WORLD CUP UPDATE: NUMBER 5

Today the U.S. plays Algeria, in a match that will decide if the team advances to the next round. Incites and analysis below.

More of what you'll find below: Yesterday, South Africa became the first host country not to advance out of the first round. Television ratings are up for the World Cup in the United States. A recap of the referee issues. A Dutch beer stunt. And, some historical information regarding the balls used in the World Cup and the Drawing of Lots.

1. U.S. can advance at World Cup by beating Algeria. [New York Daily News]
2. USA captain Carlos Bocanegra ready to banish memories of World Cup 2006 in Germany. [Goal]
3. Wide play key against Algeria. [Sports Illustrated]
4. World Cup match draws as many viewers as 'Lost' finale. [CNN]

5. Bafana Bafana is first host nation to fail to advance to second round. [MSNBC]
6. For World Cup referees, it's better to go unnoticed (Text & Video). [The Washington Post]
7. At World Cup, each referee appears to have his own standards. [The Washington Post]
8. FIFA punishes Koman Coulibaly for USA vs. Slovenia World Cup call. [San Francisco Chronicle]

9. World Cup ratings hit a 16-year high in U.S. [Reuters]
10. World Cup Dutch 'beer stunt' charges dropped. [BBC]
11. The evolution of the World Cup Ball (Interactive). [The New York Times]
12. FIFA and the Drawing of Lots: A brief history. [The New York Times]