Today both England and the USA battle for their lives in the World Cup in South Africa. Both matches are being played at the same time too (3pm GMT). Which team will be heading home afterwards?
England faces Slovenia who has already performed well and is leading Group C at present, while USA is facing Algeria, who were supposed to be the underdogs but have been anything but that from their performance. Algeria will be no walkover, judging by by their feisty and determined play against England. But the USA should beat them as they looked much better in their last match. We will have to see if they keep their form today.
We also have England struggling to stay in the competition and get their last chance today to save their reputation. If they are truly a team of substance then it is about time we all see the evidence. So far it has been all promises no no delivery. After all, each England player gets over seven times per week what a Slovenia player gets (£150,000 compared to £20,000 each)! It's time they started earning it! Slovenia also emphasises "The Team" instead of making stars of anyone and expecting them to do all the work. I think we could learn some lessons from them.
England expects, as we say! Otherwise, we need a totally new mindset and team, never mind a new manager!
As the results so far in the Group are on a knife edge, whatever happens today, the fortunes of England and the USA are tied together because how each one performs will dictate if the other team goes through. The ideal thing would be for both of them to win, though England might not benefit if Slovenia has more points overall. A very dramatic time ahead!
I wish both England and the USA the very best for these crucial matches and will be waiting eagerly to see the results!
FIFA World Cup Football Match times in South Africa (Wednesday 23 June)
GROUP C
1. England vs Slovenia (3pm GMT - in progress)
2. USA vs Algeria (3pm GMT)
GROUP D
3. Ghana vs Germany (7.30 pm GMT)
4. Australia vs Serbia (7.30 pm GMT)
For comparison of each team's statistics and background
For a blog blow by blow account of the match: MatchCast
Video highlights of all the matches:
For ALL information on the FIFA football (soccer) World Cup
