USA leaves it to the last minute against Algeria

The USA, like England, has left it to the last minute to qualify for the next round. Everything will come to a head in Group C as the Americans take on Algeria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on June 23. The easiest way for the USA to advance is to simply win the game. If they don’t, things get complicated. If the USA, with three points, wins, Algeria, with one point will be out. If the game ends in a draw, Algeria will also be out. An Algeria win will see them through if Slovenia draws or beats England. They can also go through if they win and England wins and they make up the goal difference with Slovenia. Algeria is currently at minus 1, while Slovenia sits at a plus 1 in goal difference.

If both games end in draws the Americans and English will be level at three points and goal difference will decide it. However, if England outscores the USA by two goals in their final game, every tiebreaking process will be level and FIFA would draw lots to see who goes through. If England draw and score three or more goals than the U.S., they will advance.

The Americans find themselves in this complicated position due to a 1-1 draw with England in their opening game and a 2-2 draw with Slovenia. It looked like the USA had scored the winning goal against Slovenia in the 85th minute as Maurice Edu found the back of the net, but the goal was inexplicably called off by the referee.

If the U.S. wants to advance, they need to stop their habit of going behind early as they did in their first two games. They will also need midfielder Landon Donovan to continue his strong two-way play as he’s tireless on the offence and defence. Midfielder Edu played well in the game against Slovenia and he could get a start against Algeria, so could Ricardo Clark. Forward Robbie Findley is out of the game for sure as he received two yellow cards in the first two games and is suspended. Manager Bob Bradley will likely play Clint Dempsey in the attack along with Jozy Altidore. However, Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez are also options.

Algeria still has a chance of advancing after losing 1-0 to Slovenia and drawing 0-0 with England, however, they haven’t scored a goal in the tournament as of yet. Midfielder Karim Matmour is confident the team can go through if they play to their potential as he feels they can beat anybody when they do. The Algerians might go with a five-man midfield, with their most dangerous player being Karim Ziani so far. Central defenders Antar Yahia and Rafik Halliche have also played well.

USA v Algeria Odds and Predictions

Manager Rabah Saadane will probably start Rais Bolhi in net again after Faouzi Chaouchi made a costly error in goal in the first game against Slovenia. This is Algeria’s third World Cup appearance and they’ve never made it past the first round yet. They’re ranked 30th in the world by FIFA and beating the 14th-ranked Americans is a distinct possibility. However, look for the USA to do enough to advance to the next round with a 2-0 in the first ever matchup between the two countries.

Sportsbook.com offers +750 (8.50, 15/2) for a 2-0 result for the Americans. You can also get +550 (6.50, 11/2) for Clint Dempsey scoring the first goal.

The USA is favoured to win the game by Expekt.com as the odds of a victory are listed at 19/20. A win by Algeria is 3/1, while the odds of a draw are 5/2.

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