U.S.-Algeria: What are the odds and who would you start?
Oguchi Onyewu of the United States, right, looks up as the U.S. team forms a huddle prior to the World Cup Group C match against Slovenia, Friday. (June 18, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
In just hours, Algeria will determine the success -- or failure -- for the United States at the 2010 World Cup.
A win and the United States moves on to the Round of 16. A loss and it doesn't. A draw offers a few other scenarios.
Head coach Bob Bradley's team is undefeated and winless this tournament and has had its moments, both brilliant and terrible. After their 2-2 draw with Slovenia, the Americans hope to lasso that momentum from their comeback vict-- ... draw as they prepare for Wednesday's match in Pretoria.
Like we've done every game, here are the latest odds, courtesy of Bodog.com:
Who will win?
USA -5/7
Algeria 4/1
Draw 13/5
Who will score first?
Clint Dempsey (USA) 6/1
Landon Donovan (USA) 6/1
None 6/1
Jozy Altidore (USA) 13/2
Edson Buddle (USA) 8/1
Herculez Gomez (USA) 8/1
Rafik Djebbour (ALG) 9/1
Abdelkader Ghezzal (ALG) 9/1
Will the USA advance from Group C?
Yes -180
No +140
Apparently, the oddsmakers think the Americans will strike first. Have they not been watching?
Of course, the U.S. will have to play aggressive in the first half to avoid another early deficit. So, which lineup will Bradley employ?
Forwards: Robbie Findley has to sit this one out due to yellow card accumulation, so Jozy Altidore likely could get paired with Edson Buddle, who had an excellent first half against Australia in the United States' final tune-up. Or, Bradley could stick with Clint Dempsey, who played up top during the Americans' memorable second half against Slovenia.
Midfield: Michael Bradley, the "Man of the Match" last game, will either join Maurice Edu in the middle, or his father could bring back Ricardo Clark, instead. The Jose Torres experiment produced mediocre results last time. Dempsey and Donovan should patrol the wings, but if one of them moves up top, Stuart Holden or Benny Feilhaber could fill in.
Defense: It stays the same. Oguchi Onyewu didn't look great last time, but in the Americans' biggest game, Bradley likely will go with experience. He'll partner with Jay DeMerit in the middle with Carlos Bocanegra on the left and Steve Cherundolo on the right. Tim Howard will pick up his 54th cap in net.
What would you do?
