Happy/Sad: USA - Slovenia

For US fans looking forward to Friday's USA - Slovenia match:

YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- THE US SCORE. Sure, that seems like the most screamingly obvious thing to say, but there's more to it. Slovenia is Slovenian for "defense," so even in a neutral setting the Charlie Browns will set up to stop you from scoring first. With their win against Algeria and three points in the bank, it's even more likely that the Slovenians will park the bus (with the Colorado license plate, of course) in front of goal and play for the point against a superior US team. The US, on the other hand, really needs to get all three points from this game to keep their knockout round fate in their own hands, so scoring will be at a premium. If the US irresistible force overcomes the Slovenian immovable object, the US will be in great shape in this game.
- THE MIDFIELD IS INVOLVED IN THE OFFENSE. To score, the US will need their midfielders (particularly their central midfielders) to be part of the attack. Against England, Bob Bradley set up his midfield defensively by putting in Ricardo Clark instead of Jose Torres. That, of course, backfired spectacularly when it was Clark who lost Steven Gerrard in the fourth minute for England's only goal. If Bradley selects Torres over Clark, it will be a clear signal that the central midfield will be attack-first instead of defense-first, which will be critical for the US chances to get all three points.
- HOWARD IS HEALTHY. US goalkeeper Tim Howard, the slam-dunk Man of the Match against England - took a vicious boot to the chest from Emil Heskey in the first half against England. He played the whole game, and all reports are that he will be good to go against the Charlie Browns. But if the US will be playing for the win, the Slovenians will be looking to hit them on the counterattack. They'll get their chances, and it will be up to Howard to keep them out. If he's healthy, he should be up to the task, but it could be scary if the Heskey injury makes him a half-step slower or hesitant.

YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- ALTIDORE IS ABSENT. Again, this game will turn on the US offense versus the Slovenian defense. Jozy Altidore, with his size and speed, will be crucial for the US attack to be successful. If the Slovenians are successful in neutralizing the big man, the US is going to struggle to get the three points they need.
- THE FULLBACKS STAY BACK. Steve Cherundolo has been getting a lot of playing time in the US defense, and performed admirably to keep England to one goal. But an offensive contribution from 'Dolo would play a big part in a US breakthrough tomorrow morning.
- THE SNOOZE ALARM DOESN'T GO OFF AGAIN. A huge US bugaboo in World Cup competition has been allowing the early goal. While the US showed admirable resilience in surviving the game after Clark's nap let Gerrard put England in front early, such slumber will cost the US more dearly against Slovenia. Let's be clear. The England game was a great show, and got great attention from the US audience (outdrawing the NBA Finals, fer cryin' out loud!) But if the US are serious about competing at the highest level internationally, it's the games against Slovenia and Algeria where they will prove their mettle. If the US concede early again against the Charlie Browns, and take only a point or (horror) no points from the game, then much if not all of the momentum the US has gained since the Confederations Cup success in 2009 could be lost.