USA vs Algeria – win can seal USA passage to second round
Published:The USA will join either Slovenia or England in the last 16 if they beat Algeria when the sides meet on Wednesday at 3pm.
They are a convincing 4/5 to do so, and their superior attacking options should give them the edge in this decisive Group C clash.
Although the sides are separated by just one point, there is a distinct difference in style between the two nations. While Algeria have yet to score at the World Cup, the USA have caused opponents’ nets to bulge on three occasions.
Bob Bradley’s men will be buoyed by their comeback against Slovenia, where they recovered from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw which kept alive their hopes of progress.
Landon Donovan was instrumental in this dramatic resurrection, and the former Everton midfielder is 5/1 to follow his thunderous strike against Slovenia by opening the scoring against Algeria.
Algeria, meanwhile, also have faint hopes of qualifying for the round of 16. If they are victorious by more than one goal against the USA, and England beat Slovenia, then they will join Fabio Capello’s side in the second round.
Should these results materialise for Algeria, they will become the first African nation to reach the knockout stages of this World Cup.
Such an outcome seems unlikely, however, when Algeria’s form is taken into consideration. They have lost six of their last nine matches and scored just three goals in the process.
Indeed, the Desert Foxes’ 0-0 draw with England was an illustration of the abysmal form of Capello’s side, rather than an indication of a particularly impressive Algerian performance.
The USA, contrastingly, have two wins and a couple of draws from their last four fixtures. Having scored eight goals in doing so, they should be confident of securing their place in the last 16 with a win against a limited Algerian side.
Disagree? Algeria are 3/1 to beat the USA. See the full USA vs Algeria market.
