England vs. Algeria has ended in a scoreless draw, following up the controversial USA vs. Slovenia draw, which means that the USA soccer team now controls its own destiny. It's very simple right now for the USA,
grab a victory and the full three points in the USA vs. Algeria match-up, and you advance into the Round of 16 and the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup.
USA Soccer In Control Prior to Algeria Match
The USA vs. Algeria preview can all be boiled down to this: win the game, and keep on advancing. Regardless of what happens elsewhere in Group C, the USA will be one of the advancing teams if they win.
If the USA only ties Algeria, they'll need a bit of help. They will need Slovenia to beat England, or Slovenia to tie England in a low scoring game that allows the USA to retain its goals scored advantage (see below, or see World Cup Tie Breaker Rules).
If the USA loses to Algeria, they're out!
The USA vs. Algeria match won't be easy however. Algeria proved against England and Slovenia that they are a high quality club, and offer a stern defensive challenge. 19 of their 23 players play in high level European clubs, so they aren't overmatched. The USA certainly cannot afford to go down early once again, as they have in each of their first two matches.
USA vs. Algeria Game Time
The USA vs. Algeria kickoff time is 10 am Eastern on Wednesday, June 23. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. At the same time, the England vs. Slovenia match will be airing on ESPN2, wrapping up Group C action. Both matches will determine the fate for all four of the Group C 2010 World Cup teams.
Group C World Cup Standings
After all of the Group C teams have played two games, the standings in the group are:
Slovenia - 1 win, 1 draw - 4 points - +1 goal differential - 3 goals scored
USA - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 3 goals scored
England - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 1 goals scored
Algeria - 1 draw, 1 loss - 1 point - -1 goal differential - 0 goals scored
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