Today concludes the action in Group C of the World Cup to see which of the four teams – Slovenia with 4 points, USA and England each with 2 points, and Algeria without any points – will advance to the round of 16.

Before the World Cup started the fate of the USA team seemed locked in perpetual agony. The familiar sense that no one pays attention to soccer and that anything close to a tie was considered a victory – especially against the European teams.

One thing this World Cup has proven is that all is not the same in the world of futbol. For one, the European teams seem rather ordinary – only Spain and Germany are playing up to their potential and even they seem vulnerable. Did I say ordinary? I meant it seems like they are shooting themselves in the foot –  but that is not the only sea change in the first World Cup on the African continent. This has been an up and down Cup, even though quietly Brasil looks as strong as ever.

This is the first year that a host nation will not make it out of the first round. This is particularly sad for the vuvuzela-sounding crowds who love their Bafana Bafana (the South African team nickname), but also a great disappointment to many worldwide that seemed to be rooting for the South African team – who played with heart, joy, and a deep pride for their home country and the political and social struggles they have overcome – they, more than many people in the world, truly believe in the impossible. Perhaps impossibility will be reserved for some other outcome – an all Latin American final?

The performance of Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Brasil has been not surprising, but notable because of the lack of inspired play of the Italians; the turmoil in the French team; the sluggish, off-the-mark English play. Regarding Germany and Spain – both of whom have played reasonably well but are not quite at top form – perhaps this bodes well for a second round push through as they build momentum and find their footing in South Africa.

Now, back to the Yanks, who now control their own destiny should they win against Algeria. In doing so they would ensure themselves a slot in the knockout rounds, advancing to the round of 16 for the first time since 2002. Algeria is not going to concede easily. They are 5 time and defending African Cup of Nations champions, and they are playing for pride in a last ditch attempt to make the cut. Their goalie, Rais M'Bolhi, shut down England and is expected to continue his stellar play.

As the first round grinds down we have seen people become more accustomed to the style of play of the others in their groups so from the early draws and low scores we now have real exciting attacks and counter attacks. just two days ago Portugal scored 7 goals against a North Korean team: a match broadcast live in North Korea for the first time!

If this Cup so far is about anything it is what it has always been – the gaze of the world has shifted, productivity has slackened, time lingers and is punctuated only by match times, the 90th minute seems far away, and games will last forever: if only for a brief moment, the world is united in sport.