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U.S. looks to make a run in the 2010 FIFA World Cup this summer

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May 17, 2010

Alexander Salamon

It comes only once every four years. Countries rave about it and teams dream about it.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will have 32 countries compete in South Africa this summer to capture the coveted FIFA trophy.

With only 35 days remaining until the opening match on June 12, fans around the world are deciding what country to follow throughout the tournament. Tournament favorites include the defending Italian champions, Benny’s Argentinian homeboys, world famous Brazil, the Spanish Matadors, France, Portugal and England. Although these top notch teams tempt to steal the heart, the United States also compels many to root for the home team.

The United States is in Group C of the tournament with England, Algeria and Slovenia. The U.S. will face England on Saturday, June 12, in Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, in what could be considered one of the most highly anticipated soccer openers in U.S. history.

This opening match against England, the ninth ranked team in the world, will be the most crucial. The U.S. has never advanced to the second round after losing an opening match at the World Cup and they have only beaten England once. Sixty years ago at the 1950 World Cup, the United States upset England 1-0. This match is still considered to be the greatest upset in football history. The upcoming battle between the “Redcoats” and the “Bluecoats” will be a rematch watched by millions.

Although it will be a monumental match, a loss to England in the opening game will not seal a U.S. fate. Algeria and Slovenia are both teams that the Americans are predicted to beat. The U.S. is ranked 14th in the world while Algeria is ranked 28th and Slovenia 33rd.

The United States will play Slovenia on Friday, June 18, then face Algeria on Wednesday, June 23.

Leading the way for the United States is goalkeeper Tim Howard, forward Jozy Altidore, defender Carlos Bocanegra and midfielders Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan.

U.S. team captain Carlos Bocanegra and his supporting cast will be battling English stars Wayne Rooney, John Terry, and Steven Gerrard. With David Beckham out of the tournament due to a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for A.C. Milan, the English squad is no longer as formidable an enemy.

While intense rivalries will flare and competitiveness will erupt, the FIFA tournament in South Africa is looking to bring countries closer together under one similar cause, the love of the game of soccer.

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