Well, I'll start: England 2-USA 1. Algeria 0-Slovenia 1. England 3-Algeria 1. USA 2-Slovenia 1. England 2-Slovenia 1. USA 2-Algeria 1. England 9 pts. 3-0-0. USA 6 pts. 2-0-1. Slovenia 3 pts 1-0-2. Algeria 0 pts 0-0-3. USA v. Slovenia in match #2 is the decider.
England - 9 Slovenia - 4 USA - 4 Algeria - 0 Although I can perhaps see a draw for Slovenia in their final game (7,5,4,0), giving them clear cut progression. If its 6,4,1,0 with the final game to go, the US will probably be screwed.
Ok, If the US were healthy, and had a REAL coach, then this might be a decent group, but come on! FIFA, in it's pursuit of the perfect continental formula has forgotten to put sporting considerations first. This group at first look SUCKS. There are a couple of others like it. We were all excited about the overall quality of the field, but then this draw happened. This group is an advertisement for seeding all 4 pots by ranking FIRST, and only THEN try to figure out the continental considerations. If England doesn't get 9 points it is an outrage! The only question is which of a healthy Slovenia or a depleted USA will get either 6 points or a better goal differential at 4 points? And Algeria did beat Egypt, so maybe 3 teams at 2 points, or 3 teams at 3 points.
England's worst enemy in this draw is complacency! They will get steamrolled in the round of 16 by ANY real team after this walk in the park. This is ABSOLUTELY the worst draw for England's hopes. The should have gotten at least 1 tough team!
Algeria will definately not leave this tournament with 0 points like many are predicting. I'd say they will beat Slovenia.
Agreed, though I think a draw with Slovenia is more likely. That would suit the US, quite well. After losing to England, we'll draw with Slovenia and beat Algeria. 4 points will be enough to get us out of the group. Engl 9 USA 4 Slov 2 Alge 1
If England win the opener and Slovenia win against Algeria (which is likely since Slovenia are the better side), then its an uphill battle for the USA. If however Slovenia draw, then its all in the USs hands. No one is going to be complacent. Do you think they don't remember the past few tournaments? Also with Capello, there's no way they'd get away with such an attitude.
England 1-USA 1. Algeria 1-Slovenia 0 England 3-Algeria 1. USA 2-Slovenia 1. England 2-Slovenia 0. USA 1-Algeria 1. England 7 pts USA 5 pts Algeria 4 pts Slovenia 0 pts Don't rate Slovenia at all. They came through the easiest European group, and were very fortunate to beat Russia in the playoffs. Algeria will surprise people - the new African teams always do. England are obviously the best team on paper, but will be slow out of the gates and will draw with the Yanks. England will go out in the second round vs Germany. USA will go out in the second round vs Ghana.
Similar response 4 years ago when I said they would qualify out of their group ahead of USA and Czech Republic.
Of the seeded teams (+ France & Portugal), I think many are subpar or more vulnerable than normal. Now, Brazil and Spain are, for me, the class of the field, with England close behind. Brazil got a tough draw, but should still be OK. Italy and Germany both have subpar (for them) teams, who I think are vulnerable once they get beyond group, and perhaps in group, as Germany have a draw with no easy games. The Dutch are solid, but had an easy group in qualifying and have no superstars or players that inspire fear. France, Portugal, and Argentina are also playing well below where they should be. Portugal & France could easily be out at group, and Argentina vulnerable after getting though (their group is easy). Point being, beyond Brazil, Spain and England, I think anything can happen, particularly with the WC off European soil, where bit time teams struggle (France, Italy, Argentina all out in Group in 2002, I think).
This is ABSOLUTELY the worst draw for England's hopes. The should have gotten at least 1 tough team![/QUOTE] What does this mean? You seem really upset about something but I'm not sure what? I think England will qualify and probably the US...so long as they don't get too complacent.
English press is already speaking about elimination stage. Normaly england will win it easely, but if they arrive with too much arrogance who knows? USA were first of their qualification, ahead MExico and they were impressive at confederation cup. And last world cup they almost beat Italy. It will be a physical fight. Algeria will be a very technical team. And the difficult qualification is good for mental strenght. Slovenia should not be written off. They have eliminated Czech and poland in qualification and Russia in play off. They finish second of their group but beat the first Slovaquia two times
England and Slovenia will go through, people are seriously understimating Slovenia, any team that can eliminate Russia in home and away matches is no joke.
Since project 2010 has been put on hold, I would say : Slovania 7pts. England 7 pts. Algeria 1 USA 1 If the US doesn't draw with Algeria they are candidates for 32nd place USA - Algeria will be a historic match to avoiid last place .
Ok, here goes mine, I´m going to be a bit "different" with my prediction: Algeria 7 pts England 5 pts US 4 pts Slovenia 0 pts Yes, I know, maybe too much for Algeria... first two places are going to be for Algeria and England, but not US. I think US is always too overrated.