Favorites USA feel the heat against Slovenia
Source: Agencies |
June 18, 2010, Friday
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Print Edition
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WHEN the United States faces Group C leader Slovenia today, the pressure is on the Americans.
Cushioned by three points from their opening win against Algeria, the Slovenes can afford to lose and still have a chance of advancing to the second round, albeit from a tough last group match against England. For the Americans, who earned a surprising 1-1 draw with England in their opening match, avoiding a loss is more crucial.
"The game against Slovenia is going to determine if we get out of the group or not," US defender Oguchi Onyewu said.
A loss would leave the Americans dangerously close to elimination. While a draw could be enough, the Americans need to beat Slovenia to enter the last group stage match against Algeria with any kind of comfort.
Slovenia, a nation with only 2 million inhabitants, is not at England's level in international football, but it has earned a reputation for producing upset wins over the bigger nations in crucial matches. It stunned Russia in a two-match playoff to qualify for the World Cup. Romania and Ukraine have also missed major tournaments after stumbling against the Slovenes.
After losing all three matches in its only previous trip to the World Cup in 2002, Slovenia is already doing better this time around, thanks to captain Robert Koren's goal against the Algerians.
Suddenly, advancing to the second round is not just a possibility, it's "our goal," Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said.
Because Slovenia likely will rely on counterattacks, there has been speculation US coach Bob Bradley might consider starting Jose Torres in place of Ricardo Clark in an effort to increase possession.
"That's what I do with my club team," said Torres, who plays for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. "I love controlling the ball and controlling the pace of the game."
Cushioned by three points from their opening win against Algeria, the Slovenes can afford to lose and still have a chance of advancing to the second round, albeit from a tough last group match against England. For the Americans, who earned a surprising 1-1 draw with England in their opening match, avoiding a loss is more crucial.
"The game against Slovenia is going to determine if we get out of the group or not," US defender Oguchi Onyewu said.
A loss would leave the Americans dangerously close to elimination. While a draw could be enough, the Americans need to beat Slovenia to enter the last group stage match against Algeria with any kind of comfort.
Slovenia, a nation with only 2 million inhabitants, is not at England's level in international football, but it has earned a reputation for producing upset wins over the bigger nations in crucial matches. It stunned Russia in a two-match playoff to qualify for the World Cup. Romania and Ukraine have also missed major tournaments after stumbling against the Slovenes.
After losing all three matches in its only previous trip to the World Cup in 2002, Slovenia is already doing better this time around, thanks to captain Robert Koren's goal against the Algerians.
Suddenly, advancing to the second round is not just a possibility, it's "our goal," Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said.
Because Slovenia likely will rely on counterattacks, there has been speculation US coach Bob Bradley might consider starting Jose Torres in place of Ricardo Clark in an effort to increase possession.
"That's what I do with my club team," said Torres, who plays for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. "I love controlling the ball and controlling the pace of the game."
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