Germany vs Spain World Cup 2010 Semi-final

The match between Germany vs Spain in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Football second Semi-final is going to be a rematch of the final of Euro 2008, where World Cup 2010 now most favorite team Spain won that contest 1-0 against Germany

THE SECOND Semi-final clash between Germany and Spain is scheduled to be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban in the FIFA World Cup Football 2010 on Wednesday June 7. Spain team has reached in the Semi-final of the World Cup Football for the first time since 1950.The match between Germany vs Spain in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Football second Semi-final is going to be a rematch of the final of Euro 2008, where Spain won that contest 1-0 against Germany. Two years on, and Spain are a very similar side to that championship-winning team.The game between Germany vs Spain in the second Semi-final of 2010 World Cup Football will be a football extravaganza when Germany, who has scored the maximum number of goals in the entire tournament, faces world no.2 Spain, who has done more attack than anyone else.During the journey of Semi-final of the World Cup Football 2010, the young German team started their World Cup campaign against Australia. They won against Australia by 4-0 in the group stage match. In the next match, lost to Serbia by 1-0 and in the final group stage match Germany won against Ghana by 1-0. In the round of 16 knock out match, Germany team defeated England by 4-1 in a controversial match. In the Quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup 2010, German team won against Argentina by 4-0.Other side Spain's journey for World Cup football 2010 was not so sweet. In the very first match of group stage, Spain team lost to Switzerland by 0-1. But next match onwards Spain team never looked back. In the second match against Honduras they won by 2-0 and in the last group stage match against Chile, Spain won by 2-1.

In the Round of 16 match against Portugal, Spain won by the only goal of David Villa. In the last Quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2010, Spain defeated Paraguay by 1-0.The Semi-final match between Spain vs Germany in FIFA 2010 World Cup Football, David Villa and Miroslav Klose are the two key players for their side. After five matches, Klose is a goal behind from David Villa with four goals. David Villa has five and he is strongest contender for the race of the golden boot.The winner of the game between Germany vs Spain in the second Semi-final of 2010 World Cup Football will play against Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final at Soccer City, Johannesburg, on Sunday 11 July.

World Cup Preview: Argentina - Mexico

Diego Maradona’s Albiceleste have a perfect record in the competition to date, but el Tri will be no pushovers.
Mexico vs. Argentina
Sunday, June 27, 2:30 p.m. PT

Serious Stuff Starts
Argentina were one of only two nations to qualify from the group stages with a perfect record, but while any errors were previously correctable, the gauntlet of knockout football means that Diego Maradona’s men cannot allow their concentration to waver even for a second. Their first obstacle is Mexico, and sterner challenges will follow should El Tri be successfully negotiated.
Though packing a squad full of highly talented individuals, los Albiceleste have been dismissed in some quarters due the eccentric Maradona. The coach has attracted great attention for his quips and media-friendly soundbites, and this may simply have acted to ease some of the pressure on a team expected to go deep into the competition.
So far the signs have been good. A pedestrian 1-0 success over Nigeria kicked the Argentines off before a strong victory over South Korea in their second game booked a place in the last 16. Top spot in Group B was secured as a team of fringe players defeated Greece 2-0 in their final pool game.

Moreover, the confident Argentina squad don’t need long memories to revisit their previous World Cup encounter with Mexico. Four years ago in Leipzig, Argentina defeated El Tri 2-1 after extra-time, with a stunning strike from Maxi Rodriguez the differentiating factor between the sides.

To that point of the competition in Germany, Argentina had looked highly effective, but they were eliminated on penalties by Germany in the quarter-finals. A potential rematch with Die Mannschaft awaits if results pan out correctly.
We Can Do It

Argentina hold no fears for Mexico. Already the North Americans have had to battle the passionate South African support when they tied 1-1 with the hosts in the tournament’s opening game, grit their teeth and come through as underdogs against France before suffering something of a hangover in their final group encounter against Uruguay.
The loss against the Celeste – a side who finished below the Argentines in their qualifying group – has not damped the spirits of El Tri, who still believe that a place in the last 16 could be theirs.
“Mexico is also a strong rival for any team,” Gerardo Torrado said, according to FIFA's official website. “If you look at the work this team does and how we match up man to man, we have proved we are a difficult team to beat and that has earned the respect of its rivals.
"Obviously you have to translate it onto the field, but I think we can make a valid argument to say we can win this game.”

Playing some fluid attacking football, the Mexicans have been one of the tournament’s more attractive sides in the first fortnight of competition, though questions still remain over their cutting edge. Additionally, their defense has not looked completely secure and anything less than rock solid against a talented Argentine side may prove decisive.
The Castrol World Cup Match Predictor certainly suggests Mexico have an opportunity to cause an upset, though their 35% chance of success is dwarfed by the Los Albicelestes' 65%.

FORM GUIDE

Argentina
WON 2-0 (n) Greece (World Cup, June 22)
WON 4-1 (n) South Korea (World Cup, June 18)
WON 1-0 (n) Nigeria (World Cup, June 12)
WON 5-0 (h) Canada (Friendly, May 24)
WON 4-0 (h) Haiti (Friendly, May 5)

Mexico
LOST 1-0 (n) Uruguay (World Cup, June 22)
WON 2-0 (n) France (World Cup, June 17)
DREW 1-1 (a) South Africa (World Cup, June 11)
WON 2-1 (n) Italy (Friendly, June 3)
WON 5-1 (n) Gambia (Friendly, May 30)

TEAM NEWS
Argentina
Diego Maradona is not an easy man to predict, but after resting a good chunk of his first team against Greece he has given himself plenty of options going into this encounter.
Jonas Gutierrez’s stint at right-back may be drawing to a close. In addition, reports from South America suggesting that Nicolas Otamendi will be brought into the team. Walter Samuel will also start.

Probable Starting XI: Romero; Otamendi, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze; Gutierrez, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi; Tevez, Higuain
Mexico

Carlos Vela was withdrawn injured in the second match of the competition and is still doubtful for Sunday’s match-up. The Arsenal forward looks likely to start the game on the bench once more, though whether he’s stripped or not is up for debate. Vela has been training with the ball of late.

Meanwhile, Argentina-born Guillermo France, who has been at pains to stress that he feels Mexican, has been training with the substitutes of late. Cuauhtemoc Blanco may be the man to replace him.

Probable Starting XI: Perez; Osorio, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido; Juarez, Marquez, Torrado; G. Dos Santos, Blanco, Barrera

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Argentina

Gonzalo Higuain was rested for the final group stage encounter against Greece, so he should be in perfect condition to continue where he left off against South Korea. The Taegeuk Warriors suffered three times at the hands of the Real Madrid striker, who will again be aiming to use his keen nose for a goal to get into positions that will afford him easy chances. With the likes of Lionel Messi about, he’s sure to have a sight or two at goal.
Mexico

Rafael Marquez will have an important role in the center of the Mexican midfield. The Barcelona man has already stressed the importance of stopping club team-mate Lionel Messi getting on the ball, and his role in this task will be vital. He will have to quickly close down the Argentine midfielders and harangue them into errors as prevention is better than cure for el Tri, whose defence is thought to be one of the weakest aspects of their play.

PREDICTION

Argentina justly start this match as favorites. They would seem to have additional quality in their offense, and this will likely prove decisive in the final reckoning. Javier Aguirre’s side cannot be written off, as they do boast a threat of their own, but it’s likely to be Diego Maradona celebrating once more come full-time.
Argentina 3-1 Mexico

World Cup Roundup Day 12: The Champions Crash Out

Italy spent the last four years forgetting how to defend.
Fabio Cannavaro led that charge, transforming from the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006 into a catastrophe whose mistakes have cost Italy goals in every single match of the 2010 World Cup.

The third goal the reigning champions conceded against Slovakia exposed the entire team as unfit to recapture the crown. Daniele De Rossi failed to track his man on a simple throw-in and the defensive line just let him run straight through.
Cannavaro practically tipped his hat to Kamil Kopunek as the substitute sped past to delicately lift the ball over Federico Marchetti and seal the Italians' fate.
So the 2010 World Cup lays claim to another record. After being the first World Cup in which the host nation failed to advance to the knockout rounds, it is also the first World Cup in which both finalists from the tournament prior failed to advance past the group stages.
In fact, both France and Italy finished bottom of their groups. The Azzuri even finished behind

New Zealand!
The plucky Kiwis didn't lose a single game, a remarkable accomplishment for any team which includes Andrew Boyens in its ranks. A drab 0-0 draw with Paraguay put the South Americans top of the group and featured once again the grit of the All Whites on defense.
The Netherlands remained unbeaten as well, putting together a 3-0 run to top Group E. Cameroon, which had already been mathematically eliminated, did put up a bit of a fight against the Dutch. Samuel Eto'o tied up the score at 1-1 by converting a coolly taken penalty, but a late Arjen Robben cameo sparked the Dutch to a solid 2-1 win.
That meant only second place was up for grabs in the group's other match. In it, Japan exploited some set pieces to eliminate Denmark.

First Keisuke Honda hit a swerving free kick from an acute angle that apparently caught Thomas Sorensen daydreaming about his Civic because the goalkeeper flubbed it badly. Then Yasuhito Endo curled a gorgeous ball around the wall and into the corner of the net for a two-goal lead.

Even Jon Dahl Tomasson's finish on the rebound to his atrocious penalty attempt didn't get the Danes back in the game. Honda showed some incredible poise on the ball to wiggle through the entire Danish defense and lay the ball off for Shinji Okazaki to tap it in.
The finish was so easy, even Cannavaro might have been able to bundle it in.
Goal Of The Day

Fabio Quagliarella provided the most highlight reel material from anyone today. His weeping at the final whistle put an image to how the country felt, and his offside goal which would have tied the game about summed up Italy's World Cup. But between those two, he hit a goal of such picturesque beauty most won't believe he did it with a Jabulani.
De Rossi overran the ball and narrowly managed to tap it back to Quagliarella. The Napoli striker settled and hit a sumptuous chip which floated just whiskers above the goalie's glove and into the top corner of the net.
Given the quality of the goal and how effective Quagliarella proved to be in the Slovakia match, one must wonder why he was making his World Cup debut in the third match and not the first.
Performance Of The Day

It wasn't the drilled free kick for the opening goal. It wasn't the vibrant running off the ball. It wasn't the perfect touches in all areas of the pitch. And it even wasn't the disarming selflessness to pass on Japan's third goal when any other striker would shoot.
OK fine, it was those things. Keisuke Honda tore it up against Denmark. Japan will need another performance like that out of him to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in the country's history.

Most Shocking Event
Vladimir Weiss may take a bit of grief from his wife tonight. The Slovakian coach left his son out of the starting lineup and out of the match entirely against Italy.
The move paid off, of course, with a spot in the knockout rounds secured. And it doesn't look like Jr. will hold a grudge, judging by the jubilant hug he gave his father at the final whistle.
But still, Momma Weiss will have the coach in the doghouse once he returns from the World Cup.
Referee Report Card
The referees managed a smooth day of games. Long may it continue.
Quote Of The Day
"The coach called me over, and asked me to invent something," Quagliarella told RaiSport. "I did my best, but my dream of a lifetime - and of my career - is over."

World Cup Preview: Slovakia - Italy

It is the decisive day in Group F
Kick-Off: Thursday, June 24, 16:00 CET.Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg.

Win Or Bust

Slovakia are making their debut in the World Cup as an independent nation and their presence in the world's most prestigious football competition is an achievement in itself. However, for a side of their quality, the Slovaks were certainly expected to do much better than they have done so far in South Africa.

At the moment Slovakia are at the bottom of Group F with just a single point from two games. Vladimir Weiss's side started their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw with minnows New Zealand and were then comprehensively outclassed 2-0 by Paraguay, putting them a step closer to the exit door.
Slovakia need to win their final group match against Italy if they aspire to progress through to the second round, and in all likelihood they would have to eke out a win by a considerable margin just in case New Zealand defeat Paraguay, which would then mean that Slovakia and Paraguay would finish level on four points.

If Paraguay win or draw their game with the Kiwis, then a win by any margin would do for Slovakia, who, however, have been very poor in front of goal; although Italy don't have an exceptionally great defense, they have looked good at the back so far.
Staring At Humiliation
At the start of the World Cup no one seriously believed that Italy would go on and successfully defend their World Cup title but most thought they would win their group. Pitted against Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, the Azzurri were expected to comfortably march to the second round, but, as things stand in Group F, they may be forced to book an early flight back home.

At the moment Marcello Lippi's side are second in the group with two points from two games. Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay in their opening match in South Africa and that was followed by a 1-1 draw with minnows New Zealand, a match that they actually could have lost towards the end. Two successive draws have left a lackluster Italy side in a precarious position.
For the Azzurri to attain qualification to the last 16, they need to win against Slovakia and if they do so then they needn't bother about the result in the other match. A draw with the Slovaks would be enough too, but only if Paraguay defeat New Zealand or there is a draw between the two which leaves Italy ahead of the Kiwis on goals scored.

FORM GUIDE

Slovakia
June 20: Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay (World Cup)
June 15: New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia (World Cup)
June 5: Slovakia 3-0 Costa Rica (Friendly)
May 29: Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon (Friendly)
March 3: Slovakia 0-1 Norway (Friendly)

Italy
June 20: Italy 1-1 New Zealand (World Cup)
June 14: Italy 1-1 Paraguay (World Cup)
June 5: Switzerland 1-1 Italy (Friendly)
June 3: Italy 1-2 Mexico (Friendly)
March 3: Italy 0-0 Cameroon (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Slovakia

Coach Vladimir Weiss could change his attack line-up a bit and could start with midfielder Miroslav Stoch, who seems to have recovered from his knee injury. Marek Cech could also start ahead of Kornel Salata.
Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1): Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Cech, Durica; Strba, Stoch; Weiss, Hamsik, Vittek; Sestak

Italy

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo has resumed training and is likely to be drafted into the starting line-up on Thursday. Claudio Marchisio is the player to be dropped to make space for the Milan deep-lying playmaker. Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini could also come in and so could Antonio Di Natale, meaning that Simone Pepe and Alberto Gilardino could be relegated to the bench. Gianluigi Buffon remains injured for the fixture.
Probable Line-up (4-3-3): Marchetti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito; Montolivo, De Rossi, Pirlo; Iaquinta, Pazzini, Di Natale

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

Slovakia have scored just one goal so far in the World Cup and that was scored by Robert Vittek. The 28-year-old will have to step up his game and find the target for the Slovaks against Italy on Thursday if the World Cup debutantes still aspire to progress through to the second round.
Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
The deep-lying playmaker missed the first two group games for Italy at the World Cup because of a calf injury but he has now resumed full training with the Azzurri. Pirlo is arguably the only world class creative midfielder in the current Italian squad who can invent the game, and his return will boost the defending world champions' chances of winning against Slovakia and advancing to the last 16.

PREDICTION
Slovakia have been hugely disappointing so far in the World Cup and it is unlikely that they will be able to pull themselves out of the pit against Italy. Indeed, the Castrol World Cup match predictor gives them just a 20% chance of winning and Italy a 55% chance; a draw is put at 25%. The Azzurri should win this match but they have been struggling for goals, so a 1-0 victory is the maximum they can aspire for.
Slovakia 0-1 Italy

World Cup 2010 Preview: Denmark - Japan

With three points each, Thursday’s fixture between the Danish Dynamite and the Blue Samurai is already like a knockout affair.


Kick Off: Thursday, June 24, 2010. 20:30 CETRoyal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

Blow A Hole In JapanDenmark’s road in South Africa has been somewhat rocky early on, yet Morten Olsen’s side still have a very real chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. To progress to the round of 16 and maintain their record of never having been eliminated from the group stages, the Danes must simply defeat Japan.

After an opening match loss to the Netherlands, in which Olsen’s side sat back for the majority of the encounter and simply hoped to spring on the counterattack, Denmark’s campaign seemed to be heading into oblivion when a defensive slip presented Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o with an easy chance to put the Africans 1-0 up in their second game. Showing creditable resolve, the Danish Dynamite fought back to claim a 2-1 win thanks to Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl.

“Japan is a good team and very defensive, but I believe in the strength we have,” Bendtner told the press ahead of Thursday’s fixture. “We know we have to score. But if we can hold the ball up and use the height we have in attack then I believe that could break any defense down.”There has only been one previous precedent between these two countries, and on that occasion the Danish proved to be the stronger unit, running out 3-2 victors. Given the circumstances, it would be something of a surprise to see such a high scoring affair in Rustenburg, where the stakes are high for both sides.

Wanting Ten GoalsJapan coach Takeshi Okada was under intense pressure coming into the World Cup. His side had struggled badly for form in the lead-up to the competition, and the fanatical supporters of the Blue Samurai, normally so resolutely behind their side, had even taken to booing their national team.Okada, however, is only a draw away from taking his troops into the last 16. Playing a gritty, defensive brand of football that is high on organization and discipline but low on flair and excitement, the Asians pinched a 1-0 victory over Cameroon to open their campaign. A similar performance against the Netherlands quickly followed, but the Dutch had the class to claim a narrow win. Goal difference dictates that the Japanese have the upper hand on the Danes ahead of this crucial encounter.“I think it will be a very big match for both sides,” Okada told the AFP. “To win such a big match, I think in a sense we need something beyond the team's tactics.“It would be ideal if we can overwhelm the opposition by ten goals. But it won't be that easy. I think it's going to be a very close, fierce match.”Just as Bendtner pointed to set-plays as a key battleground, Okada did the same, noting his side’s disadvantage in terms of height from free kicks and corners around the penalty box. If the Japanese can nullify this threat from their opponents, Okada believes they have a chance.

Denmark
WON 2-1 (n) Cameroon (World Cup, June 19)
LOST 2-0 (n) Netherlands (World Cup, June 14)
LOST 1-0 (a) South Africa (Friendly, June 5)
LOST 1-0 (n) Australia (Friendly, June 1)
WON 2-0 (h) Senegal (Friendly, May 27)
Japan
LOST 1-0 (n) Netherlands (World Cup, June 19)
WON 1-0 (n) Cameroon (World Cup, June 14)
LOST 2-0 (n) Cote d’Ivoire (Friendly, June 4)
LOST 2-1 (n) England (Friendly, May 30)
LOST 2-0 (h) South Korea (Kirin Cup, May 24)

TEAM NEWS
DenmarkThere have been no reports of fresh injury worries in the Danish camp, though Simon Kjaer picked up his second yellow card of the competition last time out and is therefore suspended.Martin Jorgensen finds his place under pressure after a poor showing against the Cameroon, while Morten Olsen will want to see the defense far tighter than it was against the African outfit.Probable Starting XI: Sorensen; Jacobsen, Kroldrup, Agger, S. Poulsen; Jorgensen, Gronkjaer, C. Poulsen; Rommedahl, Bendtner, Tomasson

FORM GUIDE
Japan
Takeshi Okada should be able to select from the same pool of players that took to the field against the Netherlands. After giving a good account of themselves in that fixture, it would be a surprise if there were to be any massive chances to the side, particularly since the goal in this game will also be to keep a clean sheet.
Probable Starting XI: Kawashima; Komano, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo; Matsui, Abe, Hasebe, Endo, Okubo; Honda
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Denmark
Dennis Rommedahl may be advancing in years, but he showed against Cameroon last week that he is not losing any of his effectiveness. Still contracted to Ajax, the winger struck the vital winning goal for the Danes against the Africans, and a repeat performance will lift him into the realms of national hero.
Japan
Tulio’s role in the heart of the Blue Samurai defense will be crucial. Born in Brazil but a naturalised Japanese citizen, his ability from set pieces with be severely put to the test. At 6ft 1in, he is one of the taller members of Takeshi Okada’s unit, so there will be a massive onus to get his marking right from dead-ball situations. If he is solid at the back, he can also attack such situations with confidence as he has a commendable scoring record for a centre-back. He recently scored at both ends against England.
PREDICTION
Japan have looked a resilient team in recent times, but rarely have they looked particularly exciting. They don’t need to be anything more than resolute on Thursday evening, and after showing great determination against Cameroon and the Netherlands, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they can hold out. The Castrol World Cup Match Predictor suggests this will be a tight game, with the Danes given a 43 per cent chance of winning.
Denmark 1-0 Japan

World Cup 2010 Preview: Netherlands - Cameroon

Both the Oranje and the Indomitable Lions have 100 per cent records, but only one of those sides wants to maintain theirs.

Kick Off: Thursday, June 24, 2010. 20:30 CETCape Town Stadium, Cape TownHopefulIt’s been a strange sort of start to the World Cup for the Netherlands. Without hitting top gear, Bert van Marwijk’s side sit pretty at the top of Group E with six points, needing just a draw in their final encounter against Cameroon to book safe passage in first place.Of course, the Netherlands haven’t had the chance to fully express themselves on the pitch yet. In the form of Denmark and Japan they have been faced with two remarkably stuffy sides, yet on each occasion the Oranje have successfully picked up three points, despite being shorn of star man Arjen Robben.Patience has proven to be a virtue in the Dutch ranks. In both of their opening matches they’ve had to wait until the second half to make their move, and the Europeans have largely looked comfortable, despite some persistent misgivings about the state of their defense.Already through to the last 16, the Netherlands have still to secure top spot in their group, and that is what Van Marwijk wants to see come Thursday. “I do take the match against Cameroon very seriously because it is in that match that the team has to show that they have learned. We want to improve in every match,” he told FIFA’s official website.With a harmonious camp, the Netherlands are well placed to challenge even the world’s best this year and a victory against the Indomitable Lions will ease their passage to their ultimate goal.RegretfulWhile the Dutch get on swimmingly, that has certainly not been the case in the Cameroon camp, which has suffered discord and controversy from the moment Roger Milla criticized star man Samuel Eto’o for not producing his best form for the national side before the tournament.Though Eto’o ultimately called off a potential strike, the tone was set for the Indomitable Lions, who went into their opening match against Japan with a conservative mindset and were hence defeated 1-0. A technically superior side to their opponents, the lacklusterallen.ra nature of the Cameroonians and the baffling tactics of coach Paul Le Guen combined to form a frustrating encounter for the Africans.Against Denmark things got a little better. Cameroon looked a slicker unit going forward, but they were shambolic at the back and were frequently cut open by the European side. Eto’o pounced on a mistake at the other end of the field to strike the opening goal, but the Danes would turn the game around to ensure Cameroon would be the first side knocked out of the competition.“I have regrets for both matches, but of a different kind. I think they are legitimate regrets however. We were pretty close but we didn't get there in the end,” Le Guen lamented after the Denmark game.Pride is all that is left for the West Africans to play for. Though the Indomitable Lions are still remembered for their fantastic run to the quarter-finals of Italia ’90, they have only flopped since then, winning only one solitary Finals match and crashing out in the group stages on each occasion. Three points against the Netherlands would therefore be a massive source of pleasure.
FORM GUIDENetherlandsWON 1-0 (n) Japan (World Cup, June 19)WON 2-0 (n) Denmark (World Cup, June 14)WON 6-1 (h) Hungary (Friendly, June 5)WON 4-1 (h) Ghana (Friendly, June 1)WON 2-1 (n) Mexico (Friendly, May 26)CameroonLOST 2-1 (n) Denmark (World Cup, June 19)LOST 1-0 (n) Japan (World Cup, June 14)LOST 4-3 (a) Serbia (Friendly, June 5)LOST 3-1 (a) Portugal (Friendly, June 1)DREW 1-1 (a) Slovakia (Friendly, May 29)TEAM NEWSNetherlandsBert van Marwijk wants the players to find their rhythm and will probably stick with the core of the team that played the previous two games. Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong have both been booked in the first two games of the group stage and will probably get some rest. Expect Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy de Zeeuw to take their places. The coach will leave it up to Arjen Robben to decide whether he's ready to play, and it seems likely he will be given half an hour. There is still no serious injury news. Sander Boschker, the third choice goalkeeper, picked up a knock during training earlier this week, while Eljero Elia and Giovanni van Bronckhorst aren't 100 per cent match fit either. All are available though.Probable Starting XI: Stekelenburg; Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; Van Bommel, De Zeeuw; Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart; Van PersieCameroonPaul Le Guen is a coach known for his stubborn approach, but the Frenchman made changes for the better in the Denmark game. Though this fixture is a dead rubber for Cameroon, they will certainly be going all out to chase maximum points, so don’t expect to see a great deal of rotation from their unit.Probable Starting XI: Souleymanou; Mbia, Nkoulou, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Song, Eyong; Geremi, Webo, Emana; Eto’oPLAYERS TO WATCHNetherlandsRafael van der Vaart endured a somewhat difficult season with Real Madrid, flitting in and out of the team, but is presently being given a chance to shine due to Arjen Robben’s injury woes. The former Hamburg star will have to raise the level of his game enormously to stand a chance of retaining his spot in the XI come the knockout stages, when Robben will be fully functional.CameroonGeremi is likely to play his last World Cup fixture on Thursday. At 31-years-old, the former Real Madrid player has been a great servant to his national team, turning out for the Indomitable Lions on no less than 116 occasions. For all these caps, he has only once tasted success in a World Cup Finals match, and he will want to experience such a high again in his career.PREDICTIONThe Dutch will want to make a statement by going through to the last 16 with a perfect record. Against a disjointed Cameroon outfit, who seem to be lacking in confidence in coach Paul Le Guen, the Oranje should be strong enough to claim maximum points. The Africans are given just an 11 per cent shot of winning by the Castrol World Cup Match Predictor, leaving the Netherlands heavy favorites.Netherlands 3-1 Cameroon

World Cup 2010 Preview: USA - Algeria

It’s all to play for between the Stars and Stripes and les Fennecs, as both can yet qualify for the last 16..

Kick Off: Wednesday, June 23, 2010. 16:00 CET
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Hanging In

The World Cup isn’t even two weeks old and the USA have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. From the high of picking up a point against England, Bob Bradley’s side were suddenly staring elimination in the face when they went 2-0 down to Slovenia. At no point in the competition have the Stars and Stripes been ahead in a fixture, yet three points against les Fennecs on Wednesday will book them a place in the last 16.

Arguably the Americans should be even better placed. Having recovered from their two goal deficit against Matjaz Kek’s side, Maurice Edu thought he had snatched a dramatic late winning goal. The Rangers midfielder’s celebrations were cut prematurely short as his close range strike was disallowed due to supposed jostling in the box, though replays showed that it was the US forwards who were bearing the brunt of the physical exchanges.

That decision could prove critical in the final shake-up, though Bradley only has his thoughts turned towards Wednesday’s fixture. “I ended up feeling badly for the team and our fans because a 3-2 comeback win would have given us a real chance of advancing and would have been something that was pretty special for everybody,” Bradley told the PA.

"It didn't happen that way, so we put it behind us. We understand that if we win we advance and we understand that there's a possibility that we can still win our group. We have moved forward.”

To emerge from Group C means picking up maximum points, something the Castrol World Cup Predictor suggests the Stars and Stripes have a 61 per cent chance of doing. Bradley has stated that “discipline” and effectiveness in front of goal will be key for his side as they strive for a knockout stage berth.

England Draw No Accident

Prior to the start of the World Cup, Algeria were given no chance of qualifying for the last 16, yet they go into the final game with a legitimate opportunity to progress. Achieving that means scoring, which Rabah Saadane’s side have failed to achieve during the duration of this competition to date, but any kind of three-goal success will certainly be good enough for the North Africans.

A goalkeeping error from Faouzi Chaouchi cost les Fennecs two points in their opening game of the competition against Slovenia, but with Rais M'Bolhi between the pins against England last Friday, Algeria held firm.

“Our loss to Slovenia was nothing more than an accident,” Madjid Bougherra proclaimed to the media after the England match. “I definitely believe we can get to the next round. We are getting better and know what we have to do - beat the USA in our final group match.”

Les Fennecs have never previously met the USA in a competitive fixture, but the raw statistics don’t look especially favourable for the African side. While the Stars and Stripes are deemed by FIFA to be ranked 14th in the world, Saadane’s men are a more lowly 30th. Moreover, Algeria’s World Cup experience is extremely limited, and if this squad is to progress, they will be the first side from the expectant nation to ever play a knock-out game at the Finals.

The mental toughness of the Algerians cannot be questioned, after all they beat Egypt in an intense one-off playoff to reach the Finals, so anything could happen.
FORM GUIDE

USA

DREW 2-2 (n) Slovenia (World Cup, June 18)

DREW 1-1 (n) England (World Cup, June 12)

WON 3-1 (n) Australia (Friendly, June 5)

WON 2-1 (h) Turkey (Friendly, May 29)

LOST 4-2 (h) Czech Republic (Friendly, May 25)

Algeria

DREW 0-0 (n) England (World Cup, June 18)

LOST 1-0 (n) Slovenia (World Cup, June 13)

WON 1-0 (n) UAE (Friendly, June 5)

LOST 3-0 (a) Republic of Ireland (Friendly, May 28)

LOST 3-0 (a) Serbia (Friendly, March 3)

TEAM NEWS

USA

There were doubts expressed over the fitness of Tim Howard after the England game, but he came through the Americans’ latest fixture unscathed and will once against claim the gloves for this encounter.

Jose Torres, who started in the centre of the pitch against Slovenia, had a nightmare first half and was withdrawn at the interval. Though Maurice Edu was not brilliant, he was far steadier and should be retained. Benny Feilhaber could also feature from the start.

Probable Starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra; Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey; Altidore, Findlay

Algeria

Karim Ziani hasn’t trained regularly since the England game, but worries over his fitness have been allayed.

Coach Rabah Saadane has been tipped to change his formation to a 4-4-2 setup, meaning that Ryad Boudebouz will drop out to be replaced by Rafik Djebbour.

Probable Starting XI: Gaouaoui; Halliche, Bougherra, Yahia, Masbah; Kadir, Lacen, Yebda, Ziani; Djebbour, Matmour

PLAYERS TO WATCH

USA

Michael Bradley was one of the stars of the show during the Stars and Stripes’ comeback against Slovenia. The coach’s son was one of the few players to pull their weight in the first half of that encounter, when he looked positive from midfield, showing an eye for an astute pass to break down the opposing defence. His running from the centre of the pitch will be key in this fixture, with a great burst against the Slovenians bringing a fine equaliser last Friday.

Algeria

International goals are all but non-existent in the Algerian side, so the influence of creative midfielder Karim Ziani will be key. The Wolfsburg player has only served to disappoint in the early stages of the competition, but if the sparky 27-year-old has a strong game, his side can justifiably hope to win through.

PREDICTION

The USA have recent experience of sneaking into the knockout stages of tournaments, having enjoyed a dramatic passage through to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. The Stars and Stripes will hope they don’t cut it quite so finely, but they should feel confident of progression on the back of their second half performance against Slovenia. Algeria, though defensive sound for the most part, have looked limited offensively and may struggle to break their opponents.

USA 2-0 Algeria