2010 World Cup Group C Preview

England
England is one of the favorites to win the 2010 World Cup after dominating their qualifying group. In qualifying, England racked up nine wins in 10 games, compiling a total of 34 goals for and only six against. Striker Wayne Rooney has been one of the top players in the world, since he was asked to take a larger role at Manchester United following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The midfield duo of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard could also prove to be quite deadly for opposing defenses.

Players to watch for: Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard

Prediction: England should top Group C without much difficulty. It wouldn't be a surprise for them to go 3-0 in their group. Although many people around the world see England as one of the favorites, a mix of the overwhelming pressure and off-field issues could negatively impact the team. The quarterfinals may be the end of their road.

United States
The United States team is one of the most on and off teams in the tournament. An impressive run to the final of the Confederations Cup, which included a victory over Spain, had some soccer fans believing that the United States could finally be taken serious in world soccer. Mixed results since, including a 5-0 embarrassment at the hands of Mexico, have people questioning them again.

Players to watch for: Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard

Prediction: Although the recent struggles by the United States are a bit worrisome when it comes to picking them to advance, the sheer amount of games they have played (24 in 2009) will have allowed the players to spend more time playing with each other in game situations than some of the other nations involved. The United States will advance from the group, but they will need to use their physicality to pull off any upsets in the knockout stages.

Algeria
Algeria had to beat Egypt in a playoff to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1986. If beating Egypt does not sound that impressive, take into account that Egypt had won the past three African Cup of Nations. While Algeria may not be a favorite to advance, they will play with a "nothing to lose" passion that could see them pull off an upset or two in the group.

Players to watch for: Yazid Mansouri and Rafik Saïfi

Prediction: While Algeria could potentially steal a win from Slovenia or the United States, it isn't looking good for the Algerians. They'll just be happy to be included.

Slovenia
Slovenia is making just their second appearance ever in a World Cup. In their first appearance in 1998, they lost all three of their games. They pulled a major upset when they beat Russia in a qualifying playoff that stopped the Russians from going to South Africa. Slovenia's defense plays as a unit and can be very difficult for opposing attacks to break through. They will need their offensive players to step up though if they are going to advance.

Players to watch for: Robert Koren and Milivoje Novakovic

Prediction: Slovenia's tough defense should earn them a win against Algeria and could lead to a shutout against the United States or maybe even England. A lack of offensive firepower will hurt Slovenia though. Don't look for them to advance out of the group.

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