Guest blog: Frankie Lally, Ireland, on the USA
Post categories: World Cup 2010,ÌýWorld Cup Have Your Say
| 10:28 UK time, Thursday, 17 June 2010
Over the course of the World Cup, World Cup Have Your Say is running a series of guest blogs by bloggers from across the world. This is the third, by Frankie Lally - who blogs at - on the prospects for Team USA as they prepare to face Slovenia.
On Saturday night the United States pinched one of their greatest results ever at a World Cup, as they drew 1-1 with England, largely thanks to a howler from England 'keeper Robert Green in the 40th Minute that allowed Clint Dempsey to score.
Reaction in the States amongst the footballing community has been truly one of euphoria. The metro edition of the 'New York Post' described the draw as "the greatest tie against the British since Bunker Hill," and football fans' forums have gone into overdrive with reaction to the fantastic result.
Although America may not be a 'soccer' mad nation, World Cup success could change that. Key players like Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore looked very impressive against Fabio Capello's men and a large amount of American hopes will rest on their shoulders.
Bradley, who plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, didn't look out of place against Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard in the middle of midfield and has been signalled out for praise by much of the U.S. media.
The 22-year-old, who is manager Bob Bradley's son, is certainly in the starting XI on merit and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. I think this young man may find himself facing a move away from Germany if he, and the rest of his team-mates, continue to impress while in South Africa.
Next up for the Americans is a key clash with Group C leaders Slovenia in Johannesburg. This will be looked upon as a must-win-game by Bradley and the American faithful if they are to progress out of Group C and into the last 16, where they will most likely face an in-form German side unless they can win the group.
One thing that will be vital to the Americans ahead of Friday's clash is their never-say-die attitude which defender Jay DeMerit said shone through against the English. With Bradley's men needing to pull together to bring out two wins in their final group games, this may prove pivotal yet again.
