Altidore or Dempsey.

Michael Bradley: Bradley is the anchor in midfield and not only will he be counted on for his defensive skills, but his offensive skills need to show by getting the ball to the talented forwards.

Schedule: June 12 vs. England, June 18 vs. Slovenia, June 23 vs. Algeria

Group Prediction:

The USA-England match will decide the group winner unless Algeria or Slovenia pull a shock draw or even more shocking win. 

The Ferdinand injury will have more of an impact on England than you first think and for that reason, I pick the USA to win that game.

Prediction: USA (1st), England (2nd)