If you've read FIFA's predictions for Group C before the World Cup, you would not believe, that in the last game between Slovenia and England, Slovenia would be considered the favorite as the leader of the group and the team, that has performed the best among all four in the first two games. But what happened this year at the World Cup to England is typical: Big teams disappointed, from France, Italy, Germany to Spain and Portugal, all these teams have struggled in their first games with supposedly small irrelevant teams. Some have even lost. So the chances for Slovenia, the football dwarf from middle Europe, stand good. But do they really?
Here is the table of Group C after two matches played. Slovenia first with a win and a draw, USA and England second and currently last is Algeria. The best chances to advance (when it comes to math), has Slovenia. This is what needs to happen, if my country Slovenia wants to advance to the Round of 16:- We tie with England, we move on, Algeria is out, either USA or England move on.
- We lose against England, but USA and Algeria tie. England and Slovenia move on.
When it comes to England, they only have one option: They must win! They are already in the knock out phase. And that's what makes them dangerous.
Before the World Cup, England was considered as one of the favorites, not only to be first in Group C, but to go all the way up and become champions of the world. Two disappointing matches later and they're fighting to survive. But isn't a lion the most dangerous when he's down? I think, that it will be extremely hard for Slovenia not to lose against England. I have no idea, what kind of tactics will our coach Kek use against the English team, but whatever he'll do, it will be extremely hard to defend the wounded and highly motivated English players. I think just defending over 90min is not a good idea. Slovenia need to play, they need to attack, because that's the best defense. They need need to shoot from afar, because the English keeper is always a weak point. But they also need to play smart, like they did against USA in the first half. I'm sure English are stronger, more physical. Who knows what Rooney will do, if he's mad. I think it may become a bigger battle than Slovenia vs. USA. Can our boys be strong enough to fight the English over 90min? I have my doubts, especially for the 2nd half. However, I am hopeful. The pressure on the Slovenian team is by far not as big as on the English, we have no issues within the team, there are no rifts, everyone supports each other and the whole country stands behind them. When it comes to England, that's a different story. English may be motivated, but they may want too much and try to hard to win without thinking straight.
So here's my prediction: Slovenia vs. England: 1-1
I think Slovenia may score the first goal in the first half and England will eventually tie in the second half. Then there will be chances on both sides, but our keeper Handanović will have a great day and save a lot of great shots.
When it comes to Algeria vs. USA, I think it will be 0-0, because USA only play well for one half and Algeria has a very strong defense and they're hard to play. It will be a tough game as well.
Of course I'd love to see Slovenia win, even if it's 1-0. It would be a historic win and an amazing achievement. Even if they only tie with England, it would be equally great, because we move on to the round of 16 as well. But there's a possibility, that a worst case scenario happens and both England and USA win and the chances for that are not that bad. It's something I really dread and strongly hope that it won't happen. Algeria, we need your help in this. I really hope you play well and at least tie with USA. I know you can do it.
We'll see what happens on Wednesday. Anything can happen basically and I would not dare to say which team will definitely advance to the round of 16. Any of the team has a real chance, if only they play well and give us a great match, everyone will respect the outcome, whatever it may be.
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