Group C clash
June 12, 2010
Ever since the World Cup draw last December, American and English fans have been looking toward the two nations' Group C opener in Rustenburg on Saturday. Former national players from the two teams are no exception.
The bookmakers have England as firm favorites, which former England and FC Cologne striker Tony Woodcock sees as justified, but says it will be a demanding fixture.
"It's not going to be an easy one. We know that a lot of players from the United States are playing all over the place," said the 1982 World Cup veteran. "We also know that American players are very fit, physically, and look after themselves very well."
He said it would be key for England to get a win in the game so that they wouldn't be behind the ball against Algeria and Slovenia.
Big challenge
Former US national teamer Tony Sanneh said he thought England would be a tough match-up for the US.
"Physically, we match up against most teams in the world very well as far as strength, speed," said the former Hertha Berlin wing player, who played every minute of every match in the US team's run to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002.
"England, though, is physically a lot like us - but technically and tactically a lot more advanced. It will be a tough game for us because it's difficult to out-run or out-fight them."
Chance to win
One of Sanneh's teammates on that 2002 squad, however, thinks the US has a chance to spring a surprise.
"We've got a good counter-attack, we've got some good speed that we used in the Confederations Cup last summer," said Kasey Keller, who was also part of the US squad in 1990, 1998 and at the 2006 World Cup in Germany."We've got to withstand the pressure and then break with pace. If we can do that, who knows?"
"I would be surprised if we outshot England, but if we can defend with everything we have and then really take advantage of the opportunities we do have, we'll do well."
Still, the onetime Borussia Moenchengladbach keeper said, England has a size advantage on set pieces through players like Peter Crouch and John Terry, who will be a handful.
"If we give away an early goal, or just give away too many fouls and let them throw some balls in the box and dominate us, we're in for a long day."
Author: Matt Hermann
Editor: Kyle James