he said, look, i really couldn t breathe at first. he managed to make it to the break. he had a pain killing injection, put his body on the line. he was one of the best players out there on the field, voted man of the match, which is like a most valuable player. so the u.s. really need him. the coach will wait until the last possible moment because a player like him can really be the difference many times between a win, a tie or a loss. you don t want to show your cards to the opponent. you don t want slovenia to know exactly what they re up against. after slovenia is algeria, right? algeria, perhaps that would be a pretty menacing, threatening soccer team for the u.s. or anyone? reporter: yes. one of the advantages algeria would have is that they re playing this world cup in their home continent. and they would get a lot of support. there are six african teams in this world cup. it s the first world cup that takes place on african soil. so they have that extra motivation. they did
world cup time. for the first time in the 80-year history, the cup is being hosted on african soil. this is an opportunity on the major world stage for the continent to put on a good show. maybe change some stereo types out there. showcase a special relationship, also, with the game of soccer, or football they would call it everywhere else beside the u.s. the national sport of the entire continent there is soccer. steve bloomfield has spent the last year detailing the unified effect soccer has on frik. how the game has helped shape the continent. he s also the author of the book africa united. he s joining us from south africa. good morning. we appreciate you being here. sum it up for a lot of people. you know, it s not that popular, the game of sock ner the united states. but it s the most popular sport in the world. but why a special relationship. why does this game mean so much on that continent? well, thank you for having me
yes, the world cup is upon us. it is the biggest thing since sliced bread. it is the first time ever hosted on american soil. african soil. african soil, as i was saying. i read all about the world cup knows all about soccer. really does, drew. up to it. african soil. studying all morning. ball spins the opposite way on african soil i m told just like the toilet. you believe this? oh no. there are two huge game that is are scheduled today so we imagine a lot of people are paying attention. the united states is going the find out how far that we have come in this sport when we play england in their opener today. and then, the other game, two-time champs argentina take on nigeria. arguably one of the most entertaining teams out there.