World Cup Breakdown: Group C

Team	Odds To Win Cup
England	11-to-2
USA	50-to-1
Slovenia	200-to-1
Algeria	250-to-1

The most anticipated derby (you're welcome Ro) in the group stages of the World Cup may very well take place on the second day. Most of Europe and at least six or seven different households in the U.S. will have eyes affixed on next Saturday's tilt between the Three Lions and Them Damn Yanks. Will the Motherland take care of business? Can Wayne Rooney and Co. live up to expectations this time around and start off by rolling over the country it once colonized? Does anybody in America even give a shit?

In the grand scheme of things though, the game doesn't matter. Regardless of the outcome, the two teams need only to take care of business against the weaker Slovenia and Algeria sides to advance to the knockout round of the tournament.

Still, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm full rod at the prospect of America, once colonized by the Redcoats, taking those pesky Brits down a few pegs in their own game. I think it's pretty safe to say that it's not going to happen though. They could be dealt a chemistry-jarring sex scandal, a handful of injuries and a starting striker with the mind of a five-year-old and they'd probably still wax us. Wait, that's happened? Oh...well still, the U.S. face an uphill climb against the Brits on June 12th.

The aforementioned five-year-old-minded striker, Wayne Rooney, played out of his mind for Man U this past season, finishing second in the EPL only to Chelsea's Didier Drogba on a cheap last-day hat trick. He was slightly hobbled by groin and knee injuries, but should be back in tip top shape for the U.S. meeting. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard patrol the middle of the field without regard for the opposition, and dole out long passes in ways that would make Steve Nash envious.

The only real hole for The Three Lions is in a fairly problematic area. Joe Cole's libido successfully drove starting left back Wayne Bridge off the team, leaving a gaping void in the English defense. Couple that with Rio Ferdinand's Cup-ending knee injury on Friday and you're looking at holes that can be exploited by Dempsey, Donovan and the rest of Uncle Sam's crew.

Even if the Yanks can crank out a goal or two, I think Fabio Capello will find plenty of holes to exploit in the U.S. defense and thus, escape with a win and the inside track in Group C.

As stated previously though, all of the hoopla surrounding this game is moot. The U.S. and England need only to take care of business against the weaker Slovenian and Algerian teams. I think the U.S. is going to lay down the wood on Algeria, and they may very well need the goal support for Differential's sake. Algeria exports most of its players to more talented European leagues, but when you get them all on the same pitch, they look a little disjointed and sloppy.

I'd be lying if I didn't say that the Slovenians worry me a little bit. They don't concern themselves with fancy things like goals. All they do is play defense. Big...bruising...defense. Their defensive-minded approach led them to a qualifying win over heavily favored Russia. The best thing that can happen for the U.S. is a draw Between Slovenia and Algeria in June 13th. If Slovenia hands Algeria a loss, it's gonna be a tight race for No. 2. All things considered, I think the U.S. is going to pull through by the skin of its teeth and advance to the knockout stage.