United States 2010 World Cup Preview: Completing A Soccer Power’s Ascendancy

The new era of United States soccer began on June 24, 2009, 74 minutes into the men's national team's match against Spain. It was the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, and with the U.S. up 1-0, Clint Dempsey took the ball off Sergio Ramos's foot and beat Iker Casillas for the upset-sealing goal. With the U.S. up two with a quarter hour to play, every supporter had license to think: The United States was going to beat Spain, end the European champions' record 35-match unbeaten streak, and finally raise the curtain on an era where the U.S. would be a legitimate soccer power.

If the close call in the final four days later (a 3-2 loss to Brazil) affirmed that status, the year that's followed as seen less conclusive results. The United States lost a much-anticipated qualifier in Mexico and has subsequently lost friendlies to Slovakia, Denmark and the Netherlands - matches where the States juggled injuries to Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu, and Charlie Davies. While results have not met the expectations set by the Spain win, the inability to get a healthy squad in place has given fans reason to hope last June's results can be replicated, should the United States return to health.

Charlie Davies is not going to be in South Africa, but the rest of the injured will have recovered, allowing the United States to put England squarely in their cross-hairs. The two teams meet on June 12, opening Group C play with a match that, with the possible exception of Brazil-Portugal, is the most anticipated of the tournament's group stage.

Landon Donovan is the team's most recognized player stateside and established himself in the international club game during a winter loan spell at English Premier side Everton. He has scored more goals than any player in the history of U.S. men's soccer and is the team's most capped active player. He is expected to play on the wing opposite Dempsey.

Tim Howard has spent the last nine years keeping goal in the English Premier League, starting with Manchester United in 2003 before moving to Everton in 2006. The 31-year-old has made 49 appearances for the national team and was recognized as the best goalkeeper at last year's Confederations Cup.

Michael Bradley will be appearing in his first World Cup, having established himself in the central midfield of German Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. At 22-years-old, he has already made 41 appearances for the national team, scoring seven goals.

It will not be easy for the United States to get out of their group, with both Algeria and Slovenia presenting distinct match-up problems. Supporters are narrowly focused on England, but even if the U.S. toppled the Three Lions, moving out of Group C will not be guaranteed, particularly given the form Slovenia has shown over the last two years.

Still, the Round of 16 is the expectation, where they would be underdogs to one of Germany, Ghana, or Serbia.