GROUP C: SLOVENIA v USA:UNITED STATES coach Bob Bradley says he and his team will take the lessons from the disappointment they suffered at Ellis Park just under a year ago as they prepare to face Slovenia this afternoon in a World Cup Group C match they cannot afford to lose.
The Americans were 2-0 up against Brazil at half-time in the final of the Confederations Cup at the Johannesburg stadium on June 28th, 2009 only to lose 3-2.
Wins for Slovenia and for England against Algeria today would leave qualification for the knock-out phase out of the hands of Bradley’s team.
The USA boss accepts it is a big game but believes his team have plenty of experience of such high-pressure encounters, some won and some lost.
“Along the way there are finals and matches where the pressure is on,” he said. “We’ve had good experiences as a group, we’ve learned from both sides.
“We’ve learned from moments where we’ve stuck together and pulled out important wins and we’ve learned from days where we’ve let the game get away from us.”
Bradley insists he and his backroom team have done just as much homework on the Slovenians as they did on their more illustrious first group opponents England.
“Slovenia is a very good team, their coach Matjaz Kek has done an excellent job,” he said. “They are very well organised tactically, they are very smart and their defensive record in qualifying was outstanding.
“There is a good balance in the team and they have good mobility. We have watched their players a lot and have great respect for them.
“We prepare the same way for every match, we work on the little things we think are important and leave other things on the outside.
“For Slovenia, Robert Koren, as a captain and midfielder, is a player who is the engine of team. (Striker Milivoje) Novakovic has a good touch and brings other players into the game and Valter Birsa has a great left foot. You pay attention to the details.”
Bradley said the squad were all in good shape, with goalkeeper Tim Howard now recovered from the rib injury he suffered in a collision with England forward Emile Heskey on Saturday.
Bradley was pleased to hear his side being credited by Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld after the Swiss beat Spain yesterday.
“Switzerland played a very good game because Spain is a great team. Hitzfeld is a great coach so if he paid our team a compliment, that’s certainly a nice thing.”
Slovenia, the smallest nation in the tournament with a population of just over two million, will have a fit squad to choose from today after midfielder Rene Krhin and defender Marko Suler shook off minor knocks.
Coach Kek He is likely to field the line-up that beat Algeria 1-0 in their opener. He said he had plenty of respect for a well-balanced US team but pointed out his players would not be afraid nor would they look for excuses whatever the outcome.
“Team spirit and a physical approach are the US team’s greatest strengths. They have several individuals apart from Landon Donovan who can make a difference but we won’t be overawed.”
