2010 FIFA World Cup: Why the United States Can Beat England
After a successful run in the 2002 World Cup, which saw it advance from the group stage and defeat rival Mexico 2-0, before losing to the eventual runners-up Germany 1-0, the United States earned the respect of many soccer fans around the world.
But all the hard work and emotion that fueled that deep 2002 run was cut inexplicably short in 2006 when it failed to get out of the group and could not manage a single victory.
Fast forward to the 2010 World Cup, where expectations are once again very high.
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After an improbable run in last year's Confederations Cup, which included a 2-0 shutout of world powerhouse Spain, expectations may once again be high for the Americans.
The Yanks' chances of winning this game and surviving the group stage may have increased significantly with the unfortunate injury of England captain and starting center back Rio Ferdinand.
If the United States wants to defeat England and increase its chances of getting out of the group stage, it needs to address concerns on defense.
It needs to limit the production of one of the best players in the world: Wayne Rooney. The flashy England forward has great vision and footwork.
The United States could have plenty of trouble with Rooney. On defense, Oguchi Onyewu has seen limited action since sustaining a knee injury, while Carlos Bocanegra recently underwent surgery for a hernia.
Another key to a possible USA upset can be the play of inexperienced, yet explosive forward Robbie Findley.
Findley's speed and quickness makes him the lone American player who scares opposing teams and could put pressure on the England defense to monitor him on the field at all times.
Watch for Findley to attempt to outrun English defense in trying to set up timely goals, particularly early ones, to put more pressure on the Three Lions.
If the United States can defeat, or even tie, England it will be a major win for the Americans and could give them needed confidence to attempt a deep run in the 2010 World Cup.
