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.
I would nice if I could spell road.
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.’
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!
Additional +1. Trekker is a one trick pony.
lol… i try not to give into that misery part, but it all happens so soon doesn’t it?
In my body there is a sense of mounting sense of sheer anticipation that will likely climax in a pool of utter misery.
+1. F!@#ing Trekker.
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.
Classic, world-class finish!!!
I couldn’t stop laughing!
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!
We play to win. I have a feeling Altidore shows well today.
A draw today vs. the 3 Lions would be more then welcomed by me.
C’MON YANKS