World Cup Preview - Group C - USA

Nickname: “Sam’s Army.”

FIFA ranking: 14th

Coach: Bob Bradley.

Game Schedule:
June 12 – U.S.A. vs. England (Rustenberg, 2:30 p.m. EST, ABC)
June 17 – U.S.A. vs. Slovenia (Jo'burg, 10 a.m., ESPN)
June 22 – U.S.A. vs. Algeria (Pretoria, 10 a.m., ESPN)

Prospects: The US ended up top of CONCACAF qualifying but that result flattered what was an up and down series. Prospects received a huge blow when the team's brightest new hope Charlie Davies was nearly killed in a car crash in the fall. His absence leaves a distinct lack of quality up front, especially given Jozy Altidore's dismal year at Hull. As usual, the U.S.'s strong suit is in midfield, where the diamond of Bradley, Dempsey, Donovan and Holden is pretty solid.

Key Player: After his successful loan period with Everton, Landycakes has another chance this summer to attract the attention of a European side. He needs to step it up to the next level.

Youngster to watch: With Charlie Davies just missing out on the summer's festivities, 24 year old Real Salt Lake striker Robbie Findley may well be paired up with Jozy Altidore.

Who Will Get the Goals: As he showed in the Europa League this season for Fulham, Clint Dempsey has a nose for goal whether he's played.

Who Will Get the Cards: Watford stopper is going to be under a lot of pressure this summer and that will be probably mean that he'll see some yellow...and maybe some red.

Prediction: Bob Bradley will want to merely reduce the damage of the first match versus England, so that his boys have enough morale left to dispatch Slovenia and Algeria. Well beaten by the Germans in the Round of 16, unfortunately.