2010 World Cup Soccer

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Australia will take on the USA in Roodepoort, South Africa, on Saturday 5 June as a part of its preparations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.

Following their 1-0 win against Denmark, the Socceroos will face the Americans in what will be their final hit-out before braving the might of Germany in Durban on Sunday 13 June.

Having been the first team to arrive in South Africa ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos have used their extra time in the country to become accustomed to the local conditions, which incorporates playing in high-altitude climates.

While the Socceroos have settled into life in the host nation, the USA only arrived in South Africa on Sunday 31 May after serving up some differing performances in its previous two matches.

Following a 4-2 defeat against the Czech Republic in East Hartford, Connecticut, the Americans came from behind to get the better of Turkey, 2-1, last Saturday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

With the scores locked at 2-2 with just 15 minutes remaining, the Czechs took advantage of some lapse American defending with Czech youngsters Martin Fenin and Tomáš Necid finding the back of the net.

However, the Americans included Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra, Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper, Tim Howard, in their line-up against Turkey and it instantly paid dividends – Altidore and Dempsey scoring the goals; Howard coming up with three crucial saves.

With the USA and Australia figuring in Group C and D, it is possible that the two teams could face each other in the second-round of the FIFA World Cup if both teams progress from their respective groups.

However, it would rely on one team finishing first in its group and the other finishing second for the two sides to clash for the second time in the space of a month.

Seeded powerhouses, Germany and England, may have something to say about that.

Previous Encounters:

The two teams have only met each other twice previous to this friendly, with both battles taking place in the USA during the ’90s.

The last encounter took place way back in 1998 where the two teams played out a scoreless draw in San Jose, California.

Six years earlier, Australia’s Warren Spink scored the only goal with a looping header after play had temporarily been abandoned because of lightning that surrounded the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

Players to Watch:

Australia – Harry Kewell

It is imperative that Kewell regains some match fitness ahead of Australia’s World Cup campaign beginning in less than two weeks.

The household name has increased his training load ahead of the FIFA World Cup and looks to be in great shape for an appearance against the Americans.

With his lambasting runs, quality first touch and lethal shot in front of goal, Kewell’s contribution is crucial to the Socceroos doing any damage in the FIFA World Cup.

It is possible that Kewell may be used as impact player off the bench, but either way, his involvement is needed both from the point of view of the team, and Kewell himself.

USA – Oguchi Onyewu

The AC Milan defender suffered ligament damage to his knee back in October and is only now starting to return from injury after a seven-month layoff.

While Onyewu appeared for the United States against Czech Republic, his 65 minutes on the pitch included losing his marker in a set-piece that allowed defensive midfielder, Tomáš Sivok, to put his side ahead at a critical time in the match.

However, his performance against Turkey on the weekend was a lot more promising; and with another quality display against Australia, expect to see his name listed in the starting line-up against England on Saturday 12 June.

The quick return of form to Onyewu is vital if the Americans are to advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup; but with his imposing presence and excellent headed prowess, the American will constantly be a thorn in Australia’s side down back.

Prediction:

This match will be the last chance the two teams get to sharpen their skills before undertaking their World Cup campaigns in South Africa one week later.

With that in mind, anticipate a rather intense clash with individuals from both teams eager to push for selection ahead of their first World Cup matches against Germany and England.

Each side is likely to be near full-strength indicating that goals will be in order in a contest that is expected to see some lovely fluent movement on and off the ball.

The battle will be won in midfield with each side possessing some fine players in this particular part of the park; especially look for ex-Everton team-mates, Landon Donovan and Tim Cahill, pitting themselves against each other.

With the hope that both teams produce some eye-catching end-to-end football, Australia should be a harder nut to crack in defence allowing for a slender victory to the Socceroos.

Australia 2-1 USA



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