Group C final round • Wednesday, 10 a.m.
Pretoria • TV » ESPN
KEYS TO A U.S. VICTORY
1. We’re going to try this one more time: Be ready from the opening whistle » There are no more chances left for the United States. The Americans need the right lineup and attitude from the outset in a match that is best regarded as a must-win, even though a draw might be enough to advance out of Group C. The trick will be balancing the intense desire to get on the scoreboard first with the need to be sharp and focused — without being ragged — on the defensive side. Yellow cards could be as critical as an early goal. Keep in mind, the underrated Algerians have their eyes set on the knockout rounds, too.
2. Find the right midfield partner for Michael Bradley » Ricardo Clark was too limited against England. José Torres was too timid against Slovenia. By process of elimination, U.S. head coach Bob Bradley should settle on Maurice Edu to anchor the center of the pitch. The Americans can desperately use Edu’s passing, but his physical presence and range will be essential to keep Algerian playmakers Karim Ziani and Karim Matmour in check. And Edu will allow Bradley more freedom to go where he needs to in order to tilt the tempo in favor of the U.S.
3. Finish, finish, finish » Whether the match becomes a desperate search for one goal or a wild shootout, the team that makes the most of precious offensive opportunities will prevail. With that as the backdrop, Edson Buddle could make his long overdue first start at forward alongside Jozy Altidore. Clint Dempsey also must make an impact, whether it comes from runs out of the midfield or up top. With Bradley imposing his will and Landon Donovan playing some of the best soccer of any player in South Africa, the chances will come. They must be taken.
STATE OF THE TEAMS
United States
Oguchi Onyewu has been in or around all three goals allowed by the U.S. so far. But another match is another chance for the big central defender to improve his form — especially because there’s no choice for him but to start and set the tone for the American back line.
Algeria
Abdelkader Ghezzal will be anxious to keep his behavior in check after getting sent off in the Algerian opener against Slovenia. His attacking outlook adds another dimension for a team that confidently shut out England but hasn’t yet proved it can find the back of the net.
The Washington Examiner predicts …
The trend of early goals continues, but this time the U.S. comes out on the positive end. Landon Donovan is the hero, goalkeeper Tim Howard makes a pair of critical saves in the second half and the U.S. puts the nail in the coffin late.
United States 2, Algeria 0
