World Cup Group C

Here we are...the group that everyone cares about...and by everyone I mean the few soccer followers among our dozens and dozens of fans.

Group C

Algeria

England

Slovenia

USA

Who Will Win

England

Who Could Win

USA

The Darkhorse

Slovenia

How They'll Finish

4. Algeria - The Algerians have a lot of flair, but are maddeningly inconsistent. In the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations they beat the Ivory Coast, considered one of the best teams on the continent, but lost to Malawi 3-0 in that tournament and got smoked by Egypt in the semis, losing 4-0. Les Fennecs play with a lot of flair but will run into trouble because of the tough defensive squads that are in the group with them. That being said, they could just as easily break out offensively and cause some damage in the group, I just don't think that will happen. Getting out of the group should be considered a success for them.

3. Slovenia - Slovenia used to part of Yugoslavia (they gained independence in 1991) so they were once part of Yugoslavia's successful sports tradition. Since becoming independent they have only made the World Cup Final once, in 2002, so they might have a case of the "happy to be heres." They are inexperienced, but they are tough, very tough. They play a grinding defensive style of soccer. They allowed only four goals in ten qualifying games. The Slovenians don't really have any top flight players, except for their goalie Samir Handanovic. Handanovic is tall, quick, and has incredible range. He could be a thorn in the side of the strikers in this group. With great goal-tending, and great defense, I wouldn't be shocked if the Slovenians disrupt the English speakers and make it to the round of 16.

2. USA - The World Cup Final is a tourney built on trends, streaks, and traditions...only seven teams have ever won the title, for example. The Yanks have a few things going for them in that respect. They have experienced players and have played in three of the stadiums in which the tourney is being played. Most people know the stars on the field...Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, and outstanding goalie Tim Howard. The story for the Americans could just as easily those who aren't playing, most notably Charlie Davies and former wunderkind Freddy Adu. The catalyst will be Howard. He is on the short list of the best keepers in the world. If the Yanks can get some offense from their strikers to go along with Howard's predicted great play the team will do well.

1. England - The English have their sights set high. Here's the good. Back line players Rio Ferdinand and John Terry and midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are among the best in the world at their positions, when they are healthy. They can also count on striker Wayne Rooney, who is playing his ass of right now. The bad? In short...baby mama drama. Terry's well publicized stepping out with a teammate's ex is having an effect on the mental state of the team. This will only get worse when the press starts leaning on them in South Africa. The X-factor? Coach Fabio Capello. If there is anything this coach can do it's whip the English into shape and make them ignore the pressure of the tabloid media. David Beckham has said the coach has injected the team with "steel." This team is one of the best on the field and if they get tough mentally and work through their locker room issues they are going to be extremely dangerous. Winning this group should be no issue.