USA’s Landon Donovan scored a goal in the team’s recent 2-2 draw.
After battling to a draw during its first two
World Cup matches, the USA soccer team has been installed as a small 105 favorite for Wednesday's Group C contest against Algeria. The take-back price on the underdog is plus 310.
Those believing lightning will strike three times can get plus 265 that the match will end in a draw. The ‘total' opened at 2 ½ ‘under' (minus 140), a curious number considering Algeria has yet to register a goal in its first two matches.
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USA, ranked 14th in the world, began World Cup 2010 with a fortunate 1-1 draw against England when the English goalkeeper muffed an easy shot on goal.
The Americans then played to a 2-2 draw as a small favorite against Slovenia in its next game, overcoming a 2-0 deficit in the process. The combined four goals jumped ‘over' the closing two-goal closing total.
The U.S. actually could have won that match, but had a goal disallowed because of a mysterious foul that most observers weren't able to identify.
The winner of Wednesday's match, which will be televised by ESPN starting at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, will earn a spot in the knockout round. With a win over Algeria, the Americans can advance to the round of 16 and probably win Group C in the process. England battles Slovenia at the same time in the other World Cup Group C match.
Landon Donovan has been synonymous with the US national team in recent years. The Los Angeles Galaxy attacker has often saved his very best performances for a USA shirt, and he scored one of the clubs two goals against Slovenia.
Providing an impressive supporting cast are Oguchi Onyewu, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey. Bradley scored the other goal against Slovenia.
The United States has had a problem allowing the first goal in recent matches, but has overcome those early deficits in its first two attempts. However, the club should not make that a habit. World Cup action from 1998 to 2006 has seen 160 teams allow the first goal, and only 21 teams came back to win. Just 36 others came back to gain a draw.
The United States has taken part at nine FIFA World Cups, with Mexico the only CONCACAF team involved in more editions. The Americans' best finals performance occurred at Uruguay during the 1930 games when they exited at the semi-final stage.
South Africa 2010 will be the United States' sixth consecutive finals appearance. The US was eliminated four years ago in Germany at the first hurdle.
Algeria can play defense, but it must defeat the U.S. to advance to the knockout round. A draw will not get the job done. Algeria, led by captain Antar Yahia, never threatened the England goal in its last match. Nevertheless, Algeria managed the 0-0 draw against the favored English.
Not surprisingly, the ‘under' has cashed in both of Algeria's matches.
The Americans will advance with a victory and even could move on with a draw, depending on the result of the England-Slovenia game. Algeria must win and have Slovenia win to guarantee getting to the second round.
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U.S. forward Robbie Findley will be serving a one-match suspension after picking up his second caution of the tournament. Algeria enters with all players available for selection.
Steve Cherundolo and Jay DeMerit are carrying cautions into the match. Another yellow card would trigger a one-game ban.