United States-England Preview

Posted Friday, June 11, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Sixty years ago, the United States stunned England in the World Cup in one of the most storied upsets in sports history. A win in South Africa might not prove to be as legendary, but could be more significant.

The U.S. and England meet Saturday in one of the most highly anticipated matches of this World Cup.

Joe Gaetjens scored to give the U.S. a 1-0 victory over England during the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. The performance is one of U.S. soccer’s cornerstone moments, and perhaps England’s biggest disappointment.

The anticipation for the rematch has been building since both teams were drawn into the same group in December.

“For the last six months all we’ve seen is U.S.-England,” said midfielder Landon Donovan, the U.S. leader with 42 goals. “And so, if you were a casual sports fan at home, you might think that this was the World Cup final.”

For the U.S., a win over England could provide the sport a boost in interest at home after the team exited early from the last World Cup.

“This game is about where the sport is in the U.S. And so that’s the opportunity we have,” U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said. “To get a whole bunch of people that might be casual observers, to get turned on by it, to get turned on by the hype.

“And I don’t think there’s any doubt that Americans are now more part of the World Cup and the international scene that they’ve been. And ticket buying and ratings will show that.”

The hype surrounding the U.S. increased after a 2-0 upset of Spain in the Confederations Cup last summer. The team then gave Brazil a scare before squandering a two-goal lead and losing 3-2 in the final.

Unlike 1950, the U.S. shouldn’t catch England by surprise with eight Americans playing for English clubs. One of them is Donovan, who had two goals in a 10-game loan stint with Everton in the Premier League.

England has its sights set on winning its first World Cup since 1966, and Wayne Rooney should play a major role in that endeavor.

The forward had 26 goals for Manchester United last season, but is known as much for his temper as his scoring. He was ejected for stomping on a Portugal player in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals, and England lost on penalties.

“Wayne understands we need him on the pitch, he’s a very important player, and every player has been warned by the manager and coaching staff to channel their frustration in the right way and not get involved with the referees or with any silly challenges,” midfielder Steven Gerrard said.

Coach Fabio Capello might be more concerned with England’s defense, which is expected to have Tottenham’s Ledley King in the center after an injury kept captain Rio Ferdinand out for the tournament. King’s international experience is limited due to chronic knee problems.

England and the U.S. are considered favorites to advance from Group C.