It is 2:31am in South Africa and jet lag is the most understated word that comes to mind right now. World Cup ads are everywhere. Salesmen walk in the middle of streets between cars, hawking jerseys for the World Cup teams. Vuvuzelas - the yard-long horns that are blown in South African soccer stadiums - are everywhere...and annoying.
Can someone please verify that Spain really lost? Goes to show you how much passion goes into each of these games. How many (honest) people out there would have even given the Swiss a chance? Good work Switzerland, you just gave hope to Slovenia and every other underdog the rest of the tournament.
Speaking of the USA next match, Slovenia enters the Friday's match-up against the USA as the top-dog in Group C. Slovenia was able to beat their opening opponent Algeria 1-0 because of a costly mistake by the Algerian goalkeeper (not as embarrassing as England goalie Robert Green's blunder).
The US was able to squeak a draw against the Brits, but will need to play better if they are to get out of the group stage. This game has huge implications for both sides:
- A win for Slovenia guarantees them a trip to the knockout round.
- America needs a win to keep pace with England, who will likely get the three points against Algeria.
Slovenia’s strength is their defense. During World Cup qualifying, Slovenia only allowed four goals in ten matches.Slovenia’s roster is composed manly by a bunch of no-names who play very well as a team.
Their captain Robert Koren said it best when he told FIFA.com: “We don’t have any big-name players, but we do have a great spirit in the team and I think that will be our biggest strength…off the field we are all good friends, and I think you see that on the field, too.”
As will be the case in every opponent the US has upcoming, this one is most important. As Spain saw first hand today (yesterday...whenever that was) you have to treat each opponent in this World Cup as the best, or they will make you look your worst.
Gameday Consultants
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