US squad looks ahead to Algeria

Associated Press

IRENE, South Africa

The pattern is hard to miss: The United States falls behind by a goal or two, then tries to scramble back.

So U.S. coach Bob Bradley gathered his players together Friday night — after the thrilling comeback and disallowed goal — and reminded them about Father’s Day in Rustenburg last year, when he spoke to his team after opening losses to Italy and Brazil in the Confederations Cup.

They responded by routing Egypt 3-0, and didn’t stop there. The U.S. went on to upset European champion Spain and advanced to the final against Brazil, where the Americans took a two-goal lead before losing.

“Whether you are a father or you’re thinking about your own father, we all shake each other’s hand and give each other a hug and it’s a happy Father’s Day deal,” he said Saturday. “That turned the tide. So maybe that will do it this time around, too.”

In a tournament dominated by mostly dull matches, the U.S. has survived two edge-of-your-seat games. But time is running out.

The Americans played to a 1-1 tie with England, a controversial goal was nixed and gave them with a 2-2 tie against Slovenia and now comes Algeria on Wednesday. The U.S. can guarantee a berth in the second round with a win. If it ties, it would advance only if England loses to the Slovenes or the English tie and don’t overcome the U.S. advantage in goals, currently 3-1.

“I think going into that final game we have to go in believing we’re going to get out of the group, because that’s the only way to think,” defender Jay DeMerit said. “Is that going to happen? We’ll find out.”

While the offense has produced goals, the defense has been shaky. As a result, the opposition had space that allowed it to split the back line. In eight of the last 12 qualifiers and World Cup matches combined, the U.S. has allowed the first goal.

NETHERLANDS 1, JAPAN 0

DURBAN, South Africa

Wesley Sneijder scored the only goal in the 53rd minute. The win set a record of 10 straight victories for the Netherlands in World Cup qualifiers and finals matches.

Denmark 2, Cameroon 1

PRETORIA, South Africa

Dennis Rommedahl scored one goal and set up another as Denmark eliminated Cameroon. Samuel Eto’o put Cameroon ahead in the 10th minute following a mix-up in the Danish defense.

Australia 1, Ghana 1

RUSTENBURG, South Africa

Australia held on for the draw despite Ghana’s man advantage for more than 66 minutes, further tightening Group D.