- Group C fixtures
- Group C table
Fabio Capello's side cruised into the finals after an almost perfect qualifying campaign saw them lose just once. Preparations haven't been ideal in the build-up to the tournament, with John Terry's personal issues and injuries to key players such as David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand affecting the squad in recent months. Despite the problems and doubts over formation, being placed on the easier side of the draw gives the Three Lions a realistic chance of at least a semi-final appearance.
Prediction: Group winners
Odds - 8/1
One half of the 'big two' of the region, the USA topped their qualifying group with Mexico finishing closely behind. With a number of players plying their trade in England, many of the squad will be well prepared for the opening group clash with Fabio Capello's side. They might just fall short on Saturday evening but should be capable of winning their remaining two games.
Prediction: Runners-up
Odds - 80/1
Reinvigorated under manager Matjaz Kek, Slovenia pulled off a minor shock by defeating heavily fancied Russia in one of the European play-offs. Having only appeared at one other finals in 2002, Slovenia will be looking for their first ever World Cup win having lost all three games in Japan and Korea. A narrow win over Algeria should be enough to secure third place.
Prediction: Third
Odds - 400/1
After finishing with an identical qualifying record to that of arch-rivals Egypt, Algeria were forced into an unprecedented play-off at a neutral venue in Sudan. A 1-0 win secured their passage to South Africa although they would've been hoping for a more favourable draw. They are capable of beating Slovenia but will struggle to take anything against the two top seeds.
Prediction: Fourth
Odds - 500/1
Source: DSG
