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How important is your first game?

Originally Published: April 7, 2010
By Paul Carr | ESPN Stats & Information

The United States opens the 2010 World Cup against England on June 12, in what will be a critical match for both sides. Since they are considered the best two teams in Group C, a loss for either is not expected to be fatal to their hopes of progressing. However, a look at the past three World Cups indicates that both desperately need to avoid an opening defeat.

In the three World Cups played under the current format, the first matches have been notably prescient about each team's future ...

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