United States coach Bob Bradley believes victory over Fabio Capello's England side in this evening's World Cup clash would equal the achievement of the 1950 side.
World football was stunned 60 years ago when a goal from Joe Gaetjens earned the United States a 1-0 win over England in Brazil.
The US have developed as a footballing force in recent years and last summer reached the final of the Confederations Cup - also in South Africa.
But Bradley knows overcoming England will still be viewed as a major surprise.
He said: "Victory over England would certainly would be a great way for us to start the World Cup.
"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."
Bradley is "expecting" his side to win but knows they will have to shackle Wayne Rooney for that to become a realistic prospect in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Bradley continued: "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.
"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.
"But I would also agree that stopping Wayne Rooney is the key.
"He's such an important player in their team. He comes here off a super season.
"Our ability to keep track of him and make life hard for him is a key part of us making sure we can win."
Bradley confirmed Hull flop Jozy Altidore will start against England.
Altidore managed only one goal for the Tigers last season when on loan from Villarreal.
But the 20-year-old will be in the first X1 after recovering from an ankle injury which kept him out of last weekend's friendly win over Australia.
Altidore was the USA's leading scorer during their qualification campaign with six goals.