The Road to South Africa

One habit that the United States did pick up in a generally smooth passage to South Africa was one of conceding the first goal which they did in four of their first nine qualifiers in the second group stage. Three times, however, they fought back to win and once to draw, although a repeat in South Africa could be disastrous. The highlights were a 2-0 victory over Mexico and a 3-2 victory in Honduras to seal qualification – the first time the Hondurans had dropped points at home in qualifying.

The Star Players

Tim Howard (Everton) Despite never really convincing in his time at Manchester United, Howard has become an integral part of David Moyes' highly-successful Everton side. He is a superb shot-stopper and at least the equal of any English keeper.

DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers) He can play almost anywhere in this American side – in midfield, on the wings, and in defence. However, his main task in South Africa will be to steady the centre of the United States midfield.

Jozy Altidore (Hull) When dazzling in the 3-0 defeat of Trinidad and Tobago, this young man from New Jersey became the youngest American to net an international hat-trick. And yet in both La Liga, with Villarreal and the Premier League, with Hull, he has seldom shown his true ability.

The Coach

Bob Bradley Perhaps it was no surprise that he should be the man to succeed Bruce Arena, when the latter stood down after the disappointments of the 2006 World Cup. Their relationship dates back to their days coaching the University of Virginia. Some would have preferred Jurgen Klinsmann but Bradley has done a solid job, especially when winning the Concacaf Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Mexico and their display in the Confederations Cup two years later.

Honours

World Cup: Semi-finalists 1930. Quarter-finalists 2002.
Confederations Cup: Finalists 2009.
Concacaf Gold Cup: Winners 1991, 2002, 2005, 2007.

Analysis

Provided they can eliminate their habit of conceding the first goal, this might be a tournament in which the United States could prosper. Too much, however, depends on that opening fixture in Rustenburg. A draw would set Bradley's side up perfectly for progressively easier fixtures against Slovenia and Algeria. A win would practically see them through. However, the best guess is that the United States are aiming for second place in Group C which would see them come up against the winners of Group D in Bloemfontein. If it is Germany, then it would be a rerun of the 2002 quarter-finals, a game the Americans were unlucky to lose.

Verdict

Squad (3/5)
A solid, reliable unit with no great weaknesses but then again no great strengths either. It is, however, a squad that cannot cope with too many injuries.

Coach (3/5)
Bradley has done as much and possibly more than Klinsmann would have achieved. He is quietly unflappable, a quality that will be much needed in the heat of battle in South Africa.

Attack (3/5)
If Landon Donovan has a good tournament, it could be a formidable unit but Bradley would hope Altidore has more success in front of goal for the United States than for his club sides.

Defence (3/5)
Tim Howard can probably claim to be the best keeper in the group and they played as a solid unit in the Confederations Cup before the Brazilians took them apart in the later stages of the final.