U.S.-Algeria: Five things to watch

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So here it is for the United States – a date with destiny and the chance to make dreams come true.

In this most unpredictable of World Cups, the knockout stage can open up enticingly for any team with a real chance of avoiding powerhouse sides until late in the tournament. That is the potential path for the USA if it can beat Algeria on Wednesday, reach the knockout stage and let fate deal its hand.

Then there is the scenario that no American fan can bear to contemplate: a draw that could – or a defeat that would – send the team packing back to the States with its tail between its legs.

It will all boil down to 90 minutes and a tense struggle between two teams with their World Cup lives on the line. Here are the key factors to look out for in the national team’s day of days.

1. The alarm clock

(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The most worrying trend in the U.S.’s recent World Cup history is its propensity to give up early goals. In each of its three games in 2006, the team gave up goals within the first 22 minutes. Here in South Africa, Steven Gerrard scored for England four minutes in and Valter Birsa got the opening goal for Slovenia in the first 13 minutes.

The positive is that the USA has, this year at least, been able to rebound strongly to claim draws on both occasions. However, with everything at stake against Algeria, head coach Bob Bradley will be desperate to avoid having to come from behind.

Look out for: Veteran leadership. This is the time for the experienced members of the U.S. team to step up and impose their will on this vital contest. Defenders Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu and Steve Cherundolo all have been with the national team for years and have waited for a moment just like this. Expect them to stand tall – especially in those crucial early moments.

2. The stars collide

Never has Landon Donovan faced a more significant match than this one. The responsibility for the USA’s creativity in attack falls firmly on his shoulders. If he starts on the right side of midfield, then his opposite number will be left back Nadir Belhadj, the best player for the Desert Foxes.

Donovan carried the Americans at the start of the second half against Slovenia, scoring the goal that got them back into the game. Belhadj, who plays for Portsmouth in the English Premier League, loves to get forward and send in dangerous crosses from the left corner of the field.

Look out for: Donovan vs. Belhadj. Will they cancel each other out? Certainly, Donovan’s attacking threat may force the Algerian to take a more constrained role and to sit back more in defense instead of venturing forward aggressively. Donovan likes coming up against smaller, quicker left backs and will relish this challenge.

3. Which switch is which?

Robbie Findley’s second yellow card in two games means he will be out for this match, leaving Bradley with a tough decision about which player to partner with Jozy Altidore in attack. Herculez Gomez or Edson Buddle could be brought in, or Clint Dempsey could be placed up front with Stuart Holden occupying his place in midfield.

Buddle brings strength and could wear the opposition defense down over time, while Gomez offers the kind of explosive speed that Findley supplied. The choice of Dempsey is less likely given that it would force Landon Donovan over to his less-favored left side of midfield.

Look out for: Whoever replaces Findley.

There may be no right or wrong decision here. Any one of the three aforementioned forwards can make a real impact as long as he remembers his role. If it is Buddle, he needs to stand tall and bother the Algerian backline. Gomez would need to make darting and diagonal runs, stretching the defense. And Dempsey would be tasked with coming from a deeper position and focusing on setting up Altidore.

4. Two matches in one

With Group C one of the tightest and most keenly fought of the World Cup, USA fans might have to keep an eye on more than just the events from Loftus Versfeld Stadium. While a win guarantees the Americans a spot in the last 16, a draw could still be enough.

But that would depend on England failing to beat Slovenia. So fans might spend much of Wednesday channel-hopping, and Bradley may have a radio welded to his ear for updates.

Look out for: England’s emergence. On paper, England should beat Slovenia. On paper, though, it should have beaten the U.S. and crushed Algeria as well. The English camp is in turmoil, with former captain John Terry having failed in a mutinous attempt to undermine coach Fabio Capello. Any result is possible.

5. Blond ambition

Algeria midfielder Karim Ziani might have one of the worst haircuts at the World Cup, a peroxide blond creation that has led the Algerian media to dub him “Pretty Boy.” But there is nothing soft about Ziani’s game. The star of German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg has pace, imagination and the ability to make cutting runs through the defense. United States – beware.

Look out for: The battle in midfield. Ziani may occupy a more central role in this clash as Algeria try to get him as much of the ball as possible. USA rock Michael Bradley will again have a big responsibility in keeping tabs on him and attempting to shut him down.