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| DATE: June 12 2010 | CITY: Rustenburg | GROUP: Group C |
The third game for the group stage on June 12 is between England and the United States. It is also probably the most interesting match up of Group C with both teams having a rather easy schedule later on, so the team that will leave with the 3 points is also very likely to cling the first position. Team USA is struggling to become a power in the world football stage - you are probably thinking that everybody has been saying that for years. The fact is that soccer will never be as popular as baseball or football (American NFL football that is), but the sport is gaining increasing popularity year after year in the United States. USA has consistently participated in the last 5 World Cup tournaments (even though they qualify against teams like Haiti and Guyana), and the team reached the quarter finals in 2002. Most likely they will not have any problems moving past the group stage in South Africa, but this is as far as it will go this time.
England is one of the favourite teams to win the 2010 World Cup. They are actually always the favourites to win it all, especially to the eyes of their loyal fans, but this time they really have the opportunity to do so. They rushed to the tournament with a 9-1 record in the qualifying matches, while scoring almost 30 goals with ease. The problem is that England always chokes in the knock out games, and if everything goes according to plan they will most likely meet big rival Argentina somewhere before the semi-finals. Group C should be an easy task for the English team, even without David Beckham on the roster.
If England comes in the game strong without taking it for granted they should leave with the 3 points. The United States can do damage to any team that will not treat them with respect, but the English will want to grab the pole position of Group C early to preserve energy for the tough games in the 2nd and 3rd round of the competition.
