Game on

RUSTENBURG, South Africa – When they emerged victorious the last time, they wound up calling it “The Game of Their Lives.”

Once-unknown players have spent a lifetime reliving memories of that unexpected night in Belo Horizonte, when the United States rose up and defeated mighty England 1-0 in the World Cup.

Sixty years removed and 4,449 miles from that stadium in Brazil, the nations finally meet again today in a game that matters, a rematch in this year’s World Cup opener for both teams.

Once again, England is stocked with the talented and the wealthy, carrying the hopes of long-suffering supporters who still believe even though 44 years have passed since the Three Lions’ only World Cup title.

And while the Americans are no longer obscure, and many have gained experience with the very Premier League clubs that produced England’s stars, they remain outsiders.

So soccer’s English-speaking power and English-speaking upstart face off for pride, and more important, three points toward reaching the second round.

“We believe we’re going to win,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Friday night. “It’s said with no disrespect to our opponent. We certainly know that it will take a strong, strong effort on our part.”

Far, far away from home, the setting is most unusual. This is the first World Cup match for the Americans in the southern hemisphere since that trip to Brazil ended with a 5-2 loss to Chile.

For England, the U.S. seems to be sort of a generic opponent, like the teams that lose to the Harlem Globetrotters. During coach Fabio Capello’s 9-minute prematch news conference, there was not a single reference to the Americans. While England is ranked eighth in the world and the U.S. 14th, it might as well be first and 207th.

“We are sure that we go forward in this competition,” Capello said.

Americans such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard have succeeded in the fast-paced English club game. And last year they finished second in the Confederations Cup, beating African champion Egypt 3-0 in this very stadium and before defeating European champion Spain 2-0 in the semifinal.

“The USA are very hard working – very fit and physical,” England captain Steven Gerrard said.

FIFA told the U.S. Soccer Federation that 8,000 American fans purchased tickets, 2,000 more than English supporters, and groups such as Sam’s Army and American Outlaws were expected to fill the 38,646-capacity stadium with sections of red, white and blue.

Grouped with England, Slovenia and Algeria, with the top two nations advancing, the U.S. faces its toughest opponent first.

Stopping the speedy and strong yet tempestuous Wayne Rooney will be the key. The striker has 25 goals in 60 international appearances, giving England hope that it can win its first World Cup title since hosting the tournament in 1966.

The Americans have other ideas.

“Historically,” Donovan said, “it’s an incredible game.”