Thoughts on Group C

Group C
Team	W	L	D	Pts	Diff
Slovenia	1	0	0	3	+1
England	0	0	1	1	0
United States	0	0	1	1	0
Algeria	0	1	0	0	-1

When the World Cup draw was made in December, first order of business for US fans was obsessing about the tantalizing first-round matchup. After that, for perhaps the first time in our World Cup history, we engaged in a bit of cautious but genuine optimism. European minnows Slovenia squeaked through a difficult qualifying group, a significant accomplishment in and of itself, but they never looked powerful. Their FIFA ranking eleven spots below the US suggested that that dubious grading system had at least some merit. Algeria, ranked 30th, also narrowly qualified after two tense and controversial play-in games with bitter rivals Egypt.

Bottom line is, neither team was expected to be in South Africa. Six months ago this looked like a group that the US could, even should, get past, and with a successful first match in the books, that is absolutely still the case.

Granted, the best possible result for the US from this morning's match would have been a nil-nil (0-0) tie between Slovenia and Algeria. That result would have put all four teams more or less on level ground, with a small advantage going to the US and England for having scored. The game certainly seemed to be headed in that direction. But some combination of nerves, skill and Jubulani intervened to give Slovenia a surprise spot at the top of the group.

Still, neither anglophone country should discouraged going into their next games. If the US back line carries over its solid play from the England game, they should be able to deal with Slovenia's minimal offensive threats. Meanwhile, Donovan and Dempsey should find more space to work with on the flanks than they found against England. Slovenia's back line is big and strong, but Altidore should be able to counter with his own strength, and then use his pace to create chances like the one he made against England's Jamie Carragher. Choosing Altidore's partner will again be an interesting decision for Bob Bradley. Will he go with Buddle's physicality in an attempt to match Slovenia's. Or will Findley's pace earn him the nod again?

For me, Findley wasn't involved nearly enough against England, and my vote is for Buddle. I'd also switch Edu for Clark, who despite a typically good work rate, was too casual with the ball. But Bradley is notoriously loyal to certain players and Clark seems to be one of them.

Slovenia has a stellar defensive record, which, on watching the team this morning, surely has plenty to do with their talented young goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. Ultimately, beating Handonovic may be American's biggest challenge.