Group C

AlgeriaHistory: Third appearance (never advanced).

Key players: Midfielder Yazid Mansouri, the captain who plays for Lorient, and midfielder Karim Matmour of Moenchengladbach.

Coach: Rabah Saadane

Outlook: As the only Arab nation in the tournament, Algeria carries an extra burden. Its players also carry significant momentum from beating Egypt to get into the tournament, and from a win over the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations. The Algerians need more offense from Rafik Djebbour and Abdelkader Ghezzal.

EnglandHistory: 12th appearance (winner in 1966).

Key players: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Frank Lampard of Chelsea.

Coach: Fabio Capello

Outlook: Injuries are a concern for this veteran squad that is versatile on attack but uncertain in front of the goal - particularly if Chelsea's John Terry goes back into a funk. Netminding has been an issue, too, and England won't survive for long without a steady keeper. Rooney is among the most dangerous attackers in the world, and both Lampard and Steven Gerrard can be brilliant. Unfortunately, they aren't always in top form. A win over the U.S. Saturday should boost England to the group title.

SloveniaHistory: Second appearance (never advanced).

Key players: West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren is the captain, while Udinese's Samir Handanovic will be the keeper.

Coach: Matjaz Kek

Outlook: Their surprising ouster of Russia in a playoff for a World Cup berth made people notice. Strong defensively, with Koren the anchor and Handanovic gaining a reputation as an elite keeper, the Slovenians won't get blown out by anybody.

United StatesHistory: 10th appearance (semifinals in 1930).

Key players: Midfielder Landon Donovan of Los Angeles Galaxy and keeper Tim Howard of Everton.

Coach: Bob Bradley

Outlook: Everything seems set up for the U.S. to advance, but injuries add much uncertainty to their prospects. Few of the top players have remained healthy for long stretches, and the Americans need Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra and several backups to be fit. Donovan never has been better, and Howard is capable of stealing a game.