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World Cup: SBI’s Group C Preview

Wayne Rooney (ISIphotos.com)

Photo by ISIphotos.com

When World Cup's Group C was drawn in December, Group C was considered an easy one to project. England was seen as the clear favorite, while the United States was seen as the consensus pick to qualify in second place.

Slovenia will have something to say about that. The European side that eliminated Russia in qualifying is being overlooked despite boasting a strong squad that enjoyed a good qualifying campaign.

England remains the class of the group, boasting a star-studded lineup with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. There are some questions about the defense, but it is difficult to imagine England not qualifying for the second round.

Algeria is looking like the weak sister of the group, especially after some disappointing pre-World Cup results. The African side will likely be reduced the role of spoiler rather than a legitimate contender for a second-round berth.

After previewing the World Cup's other seven groups, here is SBI's look at Group C:

World Cup Group C

Top Players to Watch

Wayne Rooney, England

Frank Lampard, England

Landon Donovan, USA

Clint Dempsey, USA

Samir Handanovic, Slovenia

Raffik Djebbour, Algeria

Young Players to Watch

Aaron Lennon, England

Joe Hart, England

Rene Khrin, Slovenia

Jozy Altidore, USA

Jose Torres, USA

SBI Predicted Order of Finish

1. England

2. USA

3. Slovenia

4. Algeria

England is just too strong to see not winning the group. The real battle will be for second, with the USA-Slovenia match ultimately deciding who goes on to the second round. USA should be able to edge the Slovenians, while Algeria looks destined to finish last.

How do you see Group C playing out? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Gents,

    Do yourselves a favor,…and don’t waste your key strokes on Jamie Trecker.

    USA have a tough rode ahead of them. Now that Slovenia have three points in the bag to second match clash with the USA will really determine both teams World Cup. One also has to figure that even if Algeria is 0-2-0 going into their final match,…they will get up for defeating the ‘Great Satan.’

    Reply
  2. It’s funny, I had this euphoric anticipation prior to kickoff, too, and then when the ball went into play I felt this utter sense of imminent letdown… which was unfortunately reinforced after 5 mins… at that point I would have gladly taken a draw!

    Reply
  3. Euro teams showing poorly so far. Two games, no goals. Greece will finish #32 at this WC, no points, no goals.

    If US plays well they will get a good result.

    Reply
  4. here’s looking foward to another shot heard round the world.

    USA 3 ENG 2

    (anything but a blowout, please baby jesus….)

    Group finish

    ENG
    USA
    ALG
    SLO

    BTW this is the finishing according to Trekker:

    1. England
    2. Slovenia
    3. and 4. Algeria

    *USA disqualified due to comeplete suckage. BITE ME TREKKY! Don’t tread on this!

    Reply

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