South Africa Car Hire Option 1: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Hire with First Car Rental here.

South Africa Car Hire Option 2: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Rental with Europcar South Africa here.

Group C - 2010 Football World cup - England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Even though it is often said that there are no easy games in the World Cup, England fans will undoubtedly be happy with this Group C draw. England has managed to avoid all of the main European, South American and African threats. The USA could pose a potential problem, but both Algeria and Slovenia are far from being World Cup favourites.

England

England qualified for the world cup with relative ease. 9 wins, 0 draws and 1 loss is an impressive record and one that has given English football fans a quietly optimistic outlook. England was expected to again suffer at the hands of Croatia, but a 4-1 victory followed by a 5-1 victory adequately buried some bad memories.

Fabio Capello has finally got England playing as a team rather than as a group of individuals. The manager is tough and has little respect for superstar status. This was just what England needed. As for the players, there is enough talent and depth in the squad to justify England’s status as favourites to top Group C. The defence is experienced and the midfield is awash with talent. With players such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott there is enough strength, pace and creativity across the middle of pitch.

Wayne Rooney is England’s key player and vital to the team’s success. He provides the creative spark that England often lacks when he is not playing. Keeping Rooney fit and free from suspension is of great importance. Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch are good strikers, but without Rooney England could well struggle.

USA

As a footballing nation, the USA continues to grow in strength. They now have more players playing at the highest level in Europe, adding to the overall experience and maturity of the national side. This is reflected in both the FIFA World Rankings (USA are currently ranked 14th) as well as the USA’s successful qualifying campaigns for the last five World Cup’s.

This time around, the USA finished top of their fourth and final World Cup qualifying group, one point ahead of Mexico. It looks like manager Bob Bradley has so far done a good job with the side. The USA played some good football in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, getting to the final before losing 3-2 to Brazil. This experience should serve them well in Group C, especially as the Confederations Cup was held in South Africa.

Tim Howard will be important in goal, adding experience and a commanding voice to the defensive back line. Landon Donovan is the team’s key player and a prolific goal scorer.

Whether the USA can finish ahead of England is debatable, but a second place finish should be achievable.

Algeria

Algeria battled through qualification to earn a well deserved place in the World Cup. They finished top of their Round Two African qualifying group, ending the hopes of both Senegal and Gambia. Algeria then went toe-to-toe with arch-rivals Egypt in Round Three, both teams finishing with 13 points. In the ensuing play-off match, Algeria beat Egypt 1-0 to secure a place in South Africa.

It is unlikely that Algeria can repeat their qualifying heroics in Group C. However, a win in their opening game against Slovenia would get them off to a good start before facing England. The game against England will be a huge test for the Algerians but if they can hold out for a draw then anything is possible.

The Algerian squad is lacking any really big name footballers. However, Mourad Meghni is certainly a player to watch out for. As a youngster, Meghni helped France win the Under-17 World Cup before deciding to represent Algeria. He currently plays for Lazio in Italy.

Slovenia

Having only ever qualified for the World Cup finals once before, Slovenia’s presence in South Africa came as something of a surprise. Their qualifying group was perhaps weaker than others, but they still managed to finish in second place above the Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and Poland. Drawn against Russia in the play-offs, Slovenia was not expected to progress any further. However, a 2-2 aggregate tie saw Slovenia win on away goals, sending Guus Hiddink’s side crashing out of qualification.

Slovenia will be focused upon their opening Group C match against Algeria. A win or a draw here will be their best chance to pick up some points. Realistically, Slovenia will be highly unlikely to get anything out of the following games against the USA and England.

Likely Outcome

The Group C draw was kind to England. The USA will not be easy opponents but England will be favourites to take the three points. These two teams will meet in the first Group C match on June 12th, and a win for either side will put them in a commanding position. Algeria and Slovenia will likely be fighting for third place, leaving England and the USA to qualify for the next round.

© This special 2010 World Cup Review is brought to you by Cape Spirit - bringing you cheap unlimited mileage South Africa Car Hire over the 2010 South Africa World Cup through First Car Rental / Sixt Car Hire and Europcar South Africa Book your 2010 World Cup car right now, as cars are almost fully booked. Read our satisfied Customer feedback here.

Cape Spirit Home
Cheap South Africa Car Rentals (First Car Rental)
Cheap South Africa Car Hire (Europcar)
Cheap South Africa Car Rental (Tempest)
South Africa Accommodation
Download a Free Cape Town travel guide
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Wallpapers
Cape Town Pictures
Cape Spirit Sitemap