US goalie warns Slovenia to prepare for real battle

Group C table-toppers Slovenia are going to have to battle to the last minute if they are to overcome the United States in Friday’s World Cup clash and progress to the second round said US goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Slovenia are top of the group after an opening 1-0 triumph over Algeria while the USA held England to a 1-1 draw last Saturday.

A Slovenian victory over the Americans at Ellis Park will send them into the last 16 and Komac was in bullish mood on the eve of the game when he declared: “We are going to win this match”.

Howard, who has shaken off a rib injury from the England game to take his place in the US goal, said the Slovenian needs to back up his words.

“Talk is cheap,” said the 31-year-old Everton goalkeeper. “He has got to stand toe-to-toe and they have got to stand toe-to-toe with us for 90 minutes. And if he’s still standing, then I’ll take my hat off to him.”

The US squad are aware they are playing for their World Cup survival and defeat is not an option.

“If we lose we’re pretty much done,” admitted Fulham forward Clint Dempsey, whose goal in the 1-1 draw against England has gone down in World Cup folklore after goalkeeper Robert Green’s fumble.

“We can’t lose this next game. We have to get something from it.”

US coach Bob Bradley is expecting a tactical battle at Ellis Park with opposite number Matjaz Kek.

Compared to the frantic pace of the draw against England, Bradley expects his players to have to show more patience.

“The Slovenia game might be more of a chess match,” said Bradley.

“They are a hard-working team.

“They are organised and have the ability to sit back a little more and still get you on the counter.”

Bradley was pleased at how his young team coped well with seven players making their first World Cup appearance and kept their focus despite falling behind to the goal from England.

“The mentality of the group is strong,” Bradley said.

“We have been hardened along the way and we believe that we can play against tough teams.

“We know the mentality of how 90 minutes works.”

Slovenia captain Robert Koren, who scored the winner against Algeria, says he is relishing the chance to take on the United States with a place in the knock-out phase at stake and has seen nothing to fear from the Americans.

“Both teams put in a lot of energy but there were a lot of mistakes,” said the 29-year-old, who was released by newly-promoted Premier League side West Brom recently but has attracted interest from Serie A outfit Chievo.

“We saw good things and bad things and our coaching staff will try to get as much information out of that as possible.

“We have confidence after the win against Algeria and we will give them both a good game.

“Hopefully after the match with the USA we will still be top of the group.”

Key to the match

The United States are a hard-working side, but having been gifted a goal against England after the fumble by Green Slovenia’s defence will not be so generous.

The Americans need to score goals if they are to make any significant impact at this World Cup while the Slovenians will be looking to test US goalkeeper Howard at every opportunity.