Torres in US lineup, Ljubijankic for Slovenia

Jun 18, 2010 - 1:33 PM JOHANNESBURG(AP) -- Jose Torres will start in central midfield for the United States instead of Ricardo Clark in Friday's Group C match against Slovenia.

That was the only change in the U.S. lineup from the previous match against England and is a move aimed at giving the Americans more possession.

Slovenia also made one change from its previous match, with striker Zlatan Ljubijankic coming on instead of Zlatko Dedic.

A win for Slovenia would send it into the second round, while the Americans need at least a draw to maintain a realistic chance of moving into the knockout stage.

Both teams are fielding a 4-4-2 formation, but with Torres, the U.S. has a slightly more offensive lineup than against England, a match that ended 1-1.

Torres is one of the team's best passers and possession players, while Clark is more of a defensive midfielder. Torres will team up in midfield with Michael Bradley in the center, with Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan on the flanks.

The U.S. is likely to face a defense-oriented Slovenia, which tops Group C after beating Algeria 1-0 in the opener.

Ljubijankic is pairing up with Milivoje Novakovic in Slovenia's attack, while captain Robert Koren and Aleksander Radosavljevic are in the center midfield.

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Lineups:

Slovenia: Samir Handanovic, Miso Brecko, Marko Suler, Bostjan Cesar, Robert Koren, Zlatan Ljubijankic, Valter Birsa, Milivoje Novakovic, Bojan Jokic, Andraz Kirm, Aleksander Radosavljevic.

United States: Tim Howard, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Jose Torres, Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley.