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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- The United States is getting some good news for a change.

With word that goalkeeper Tim Howard was not seriously injured when Emile Heskey's slid into his side in Saturday's World Cup opener against England, the Americans can have a little more confidence heading into Friday's match against Slovenia at Ellis Park.

Howard, who earned Man of the Match honors for his performance in the 1-1 draw with England, continued "to make substantial improvement", the U.S. team said, from the bruised ribs he suffered midway through the first half.

Having a full complement will be welcome considering the United States' winless record against opponents from Eastern and Central Europe in nine World Cup games - including eight losses.

With one point, the Americans will be in a must-not-lose situation against Slovenia. A draw would keep them in position to advance but require a victory against Algeria in their final game June 23, as well as some likely help from England. A win would put the United States a comfortable position likely requiring only a draw against Algeria to advance.

Given the U.S. history, Slovenia will be a challenge. Slovenia already leads the Group C with a 1-0 win over Algeria on Sunday.

"They're typically hard-working, organized teams," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said of Eastern and Central European teams.

Bradley compared Slovenia and Slovakia, which defeated the United States 1-0 in a friendly in Bratislava in October 2009.

"They make it hard for you," he said. "They have players who might not be big names, but still if you know anything about where they play for their clubs, and follow them, they're solid, good players. No surprises."

Bradley expects "a different kind of game" from the England encounter.

He said that Slovenia has "the ability at times to sit back a little more and get you on the counter. So the pure speed and physicality of [Saturday] night's game, that probably is on the very high end. The Slovenia game in some ways might be more of a chess match a little bit."

Slovenia, which isn't known as a soccer power, has enjoyed success in its short history.

It is the smallest country in this competition with a population of 2 million, roughly the size of Houston. After splitting from Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia played its first international match the following year. It qualified for its first World Cup in 2002, losing all three games. After missing the 2006 World Cup, Slovenia needed to overcome Russia in a playoff to qualify for South Africa.

For several months, the United States-England match had dominated the headlines as the other group games were pushed to the side. Right back Steve Cherundolo said the United States will have plenty of time to prepare for Slovenia.

"Just like the clubs, you have a few days to prepare for an opponent," he said. "It's nothing out of the ordinary for us."

Cherundolo was just happy the U.S. has a point in its World Cup bank.

"The most important thing is . . . a point in your first game," he said. "It doesn't matter who it's against. A loss in the first game of a World Cup in round play is devastating to your chances of making the next round."

Saturday, June 12
England 1, United States 1
Sunday, June 13
Algeria 0, Slovenia 1
Friday, June 18
Slovenia vs. United States
England vs. Algeria
Wednesday, June 23
United States vs. Algeria
Slovenia vs. England