USA

Nickname: Stars & Stripes
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: 14

The USA will be making their eighth World Cup appearance and their sixth consecutive. Their best performance came in the very first World Cup in 1930, where they came in third place, and since then in 2002, where they reached the quarterfinals. They were placed in Group C alongside England (ranked 8th), Slovenia (ranked 25th) and Algeria (ranked 30th).

The Stars & Stripes qualified for this World Cup in first place in the CONCACAF just ahead of rivals Mexico. They are expected to come out of this group in second place and from there anything is possible. The key match up comes in their game against England in Rustenburg on June 12. If the US can manage to come away with a draw or a victory, they should be well on their way to the second round.

Coach

The US is coached by Bob Bradley, who originally was considered to be unqualified for the head coaching job, but after going ten games without a loss people began to give him more credit. The US also put on an impressive showing in the Confederations Cup last year in South Africa, which has given many people hope they can perform well in the World Cup. Their run in the Confederation Cup included a semifinals victory over Spain, ending Spain’s 35 game non-losing streak, and also included a 2-0 lead at halftime over Brazil in the final. They, however, went on to lose after giving up three goals in the second half. The Stars & Stripes are hoping for another successful performance this year in South Africa.

Key Players

The US is led by forward Landon Donovan, a very quick and creative player who is outstanding on the counter attack. Donovan lacks the flashy moves that other stars show, but he makes up for it with his speed and intelligence. He is a big key to the US making an impact in the World Cup. Donovan will most likely be paired up front with Jozy Altidore. Altidore is an exciting young forward who is only 20 years old and who at 18 became the youngest American to score for the national team. Despite not being that heavy he is a very quick, powerful player who has a knack for finishing. If he continues to play like he has for the US during the last year he will be an exciting player to watch in South Africa. Altidore did lead the US qualification efforts with six goals, followed closely by Donovan with five.

Another key figure for the Stars & Stripes is goalie Tim Howard. Howard is a tremendous goalie who has performed very well for the US over the last two years. He is also considered one of the best goalies in the English Premier League, where he plays for Everton.

Two other names to watch in South Africa are defender Oguchi Oneywu and midfielder Clint Dempsey. Both are coming off big injuries and in the middle of March were just beginning to play again. If either one can’t compete in this World Cup it would be a huge blow for the US.