FIFA World Cup 2010: Wild Group C Can be Tipped on Its Head Again on Day 13

The craziness of Group C has made it possible for all four to advance to the knockout rounds Wednesday.

I’ve tried to think of a better word, but craziness fits best.

So much has gone on already in the four games that have been played. There has been good and bad football. And even worse goalkeeping.

Right now as it stands:

Slovenia   4 pts  (+1)

United States   3 pts  (-)

England   2 pts  (-)

Algeria   1 pt  (-1)

The entire group standings could look entirely different. It’s almost absurd to think that after how the first two sets of matches have played out, that it would only take a draw by England and Slovenia paired with an Algeria win to see them through alongside the current leaders.

Not only were they both picked to finish bottom two in the group pre-competition, but the group included a favourite in England and a rising US team. In addition, Algeria lost their first match while the two group favourites played each other.

This meant it was assumed both their bests were to come versus Slovenia and Algeria. A draw between the English and Americans was beneficial for all with a little fear about the future, then being clear underdogs. Moreover, the way Algeria lost their first match put even more doubt in their heads about doing anything in the tournament.

One good match later, and they’ve got a solid point after a heart-breaking opening match. And most important: a chance to advance. The best team is playing the top team today, and if they (Algeria) do more good work, they can go on. It’s an amazing game, isn’t it?

Slovenia was lucky to get the goal and all three points in the first game. The US was also lucky that Robert Green is a clod. The two deserve the points as sometimes just shoot on net and see what happens. It’s a legitimate way to play and score some “garbage” goals. They all count the same. But I just wanted to bring to attention how different it could have been going into today.

I actually felt England were somewhat lucky themselves to get a point in the first match because the US looked better in the second half. They could argue that they lost solely because of the goal, and that’s fine, but fact remains it went in and they almost lost. The US can be down, too, in that they could have gone on and won it.

Algeria has been under-looked all tournament. They have performed quite well and are deserving of their big chance tomorrow and maybe deserve a little more than just a point at this time.

Slovenia has capitalized twice, though not fully each time. They were extremely lucky in the game against the US, and the goal in their first match put them ahead from the get-go. They are truly lucky to not only be alive, but be in the highest position that they currently hold.

Looking back at the results from the first four matches and the moments that changed the outcomes,  I’m only focusing on “tangible” evidence. For example, a goalkeeping mistake.

Now, more mistakes go into losing or drawing a match, but you can single out one moment in a game that would change the entire result. Like free-throws in a basketball game. At the end the coach can always correctly tell his players, “Well if we’d just hit a few more free throws we would have won.” And he’d be right. That’s what I’m talking about here. So without Freddy Adu:

The standings would look as such:

England   4 pts  (+1)

USA   3 pts  (-)

Algeria   2 pts  (-)

Slovenia   1 pt  (-1)

Via: England beat the US 1-nil in a clinical defensive showing. Algeria and Slovenia draw in a dull.

England and Algeria draw a match in which it was there for Algeria to spring the full-on upset; where England didn’t take their chances either.

The US score three times in the second half to come back from two goals down at half-time in the biggest comeback of the tournament thus far and maybe one of the biggest in their history as well.

Of course, things happen and not all’s won, or thankfully, lost.

Everyone’s got a shot today.

I like England to win 2-nil over Slovenia. Slovenia has been extremely lucky and not only do I wish it runs out, but I think it will.

What has irked me about Fabio Capello is his hard mentality. I understand that he’s been like this since he was hired, but he needs to allow some leeway if his players are not only asking for it, but obviously desperate for it.

He said that he’s always told the team who’s playing two hours before all their matches. OK, great. He cannot compare a World Cup qualifier that England is in all likelihood to win and dominate in, to any World Cup match.

While they are favoured here as well, they’re not going to be given anything in these much more meaningful matches of a real tournament. The best tournament nonetheless.

I have disagreed with his selections since I can remember. He had them wrong long before South Africa, so no need to dwell on those, although I hope he makes some switches today.

But he needs to coach them. And not just tactically and on the field. There’s obviously no trust or belief. John Terry attempts to clear the air, Capello says he won’t rant on the players or change his decisions or take suggestions. Then Terry backtracks his previous negative statements. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Not to mention it’s just painfully obvious how bad the camp is right now.

Frank Lampard has spoken a lot to the media, too. All the while I am wondering where Steven Gerrard is. I’m not shocked that he’s missing because he is not a captain. He is the opposite of Capello. John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Wayne Rooney would all be good captains. They are bold and strong. Gerrard is too quiet and wimpy. Frank Lampard would be an improvement.

Basically, I think Capello needs to coach them; meet them halfway. It’s his job to do so. It’s not the time to be stubborn and give them nothing. I am not saying for him to change.

But he cannot banish them for all of a sudden showing weakness. I’m not saying to baby them either. I think everyone can agree that England is not the toughest group of guys. For this, Capello must guide them. Show them the way.

Lastly, I understand and agree that they don’t work as well as a team, but people like Alexi Lalas need to shut up and stop bashing England. The whole reason he and anyone are talking is because it’s so surprising and embarrassing how they’ve played so far.

It would be a disgrace to be knocked out at this point and they should be eaten alive by the media afterwards if that’s the case. However, right now they still have a chance and they control their destiny. They just need support and there’s no reason why they can’t all of a sudden look like a powerhouse again. The defence has been spectacular and I have them beating Slovenia by a score of 2-0.

The US has had some good and bad luck. They have played well after taking in some water and oranges at the break. But really, they cannot continue to fall behind the way they do. They will never advance to where they potentially can by playing the way they do.

I think they can beat the best teams. But for now, they only have to beat Algeria. A draw would do it with some help, but both they and England need to just win. Frankly, both should feel bad if they draw and advance. Because they both are clearly the two best teams in this group and shouldn’t be under this much pressure at this point.

I am prepared for the worst-case scenario, which is an England win and anything but a win for the US. England has to work but I am almost certain they will get it right.

The US in the past, would lead me to pick Algeria in some form. However, in the last year or so, they’ve continually come back. Even if they fall behind, which is not going to go over well once more, I am confident in them tying it back up. But can they go on and win it?

Against Slovenia, the second and would-be game-winning third goal came within minutes of each other. It was certainly surprising but thrilling. I remember clearly two fans. The first I believe was after the second goal. He was a husky American just bawling. It was sensational.

Then there was the kid who was later all over the highlights on every station shortly thereafter the match ended where the viewer could clearly read his lips and expression going from ecstatic “Yes!” to a concerned “Oh no,” and then angry “Really?!”

I have enough faith in the US to get the result that assures them progression but I am, as I stated, ready for any disappointment. To be honest, the expectation of getting through to KOs is not only fair, but right.

The US should be good enough to finish in the top half and it’s a failure to not do so. But because of the US’s history combined with the opportunity and desperation of the opponent, Algeria, I am not getting overly confident.

The US’s defence will have to do the job. They have done okay but let in some great goals. However, the great goals happen because they are lazy and do not close players out properly or fully shield the goal.

When the US scores two or three goals, it’s on the defence solely because it is rare for the US to keep up scoring in any match. I think they’ll put it all together when they absolutely have to. This team has improved so much in the last, well, since forever, really. And while Algeria has threatened, they’ve yet to score. I’ll go US 2–1 Algeria.

Just for the record, my predictions would give the US the group win but could be as likely to face Germany as if they finished second. And I’d take the US to the quarters regardless.

This group has been fun to watch. Frustrating at times for all (except Slovenia); kind at others. Tuesday was a fun day with Groups A and B having some late drama, or at least provocative scenarios by the end.

Group C is sure to not only duplicate but be more exciting and nerve-wracking. Thus far, teams have been held back by misfortune, not missed chances.

It won’t be like that today. It will all be straight and the winners will earn everything they get. Best of luck to The Three Lions and Yanks, but real men make their own luck. And I expect both to do so.