Usa vs Algeria - BIG BET: Usa to win +100
USA -0.5 (+100) Risk 3 units
The early games get us going with Group C action, I can assure you not many people would have predicted all 4 teams would have hopes of advancing going into the final games of the group round, I for one sure didn't.
I truly, truly couldn't love this game more. It's not possible. USA getting odds of 2.00 for the win here?? Am I missing something? I've watched every minute of action from each game of this group and I honestly can't believe the price on this match. No doubt the US looked a bit unorganized in the opening half against Slovenia and their defense was downright awful for both Slovenian goals. That said, the US came out and absolutely dominated the 2nd half and truth be told, should have taken all 3 points from that game. I've already went off on the subject, so I won't rehash everything again.
Unfortunately it's been a pattern for the US, digging themselves a hole and then battling back. They did it against England and they did it against Slovenia. For whatever reason, this team plays their best when their backs are against the wall. Well, their backs couldn't be any more against the wall than now. It's pretty simple now, the US most certainly need a win against Algeria if they want to see the knockout stages.
In all honesty, I think the fallout from the controversial phantom call against Slovenia actually was a very good thing for this team. They feel robbed and very determined to prove to the world that they can compete at this level. It is most certainly the best US team ever to compete in a World Cup and to not advance here would be a huge, huge disappointment. The US team really gained a lot of confidence is their showing in last year's Confederations Cup, beating Spain and taking a 2-0 lead on Brazil in the final, only to ultimately lose 2-3. I think the draw against England was certainly a confidence booster and then the way they battled back against Slovenia in the second half has given this team all the confidence in the world.
Algeria shocked the world by holding England to a 0-0 draw and while they obviously deserve credit, I think it was more of an indictment on England's play. Algeria did well to keep possession and defend, but they really never threatened to score themselves. In fact, they have yet to find the net through 2 games.
Perhaps Algeria is full of confidence too after holding mighty England to a draw to keep their hopes alive. But truth be told, the US is a much better side than Algeria and they are hungry to prove it today. England looked very lackluster and played like they were afraid to lose. I can promise you, the US will not take that approach. They will most certainly attack and their offense has looked very good for the most part. Donovan was absolutely brilliant against Slovenia and if he can continue both creating and finishing chances, the US should be in very good shape. The one concern for this team is their tendency to fall behind early and have the occasional defensive lapse. Definitely a fair criticism. Though Algeria isn't exactly an explosive team by anybody's standards.
This US team feels slighted by what happened in the Slovenia match and are chomping at the bit to get on the pitch and prove their worth. I really see a comfortable win for the US here, they know it's do or die. Backs are against the wall here for sure and that's when they play their best football. Big bet for me!
The early games get us going with Group C action, I can assure you not many people would have predicted all 4 teams would have hopes of advancing going into the final games of the group round, I for one sure didn't.
I truly, truly couldn't love this game more. It's not possible. USA getting odds of 2.00 for the win here?? Am I missing something? I've watched every minute of action from each game of this group and I honestly can't believe the price on this match. No doubt the US looked a bit unorganized in the opening half against Slovenia and their defense was downright awful for both Slovenian goals. That said, the US came out and absolutely dominated the 2nd half and truth be told, should have taken all 3 points from that game. I've already went off on the subject, so I won't rehash everything again.
Unfortunately it's been a pattern for the US, digging themselves a hole and then battling back. They did it against England and they did it against Slovenia. For whatever reason, this team plays their best when their backs are against the wall. Well, their backs couldn't be any more against the wall than now. It's pretty simple now, the US most certainly need a win against Algeria if they want to see the knockout stages.
In all honesty, I think the fallout from the controversial phantom call against Slovenia actually was a very good thing for this team. They feel robbed and very determined to prove to the world that they can compete at this level. It is most certainly the best US team ever to compete in a World Cup and to not advance here would be a huge, huge disappointment. The US team really gained a lot of confidence is their showing in last year's Confederations Cup, beating Spain and taking a 2-0 lead on Brazil in the final, only to ultimately lose 2-3. I think the draw against England was certainly a confidence booster and then the way they battled back against Slovenia in the second half has given this team all the confidence in the world.
Algeria shocked the world by holding England to a 0-0 draw and while they obviously deserve credit, I think it was more of an indictment on England's play. Algeria did well to keep possession and defend, but they really never threatened to score themselves. In fact, they have yet to find the net through 2 games.
Perhaps Algeria is full of confidence too after holding mighty England to a draw to keep their hopes alive. But truth be told, the US is a much better side than Algeria and they are hungry to prove it today. England looked very lackluster and played like they were afraid to lose. I can promise you, the US will not take that approach. They will most certainly attack and their offense has looked very good for the most part. Donovan was absolutely brilliant against Slovenia and if he can continue both creating and finishing chances, the US should be in very good shape. The one concern for this team is their tendency to fall behind early and have the occasional defensive lapse. Definitely a fair criticism. Though Algeria isn't exactly an explosive team by anybody's standards.
This US team feels slighted by what happened in the Slovenia match and are chomping at the bit to get on the pitch and prove their worth. I really see a comfortable win for the US here, they know it's do or die. Backs are against the wall here for sure and that's when they play their best football. Big bet for me!
