JOHANNESBURG // Weary of having to rally from early deficits, the United States are aiming to score first and make things less complicated when they take on Algeria in their decisive Group C match today. So far, the Americans have salvaged two draws after dropping an early goal to England and going down 2-0 in the first half against Slovenia. It is a scenario they would rather avoid when they face Algeria in Pretoria.
"We can all go around and say, 'Hey, lets get an early lead,' but that doesn't always translate on the field," said Clint Dempsey, who scored the equaliser in the opening 1-1 draw with England. "So it's a little bit more hard work and concentration, and hopefully with a little bit of luck we can get on the right end of the score early on." The US will advance to the last 16 if they beat Algeria. A draw would suffice if England lose to Slovenia. If the United States and England both draw, the Americans would advance provided they end up with more goals scored than the English. Currently they have three to England's one.
Algeria's outlook is bleaker. Anything less than victory will spell the end of their tournament. Even if they win, the North Africans would be eliminated if group leaders Slovenia lose narrowly to England. Given the stakes, Algeria striker Karim Matmour is not expecting a beautiful game. "Today's football is very physical," he said. "Skill is just for the final metres. I'm quite happy to see everybody play the most simple game possible."
The Americans, too, are expecting a bruising battle. "Initially it's going to be a game that's going to be tight," Dempsey said. "And then as the game goes on, seeing how things go, it's going to have to open up, no matter what." * AP
