U.S.-Slovenia Preview

For the first time in this tournament, the United States will be favorites when they step onto the pitch at Ellis Park to face Slovenia. The Americans will be looking to build on their second half performance against England and come out with three points.

Slovenia is not going to just lie down for the Americans. With their deliberate style of play, the Green Dragons pose a serious threat to the Yanks.

Here's why:

• Two words: Samir Handanovic. The goalkeeper for Slovenia, Handanovic is directly responsible for the Green Dragons only allowing six goals in all of World Cup qualifying. He is the rock in the back, much like our own Tim Howard. After posting a shutout against Algeria, U.S. attackers will have to take full advantage of any chance they might have against this underrated keeper.

(Handanovic, left, has been solid in goal)

• Slovenia is content to sit behind the ball and make an opponent dissect its complicated defense. A draw from this game would suit the group-leading Slovenians. The U.S. will have to have the patience to find the chinks in the armor of the Green Dragons because I expect a conservative effort from Slovenia.
  

• The health of Tim Howard. Even though he has been cleared to play, there's no doubt that his ribs are still sore after taking a cleat to the chest from Emile Heskey. If he's thinking about this at all, it could affect his play. Expect Slovenia to test him with some crosses early on.

I predict that Bob Bradley will use the same lineup that started against England. For a team like Slovenia, the Americans could use a dose of creativity in the midfield to help unlock the opposing defense. This is where a substitute like midfielder Jose Torres could be effective to replace Ricardo Clark early in the second half.

(Torres has been waiting for his chance)

Torres looked great in the friendly matches leading up to the tournament but failed to make an appearance last Saturday against England.

When it's all said and done, I expect the U.S. to beat Slovenia 2-0 after struggling early.