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The USA will be playing in its 9th FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa, their sixth consecutive trip to the big stage. The Stars and Stripes' best performance came many moons ago in the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay when they reached the semi-final stage. Since then, the US has exited at the Group Stage on 5 occasions including the last edition in Germany 2006.
Currently ranked 14th in the World Rankings, USA are placed in Group B alongside favourites England, African underdogs Algeria and Slovenia. You would expect them to ease their way through the Group and make the second round.
The US were a revelation in the Confederations Cup last year beating Spain in the semis and coming within a half of upsetting Brazil in the final. The backbone of the team is predominantly the same, and one would expect another good showing from the Americans. The one concern for them has been their terrible form in the run up to the World Cup, having lost 4 out of their last 5 games in all competitions. All of their defeats came at the hands of fellow World Cup qualifiers, and that does throw a bit of doubt over their ability to really mix it with the best at this level.
Qualifying through CONCACAF was relatively incident free for the US, topping a Group from which the top 3 sides made it through to the World Cup. USA and Mexico traded home wins, and the US lost and drew once with Costa Rica.
The US open their campaign against England, and might find themselves under a little early pressure in the Group. Up next is Slovenia, followed by their last Group match against Algeria on the 23rd of June.
Key Players:
Landon Donovan - The all time leader in scoring and assists and the most capped of the active players, Landon Donovan is sure to be at the centre of every US success. The deceivingly quick Donovan gives his team an added option on the wings bombing forward with every attack. The LA Galaxy orward was recently on loan to Everton, during Major League Soccer's off season in a bid to be ready for the World Cup and electified the Premier League with his pace and skill.
Carlos Bocanegra - The first choice captain of the United States national team since 2008, Bocanegra has been a pivotal figure in the centre back position for his team. He is also used at left back and as a defensive midfielder at times. Known not only for his solid defence but also his ability to get at the end of set pieces, Bocanegra will be a constant threat to the opposition. He'll be hoping for an improved performance this time around in the World Cup and as captain, look to lead from the front.
Tim Howard - The Everton shot stopper had been in the shadow of Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller for a long time. But ever since the appointment of Bob Bradley, he has been the team's number one choice. He brings with him the experience of playing at the highest level, and the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper would be hoping to build on his brilliant 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup performance where he won the Golden Glove award.
Teams:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley, (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus),Stuart Holden (Bolton), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki).
Top Goal Scorers: Landon Donovan (42), DaMarcus Beasley (17)
Most Capped Players: Landon Donovan (121), DaMarcus Beasley (90)
Head Coach: Bob BradleyForm Guide: (WWLLW)
Feb 25, USA 2-1 El Salvador
Mar 03, Netherlands 2-1 USA
May 26, USA 2-4 Czech Republic
May 29, United States 2 - 1 Turkey
June 5, USA 3-1 Australia
Fixtures:
12-Jun: England vs. USA 7:30pm (BST) - Match Report
18-Jun: Slovenia vs. USA 3:00pm (BST) - Match Report
23-Jun: USA vs. Algeria 3:00pm (BST) - Match Report
Trivia: Amongst the visiting countries, the United States will have the largest travelling fan contingent, expected to be close to 150,000.
Also Read:
Group Competitor Previews: England, Algeria, Slovenia
File Photograph Copyright: Linny Heng
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