2010 World Cup last 16 preview: USA v Ghana
Landon Donovan’s last-gasp strike against Algeria to fire the USA through to the last 16 was pure Hollywood.
After spurning a whole host of glorious chances over the course of the match and surviving one or two scares, it was down to their star man to rescue the day with a heroic goal at the death, which not only sealed qualification, but also their place at the top of Group C.
Cue an almighty bundle on the Loftus Versfeld Stadium sidelines and victorious coach Bob Bradley saluting his triumphant squad of players. These scenes wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Mighty Ducks film.
Thanks to Donovan’s vital late winner, USA not only avoided elimination from the tournament, but also a last 16 tie against three-time world champions, Germany. Instead, they will face Ghana - the only African side to advance to the second round on their home continent – this Saturday in Rustenburg.
The Black Stars weren’t overly impressive during the group stages in terms of results – recording a win, a draw and a defeat – however, they deservedly progressed to the last 16 after showcasing an important blend of defensive discipline and a willingness to attack.
Without the services of instrumental central midfielder Michael Essien, little was expected of Milovan Rajevac’s side. Lumped in a group with not only Germany, but also dark horses Serbia and the unpredictable Australia, Ghana faced an almighty challenge to escape the clutches of Group D.
However, a superb win over Serbia in their opening match put them on their way to qualification, before a rather disappointing 1-1 draw against the Socceroos and a largely expected 1-0 defeat to Germany.
As for the USA, holding England to a 1-1 draw was arguably their most impressive achievement from the group stages. Coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Slovenia wouldn’t be too far behind. Their never-say-die attitude in that match was admirable, and they may have to display a similar mentality on Saturday evening.
Both Ghana and the USA have a tremendous work ethic instilled in their respective squads, and the winner could well be decided by which team wants it that little bit more.
Only the USA have reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup before – and that was on the one occasion in 2002 - so this encounter at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium will certainly rank among the most important in their histories.
Occasions such as these can really capture the public’s imagination in countries where football isn’t followed avidly, such as America. Former US president Bill Clinton was in the crowd for the team’s final group match against Algeria, and ended the match with a new found love in the sport, not to mention a husky voice after cheering his nation on. In fact, he’s even extended his stay in South Africa for this last 16 match after enjoying the victory so much.
Meanwhile, Ghana are now doing it for the whole of football-mad Africa after the five other nations from the continent fell by the wayside in the first round. Having already matched their best ever finish in a World Cup finals with this spot in the second round, the Ghanaians will be desperate to go one stage further and create history this weekend.
Both coaches are expected to make minor changes to their starting line-ups. US coach Bradley is set to recall Oguchi Onyewu to central defence, while dynamic forward Robbie Findley will return to the attack following his suspension against Algeria.
As for Ghana’s tactician, Rajevac, he is likely to start 20-year-old AC Milan striker Dominic Adiyiah ahead of Kwadwo Asamoah for his sole change.
The draw has been kind to both the USA and Ghana, and the winners will advance to the quarter-finals to play the winners of the Uruguay-South Korea match. No Brazil, no Argentina and no Spain – not until the semi-finals, anyway.
Such a good opportunity to reach the latter stages of world football’s most prestigious tournament can’t be wasted, and because of the two side’s similar styles, this match promises to be one of the most open of the last 16. Goals are therefore virtually guaranteed.
A win for the USA would generate even more interest in the team’s campaign stateside; while victory for Ghana would keep the African dream alive of producing a world champion from the plateau continent.
But, unfortunately, the story can only continue for one nation. The only guarantee is that unlike the movies, this last 16 clash will feature both a happy and a sad ending.
With no spoilers available, though, tuning in this Saturday evening will be the only way to discover how this fascinating tale unravels.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Ghana (AET)
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