What: World Cup 2010
Who: United States vs Ghana (World Cup Last 16)
When: Saturday 26th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
With Hearts On Their Sleeves
The United States booked their place in the last 16 in extremely dramatic fashion, needing a stoppage time winner from Landon Donovan to dispatch of Algeria in their last group match and seal top spot in Group C. After showing extreme character to come from behind against England and Slovenia to garner vital draws, the Stars and Stripes are looking more determined than ever to prove their footballing pedigree to the rest of the world.
Having booked top spot ahead of England in their group, the Americans have been handed the tough test of trying to overcome African favourites Ghana in the round of 16. Should they prove successful, the USA will have equalled their best ever finish in a World Cup, having reaching the quarter-finals back in 2002.
Keeping the African Dream Alive
Ghana reached the knockout stages of the World Cup despite losing their last match against Germany, as Serbia slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Australia. The African nation have scored only two goals to qualify for the last 16, both of which were penalties. Coach Milovan Rajevac will feel rather fortunate to still have a shot to push on in the tournament, but he will give plenty of credit to his side’s compact defence for giving very little away during their group matches.
With hosts South Africa, and the rest of the African nations out, the support of the entire continent will be behind Ghana in the knockout stages. Encouragement and motivation will certainly not be lacking in their next game, and they will need plenty of it against a stern United States outfit.
Recent form
United States:
England 1-1 United States (12/06; World Cup – Group C)
Slovenia 2-2 United States (18/06; World Cup – Group C)
United States 1-0 Algeria (23/06; World Cup – Group C)
Ghana:
Serbia 0-1 Ghana (13/06; World Cup – Group D)
Ghana 1-1 Australia (19/06; World Cup Group D)
Ghana 0-1 Germany (23/06; World Cup Group D)
Players to watch
United States – Landon Donovan: The LA Galaxy star has been a man on a mission in the World Cup, and has proven he is more than capable of stepping up on football’s biggest stage. After overcoming plenty of challenges in his life, the talented attacker is showing why he is considered the brightest among the United States’ stars.
Ghana – Asamoah Gyan: The 24-year-old striker may not be a key player for club Rennes, but he has certainly proven vital for Ghana in recent times, scoring both of his nation’s penalties in the group stages, and all three of the goals for his side’s runners-up campaign in the African Cup of Nations. Should the Black Stars prove victorious against the United States, Gyan will likely have a hand in it.
Match prediction
The United States have shown their desire to give absolutely everything they have in every match they’ve played in the World Cup so far, an attitude that will stand them in good stead as the tournament progresses. Facing a Ghana side that hardly impressed in the group stages, expect the Stars and Stripes to continue their Cinderella Story into the quarter-finals.
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