United States: Bocanegra out to avoid repeat of 2006 performance

United States captain Carlos Bocanegra insists his side will not be using their disappointing exit from the 2006 World Cup as added incentive for tomorrow's crucial clash with Algeria, although he admits it is in the back of their minds.

In a similar situation to one they are currently facing, the US had the chance to make it through to the last 16 four years ago if they beat Ghana in their final group game.

However, having held eventual winners Italy to a 1-1 draw in their previous match, the Americans slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Ghana to exit the competition.

This time the US know a win over Algeria will guarantee them a spot in the knockout phase no matter what happens in the other game between Slovenia and England, and Bocanegra is determined not to let the opportunity slip by again.

"We obviously we had a bad outing in 2006 and we're not happy how things worked out. We have a great chance tomorrow to get a win and advance to the second round, it's important for us because we had that disappointment in 2006," he said.

"It's not really an extra motivation but it's in the back of our minds. You work so hard and train so much for the World Cup and it can be over so quickly if you don't advance."

The United States do have more successful recent experiences to draw on, though, and Bocanegra is hoping what happened at last last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa will stand them in good stead for tomorrow's nail-biting last round of group matches.

The Americans are currently second in Group C heading into the clash against Algeria in Pretoria, but as there are just three points separating all four teams there is still everything to play for.

However, with first-placed Slovenia playing third-placed England in the other match, the United States at least know they have their destiny in their own hands.

That is a better situation than they found themselves in the Confederations Cup when, after losing to Italy and Brazil in their opening two group games, they not only needed to defeat Egypt in their last match but also required a Brazil victory and a six-goal swing over Italy to advance.

That is just what happened, with the US beating Egypt 3-0 and Brazil defeating Italy by the same scoreline, sending Bradley's men through to the semi-finals where they created one of the biggest upsets in recent history by defeating European champions Spain 2-0.

Bocanegra said: "We've had some good experiences. Last year's Confederations Cup was a nice dress rehearsal and we were in this situation a little bit, having to get the win, although last time we needed a little help.

"This time we just need to win. We've been here before, we're prepared and we're looking forward to going out there tomorrow."

Algeria are currently bottom of Group C after losing their opening match to Slovenia 1-0 and then playing out a goalless draw with England.

Rabah Saadane's side may be outsiders to progress, but United States coach Bradley believes they still demand respect.

"We have a great deal of respect for Algeria, for the way they qualified and the way they've played in this World Cup, so we look forward to a good match," said Bradley, who gave little away as to whether he would be sending his side out to attack from the off to try and get an early goal.

The United States have fallen behind in both their games so far before hitting back to draw against England and Slovenia.

He said: "The game is 90 minutes and you always have to understand how to play the 90 minutes, the different twists a game can take.

"Of course we'd like to have a good start, get the first goal, but we still have to balance that with the understanding that the game last 90 minutes."

With regards to what will be happening in the other group game, Bradley added: "It's important to know, especially as you get into the second half, so we'll be on top of that and factor in that information, but we certainly understand that from the start the idea is to go out and win our game."

The US are without striker Robbie Findley through suspension for tomorrow's match, while another forward Jozy Altidore is battling illness, although he could yet feature.