World Cup Soccer 2010: USA vs. Ghana Match Preview
USA is a team not really known for their accomplishments in football. However, they have made it to the round of 16 at South Africa, courtesy of a Hollywood-style injury time winner by their captain Lendon Donovan against Algeria in their final group game. Now they get ready to face Ghana in the knockout round.
There will surely be some added motivation for the Americans in this match, as revenge may be on their minds. Looking back at the 2006 World Cup as it was Ghana who beat them 2-1 in the group stages to qualify from Group ‘E’ alongside the eventual champions Italy. So a win to send Ghana packing will be sweet revenge for USA.
In their three group matches, the USA did show enough class and ability to prove to the world that they do belong at the big stage. After a somewhat lucky equalizing goal against England, they earned a 1-1 draw. But apart from the goal, they did keep out the big names in the England line-up for a majority part of the game. Their second game against Slovenia was a thriller after facing a probable 2-0 defeat. The Americans came back to level the match at 2-2 and were simply robbed by the referee when he ruled out the winner. That referee has since been barred from taking any further part in the world cup. In America’s final match against Algeria, the match was tried at 0-0 till the 90th minute. Team America was on the verge of going out of world cup, till an inspired goal from their captain paved the way for the final 16.
As for Ghana, the African side have been severely handicapped after missing their most influential player and Captain Michael Essien due to an injury. But Ghana has looked quite good in South Africa 2010. They have stuck to their game plan which is not to let the opposition settle at any point. They keep attacking at the other team which was evident in their first game against Serbia that they won 1-0. And a hard fought draw against Australia was crucial to keep their hopes alive, but probably their best performance came in the final match which they actually lost. The un-fancied African side kept the 3 time world champions at an arm’s length throughout the game and had several chances to score. However, it was only a wonder goal that gave Germany the win and a chance to qualify for the final 16.
Asamoah Gyan will be the most likely man up front to threaten USA. Gyan has been impressive in South Africa 2010 and has scored both of their goals so far. His strike partner Prince Tagoe has not been able to score as yet but as a team, both players have been equally effective. The two have an amazing understanding between them and can be a handful for any opposition.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is also their captain for South Africa 2010 has been phenomenal in the midfield. The Portsmouth man has been able to literally dictate the game form the centre of the field with his incisive passes to the front men, while also being able to shield the backline when needed. USA will seriously have to mark him if they are to keep Ghana away from victory.
For USA, there has to be no one but Captain amazing as the main man. Donovan, who plays alongside former England captain David Beckham at LA Galaxy, has been in great form in South Africa 2010 after scoring 2 goals for his team. Meanwhile, his strike partner Altidore has long been tipped as the next big thing to come out of America, the big man has immense pace and physical presence to bulldoze his way into the box.
The best player for USA in the midfield has been the Fulham man Clint Dempsey, the attacking midfielder who has been in supreme touch in South Africa 2010. He carried on his form from the previous season where he helped his club make it to the final of the Europa league. Dempsey has a great eye for passes while also possess the ability to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to poaching goals. On set pieces, he is a very handy player who can curl the ball in from a 30 yard distance.
So there you have it - USA locks horns with Ghana; two teams with a relatively easier path to the semi-finals. Whoever wins will play the winner of the Uruguay and South Korea encounter, which by considering the line up for final 16 is comparatively an easier tie.
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