The rest of group C

Algeria - World Ranking 31

The Desert Foxes qualified for the 2010 World Cup, after beating fierce rivals Egypt in a play-off. However their preparation for the tournament has been very mixed, especially in the Afrcan Nations. This saw the epitomy of good and bad, as one game they looked like world beaters and on others they didn't seem capable of beating anybody. They are a side who hold a lot of players that will be familiar to English fans, but could have it all to do to progress from the group stage.

Strengths

A lot of Algeria's players ply their trade in top league around Europe, so are more than capable of causing of upset in this group. As a result of this Algeria often come out with fast, free-flowing, attack football that on it's day would cause anyone a problem. There is however one major flaw with this, which leads us onto the weaknesses.

Weaknesses

The self destruct button is one that features heavily in Algerian national football. In this seasons African Nations there was a perfect example of this. After defeating Ivory Coast and looking like they could go on to triumph in the competition, they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Egypt in the semi-finals. This type of inconsistency could cost them dearly in South Africa.

Key Man - Karim Ziani

One of the most experienced players of the Algerian squad, Ziani was voted player of the year in his home country from 2004-2006 while playing in France. His creativity on the left is key to his teams success, with him being both capable of attacking down the line or drifting inside. After impressing he earned a move to Marseille where he become an integral member of the squad, before a move to Wolfsburg last summer. After both he and his side failed to hit the heights of last season, his only big news was a bust up with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. Despite this he stared in his sides run to the semi-final of the African Nations, and he needs to take that form to South African if Algeria have a chance of getting out of this tough group.

One to Watch - Nadir Belhadj

The Portsmouth left back caught the eye last season despite his club sides doomed plight, and as a result is now the target of many top sides. His attacking intentions saw him score and create many chances, and his partnership down the left hand side with Ziani could be crucial. Both love to attack, although this could create space for other teams to take advantage of.

Manager - Rabah Saadane

Saadane is now remarkably in his fifth spell in charge of the national side in a little less than 30 years. He says he loves the job like no other, but he could struggle to escape a group that will be hard fought.

Odds - 500/1

Prediction - Will have to be in top form if they are to make it to the knockout rounds.

Slovenia - World Ranking 23

Slovenia may have been shock qualifiers after defeating Russia in a play-off, but they will be far from push overs in this group. They conceded a mere four goals during qualifiers, with their big striker Milivoje Novakovic bagging five at the other hand to see them through. This is there second World Cup in 20 years since declaring Independence, and although they may lack sheer quality throughout they should be far from underestimated.

Strengths

Simple football, played effectively by players who are more than capable of creating a shock (like they did against the multi million pound talent of Russia). By only shipping four goals in qualifying they have shown strength at at the back, backed up by Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic who was described as one the best in Seria A by Gianluigi Buffon. Robert Koren has transformed himself since being handed the captaincy, while Valter Birsa's left boot could cause anyone problems (see one to watch below).

Weaknesses

While they have had a solid back bone during qualification, they haven't hit the back of the net at regular intervals hence only securing there place through a play-off. In addition to this there solid defence could be found out when the come up against top quality opposition, in the shape of England and maybe the USA.

Key Man - Milijove Novakovic

A hero in his native country, his five goal return in qualifying was key to them reaching the finals. While he stands at 6ft 4ins to call him a target man would fall way short of the mark. He holds the ball up well, links play and has a good work ethic to match. The focal point of the Slovenian attack could be key to Slovenia reaching the second round.

One to Watch - Valter Birsa

Auxerre's attacking winger is the youngest man to represent Slovenia, and he certainly has the ability to make people stand up and take count in South Africa. His neat touches and smooth style epitomise his play, and he has had an excellent season both for club and country.

Manager - Matjaz Kek

After making his way through the ranks of Slovenian youth teams, Kek was appointment senior manager in 2007. He highlighted his tactical nous by outsmarting Guus Hiddink when Russia manager, and has also tipped England to go all the way in South Africa. Mind games? Make up you own mind.

Odds - 200/1

Prediction - Could struggle to make it out of the group, need to ensure there defence holds up and Novakovic is on top form.

USA - World Ranking 14

Despite being ridiculed throughout the 90s, and being the worst side in France'98 they have come on leaps and bounds in the last decade. They reached the Confederations Cup final last year, beating Spain on the way and narrowly losing out to Brazil in the final courtesy of a late late goal.

They will hope to improve on 2006s showing when they lost out at the group stage, by emulating 2002s achievements when they made it to the quarter-final.

Strengths

Strong foundations and a tenacious work rate is what this USA side is all about, with flair and creativity tacking a back seat. All three goalkeepers selected ply their trade in the premier league, with first choice Tim Howard having enjoyed another successful season at Everton. Main man Landon Donovan (see key man below) also showed his credentials during a short stay at the Toffees, while Clint Dempsey could be integral to success after a good season at Fulham.

Weaknesses

Strength in depth doesn't appear in this USA side, with many regarded as second rate. DaMarcus Beasley failed in the Premier League, and doesn't look half the player he was at PSV Eindhoven. They could also be found wanting defensively, where Jay DeMerit has been injured most of the season, and Oguchi Onyewu has found his appearances sparse at AC Milan. This defence looks far from formidable, and Howard could have his work cut out in goal.

In addition they lack an out and out goalscorer, with the burden likely to be taken by Donovan and Dempsey. Added to two MLS strikers and one that plays in the Mexican Primera Division, the numbers are made up by Jozy Altidore who didn't enjoy the best of spells at Hull City.

Key Man - Landon Donovan

USA's all time top scorer shut up the doubters of MLS football, by proving his quality during a brief spell at Everton. After an unsuccessful move to Germany early in his career, Donovan has recovered and become a key player for the national side. Often sitting just behind the strikers, he bagged five goals in qualifying including one against Honduras which sealed their route to South Africa.

One to Watch - Michael Bradley

Bradley has silenced the critics that said he was only being selected for being the bosses son, by putting in a series on sterling performances for his national side. His has been a regular in the Borussia Mochengladbach side for two seasons, and has become somewhat of a box to box midfielder after declaring he couldn't afford to be a one dimensional central midfielder.

Manager - Bob Bradley

Despite having never coached outside the USA, Bradley has a whole host of experience within his homeland. A previous coach of the USA under-23 side, he took over fro Bruce Arena when his mentor put down the reins in 2006. His attention to details is always talked about, and it is this which helped him engineer the victory over European Champions Spain last year.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Should make it out of Group C, barring a remarkable turn of events.

Next Time

Australia, Germany, Ghana and Serbia of group D will be previewed in tomorrows blog.