USA Draws England, Slovenia and Algeria while CONCACAF looks to shine as World Cup Draw is finalized

The United States has been awarded a very favorable draw and could be set up for an extended run in the World Cup. The United States drew a very difficult England side but will also face off against a pair of very beatable sides in Algeria and Slovenia.

Although the sides are not international powers, a US fan would be mindful to remember that in order to qualify both sides defeated a pair of star studded teams. Slovenia defeated Guus Hiddink and Andrei Arshavin's Russia to qualify while Algeria knocked off defending African Champions Egypt.

The draw was also very forgiving for the other members of CONCACAF as Mexico and Honduras will each have every opportunity to advance to the second round. Mexico will be in Group A against Uruguay, France and South Africa. El Tri will also have the distinct honor of playing in the inaugural match against the host Bafana Bafana. Honduras will have to like their chances in a group against European Champions Spain, Switzerland, and Chile.

Here are the groups in total.

A- South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

B- Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

C- England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

D- Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

E- Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

F- Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

G- Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

H- Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

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The United States will open on June 12 against England in Rustenburg, then face Slovenia on June 18 at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, with their final group match coming on June 23rd vs. Algeria in the city of Pretoria.

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Mexico will play on June 11 v South Africa in the inaugural match at Soccer City in Johannesburg, Their second match will be on June 17 v. France in Polokwane, With the finale on June 22 v. Uruguay in Rustenburg.

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Honduras will start their first World Cup since 1982 against Chile on June 16 in Nelspruit, then face, the European Champions Spain on June 21 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, and closing up the group stages on June 25 at Bloemfontein against Switzerland.

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Lastly, a bit of levity as we prepare for the United States massive match against England in 189 days. As everyone knows, the United States and England have a long political and sporting history. I'll end with a song that invoking the American revolution against the British. Prepare for a lot of revolutionary analogies as we get ready for South Africa. Game on.