2010 World Cup: USA v Ghana half time report
USA 0 Ghana 1
Kevin-Prince Boateng's early solo effort has given Ghana a crucial 1-0 half time lead over the USA in Rustenburg.
The Black Stars had only scored from the penalty spot before this match, but Boateng's strike on the fourth minute was their first from open play and handed the Ghanaians an early lead in Rustenburg.
USA will be disappointed with giving the ball away so cheaply in midfield, while Tim Howard won't be the happiest goalkeeper this evening after he was beaten at his near post. Nonetheless, it was still a fine strike from outside the box by the talented 23-year-old.
Bob Bradley's side have been uninspiring in the first 45 minutes and looked rather disjointed. The USA coach cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines, and duly took action on the half hour mark with a tactical substitution. Maurice Edu came on for Ricardo Clark in a bid to get the Americans playing as they did in the group stages.
Less than five minutes later the USA nearly equalised through Robbie Findley. A misplaced pass in the Ghana defence fell to Clint Dempsey, who in turn picked up Findley. Fortunately for the Ghanaians, Richard Kingson was equal to the striker's effort, pulling off a fine save with his feet.
Jay Demerit was beaten by Boateng for the opening goal, and was nearly at fault for a second in the 36th minute when Kwadwo Asamoah capitalised on his missed flick-on. Howard bailed him out, though, with a superb stop.
In order to progress to the quarter-final, the USA will have to eradicate any more sloppy errors in the second half. As for the youthful Ghana, they'll just be asked for more of the same after the break.
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