Day 13 preview — Group C conclusion: Slovenia vs England; USA vs Algeria

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

Day 12 saw Group A and Group B done and dusted with four teams confirming their passage to the last 16 — Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina and South Korea.

Uruguay topped the Group A table after a solid 1-0 win over Mexico. Despite the defeat, Mexico edged out third-placed South Africa with a superior goal difference.

Argentina finished on top of Group B with a 100% record after a 2-0 win over Greece while South Korea took the second spot after a 2-2 draw with Nigeria.

Let’s move on to Day 13 where the final Group C matches will be played. Third-placed England will take on surprise table-toppers Slovenia, whose population barely exceeds two million. (Singapore’s population is almost five million.) Meanwhile second-placed USA take on cellar-dwellers Algeria.

With USA currently edging them out for the crucial second spot based on more goals scored, England cannot afford to play for a draw. If they win, they can be assured of qualification. However if they lose, USA and Algeria will look to capitalise.

Will England finally show the promise they displayed in their qualification campaign for the World Cup? Or will they do the unthinkable by joining France on the flight home from South Africa?

Will USA’s impressive English Premier League duo of Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore break down the Algerians? Or will the Algerians replicate their impressive outing against England the last time round?

Our pundits bring you their take on the matches and their verdict on who will qualify from Group C.

Slovenia vs England
Wen Bin Says: 2-1 to England
With England’s dismal performances against USA and Algeria, they will be looking to pick up on their game today. With Upson pairing up with Terry in defence, there could be some lapse in communication in which the Slovenians may capitalise on. Should the true English side turn up today, they should have no problems winning this game today.

USA vs Algeria
Wen Bin Says: 1-1 Draw
If Algeria play like they did against England, they will be able to gain something from this match. However their defence is a cause of concern which USA may just capitalise on.

Verdict: England and Slovenia to go through

Slovenia vs England
Khairul Anwar Says: 1-0 to England

England wouldn’t want to disappoint their fans for being knocked out so early. Even though both teams drew their previous match, I think England has the edge, they just have to tap on their potential.

USA vs Algeria
Khairul Anwar Says: 2-0 to USA
USA will be looking to secure their qualification. Even though Algeria may give them some difficulties, it won’t be too tough for them to handle.

Verdict: England and USA to go through

Slovenia vs England
Andrew Says: 1-0 to England
England do have the quality, although they have a knack for struggling to perform up to expectations. With their goalkeeper issue settled (hey, David James didn’t do anything stupid against Algeria), England look relatively solid in defence, although their impending win may not be pretty.

USA vs Algeria
Andrew Says: 1-0 to USA
The American team promised to go in with all guns blazing. Led by the likes of Landon Donovan, they look set to book a place in the last 16 alongside England. They do have sufficient quality in attack, complemented by excellent fighting spirit. This should be enough to see them through this round at least.

Verdict: England and USA to go through

Slovenia vs England
Alfred Says: 2-0 to England
England will want to ensure that they do not follow in France’s footsteps. Gerrard and co will be fighting for their survival and a win would ensure their qualification into the round of 16 thus getting another chance to prove their worth in this World Cup.

USA vs Algeria
Alfred Says: 2-0 to USA
USA will be eager to prove themselves as a side capable of challenging for honours and will be the hungrier side for a win. They will prove to be too strong for Algeria thus topping this group.

Verdict: USA and England to go through

Slovenia vs England
Parvesh Says: 2-0 to England
I don’t see England going the same way as France. Even though there were rumours of turmoil within the England camp, I’m sure they’ll still pull through inevitably.

USA vs Algeria
Parvesh Says: 2-1 to USA
The Algerians were gritty and determined against the English but the Americans will be in high spirits after their superb comeback against Slovenia. They were unlucky not to get all 3 points as well in that match.

Verdict: England and USA to go through

Slovenia vs England
Khairul Azmi Says: 3-0 to England
In this final make-or-break game for England, i expect the English to turn on the style and beat Slovenia.

USA vs Algeria
Khairul Azmi Says: 2-0 to USA
USA should prove too much for Algeria.

Verdict: England and USA to go through

Slovenia vs England
Alvan Says: 2-0 to England
England will be stepping up their game following a horrendous World Cup campaign so far and that could prove too much for even the resilient Slovenians to handle. England should emerge victorious from this clash and progress to the next round.

USA vs Algeria
Alvan Says: 2-0 to USA
The Algerians have not scored a single goal yet and that trend looks set to carry on in their encounter with the USA as the Americans will be a handful for Algeria if they were to keep up on their morale and confidence levels following last week’s comeback 2-2 draw with Slovenia.

Verdict: England and USA to go through

More News on England vs Slovenia
Previous Encounter in 2009: England 2-1 Slovenia
Slovenian defender Bostjan Cesar’s feud with Wayne Rooney
England’s future in German’s hands
England coach Fabio Capello hits out at John Terry’s ‘big mistake’
The John Terry press conference
Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren: Poor England form gives Slovenia hope
Fears over Port Elizabeth pitch adds to England’s woes
England set to wear all-red strip
Exclusive video of England training on 22th June

GROUP C	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
USA	3	1	2	0	4	3	+1	5
ENGLAND	3	1	2	0	2	1	+1	5
SLOVENIA	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4
ALGERIA	3	0	1	2	0	2	-2	1

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/