Tomorrow, we'll look ahead to the actual USA - Slovenia match itself. But, just to get ready, here's some things to prepare for in terms of how to watch the England - Algeria match which will follow:
IF THE USA WIN:
- Root for England. England would be on 6 points, the USA on 4 points, Slovenia on 3, and Algeria on 0. That means Algeria would be out of contention for the knockout phase, and hopefully an easier opponent. Additionally, Slovenia would have to play for a win to have any hope of advancing, meaning they would have to abandon their defense-first mindset and likely be more exposed to a loss. The USA would still have work to do, needing a second win to guarantee advancing, but the work would likely be easier.
IF THE USA DRAW:
- Root for a draw. Slovenia would be on 4 points, the USA would be on 2 points, England would be on 2 points, and Algeria would be on 1 point. In this scenario, England could still win the group by beating Slovenia, meaning they would have all the reason in the world to push towards a win instead of a point. The USA would need a win over Algeria to have a shot regardless.
IF THE USA LOSE:
- Don't panic. Well, maybe panic a little. But all hope isn't lost.
- Root for Algeria. Slovenia would be on 6 points, Algeria would be on 3 points, the USA would be on 1 point, and England would be on 1 point. The final game then sets up with England taking on a uber-defensive Slovenia team needing only a draw, and a 0-0 outcome would not be out of the question. The USA would then have to beat Algeria, getting to 4 points and taking second in the group.
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Hold on here, someone is wrong on the internet! This article is full of errors.
ReplyDeleteIn the USA win bit...
- If England wins they would be on 4 points, not 6.
- If England wins and the US win, Slovenia doesn't require a win in their third match to advance. They could tie England if the US loses to Algeria and possibly make it through on goal differential.
- If England wins and the US win, the US doesn't require a win in their third match to advance. They could tie Algeria if England beats Slovenia or even on goal differential if England/Slovenia tie.
In the USA draw bit...
- If England draws, the USA would not be required to win over Algeria. England loses to Slovakia and tie would get the US through. England ties Slovakia and a tie could get the US through on goal differential.