Algeria, who are yet to find the back of the net from two matches in Group C, will face the USA at Pretoria on Wednesday in a match that is crucial for both teams. Three points against the Americans will make the African team a contender for a place in last 16.
But the momentum is with the US after they rallied from two goals down to hold Slovenia on June 18. The American camp is still bitter about the disallowed goal against Slovenes that would have given them a 3-2 win.
Referee Koman Coulibaly nullified Maurice Edu’s strike for a foul inside the box. The decision confounded all because there was no serious foul in the build-up to the goal. Coulibaly’s blunder has forced Fifa to keep the official from Mali off its roster for the last 16 matches.
US coach Bob Bradley will want a response from his players on the pitch. A win on Wednesday will preclude the need to scramble for a calculator. It is a blessing to enter the final match of the first round without having to worry about the result of the other tie from the same group. The lung power of US fans is another factor that should tilt the scales in favour of Bradley’s side.
Landon Donovan, who is playing his third World Cup, holds the key for the US. The versatile LA Galaxy star has the licence to roam. That Donovan has found his rhythm here is bad news for his African opponents.