World Cup 2010: Group C

UNITED STATES

A memorable upset of European champion Spain and a one-goal loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final in South Africa last year have raised American hopes, but Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and Co. now have to live up to the billing.

ENGLAND

England’s most recent two World Cup campaigns came to grief in the quarterfinals. There will be no David Beckham in 2010, but playmaker Frank Lampard and striker Wayne Rooney are back and expected to lead the charge to the final. Does disappointment await? It’s quite possible.

SLOVENIA

Slovenia is not simply along for the ride. It qualified by defeating heavily favored Russia, a team coached by Dutch legend Guus Hiddink, in a two-game playoff, gaining confidence from that success. Slovenia also upset eventual champion Italy during qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

ALGERIA

The Desert Foxes qualified via a playoff win over African champion Egypt, but most observers give them little chance. Coach Rabah Saadane has a few useful players, such as midfielder Karim Ziani and defender Madjid Bougherra, but the team’s overall prospects appear grim.