As you should know by now the 2010 World Cup gets underway Friday morning from South Africa. The United States kicks off their campaign on Saturday afternoon versus England, and fans of the U.S. have high hopes for the team this time around. The U.S. has the potential to have a solid showing in this year’s World Cup, but in my opinion their success will depend on three players.
Tim Howard, Goalkeeper- Howard had a solid season in goal for Everton in the EPL last season keeping a clean sheet in over a quarter of his appearances and managing a very solid 70% save to shots ratio. Howard was good for the U.S. last summer in the Confederations Cup and they will need him to be even better this summer if the United States has any hopes of making a run. An in form Tim Howard could carry the United States a long way.
Clint Dempsey, Winger/Forward- The native Texas is arguably the United States most consistent goal scorer behind Landon Donovan. Dempsey has been the second leading scorer for the U.S. behind Donovan for the last four years and netted three big goals in last summer’s Confederations Cup. Dempsey will play out on the wing but watch for him to creep in toward the box for more goal scoring chances.
Jozy Altidore, Striker- Altidore is one of my players to watch in the World Cup this year and I am not backing off of that. I think the U.S. will need the 20 year old, New Jersey native to perform well and create some goal scoring opportunities. Jozy has the chance on the biggest stage to show the world what he’s got.
Obviously the whole team is important, and I am not trying to disrespect Donovan, Onyewu, or any of the others and their skills, but I believe these three will be the key for the United States in the World Cup. It all gets underway Saturday afternoon at 1:30 PM Central Time on ABC.
