USA coach Bob Bradley is 'expecting' repeat of 1950 upset against England

Good preparation and belief can cause upset...
By Ben Bouckley
12 Jun 2010 10:06:00



USA coach Bob Bradley insists his side can spring the first major World Cup shock when they take on England in their Group C opener.

The two nations clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday evening, with the Three Lions favourities to win the stage.

However, Bradley believes his underdogs could cause an upset against Fabio Capello's men thanks to their own self-belief and thorough preparation.

"I was asked the question 'do I expect to win' and I said 'yes' because of the work we've put in, and what we believe in with our team," Bradley told a press conference.

"We step on to the field believing we can win. It's said with no disrespect to our opponents.

"It will take a strong, strong effort on our part, but the preparation has been good and the feeling is the players are ready to go. We're stepping on to the field with the idea to win."

Sixty years ago a Joe Gaetjens goal saw the USA beat England 1-0 in Brazil, and Bradley believes his current crop will be inspired by the victory.
Football has improved leaps and bounds Stateside in recent years, with the national side reaching the Confederations Cup final last summer after beating Spain.

"Victory over England would certainly would be a great way for us to start the World Cup," Bradley added.

"We understand the balance between the importance of this game and looking at the whole group.

"But we are all aware that 1950 was a big moment in USA soccer history and victory this time would certainly be right there on a par with it."

Although Bradley says he is "expecting" the USA to win, he knows that their prospects rely on keeping Wayne Rooney quiet.
"I would also agree that stopping Wayne Rooney is the key. He's such an important player in their [England's] team. He comes here off a super season," Bradley continued.

"Our ability to keep track of him and make life hard for him as a key part of us making sure we can win."

One player who will be out to impress against the Three Lions is Jozy Altidore, who has had a less than impressive season for Hull City.

Bradley recently confirmed Altidore will start the game, although the 20-year-old only managed one goal for the Tigers in the last campaign.
Altidore has recovered from an ankle injury and was the USA's leading scorer during qualification for World Cup 2010 with six goals.
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