United States v Ghana preview/prediction

The United States will play in the round of 16 v Ghana tomorrow at 2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst in what will be deemed an even match. After the thrilling victory v Algeria, the Americans need to avoid an emotional hangover that may occur. Their propensity to allow early goals will most certainly be tested against the youngest team in the World Cup, but perhaps the most athletic as well. The Black Stars (as they are affectionately known) advanced from their group as the only African side to move on to the knockout round. Their side relies heavily on their defense, as manager Milovan Rajevac employs a 4-5-1 formation. The midfield of Ghana is very physical and hardworking, and thus this level is the engine that effectively drives the team. The crowd could very well provide a great advantage to Ghana. They are the only African side remaining in the tournament and the crowd could very well be extremely pro-Ghana. Within that same token, they are the last hope for the continent of Africa, so the pressure could mount and work against The Black Stars.

Ghana is dissimilar to most African sides, as they are cohesive as a unit, playing with a structure. The squad however is missing it's best player and starting midfielder in Michael Essien, but they still have great young quality across the pitch. Starting striker Asamoah Gyan is a pacy talisman that has scored some good goals for Ghana and is the loan striker that can hold the ball up as midfielders push forward into the attack. 20 year old midfielder Andre Ayew is the creative force for Ghana and has played very well thus far. His partner in the midfield Kwadwo Asamoah is the enforcer in the centre of the pitch that took over Essien's spot. The Udinese player has been outstanding thus far and his matchup against the likes of Michael Bradley and whoever is paired with Bradley will be paramount.

Ghana was able to advance due to their compactness on defense coupled with their composure and discipline. Their willingness to defend coupled with their youth and athleticism has caused problems for many teams. An interesting statistic is that Ghana has scored more than one goal only once in their last thirteen games. The United States hopes this trend continues. Interestingly enough as well that the goals scored in this tournament have been penalty kicks. For the United State's sake, hopefully there won't be any phantom penalty kick calls a la 2006 when Stephen Appiah slotted one home which proved to be the difference in the game. The Ghanians also do have the reputation of, shall we say...diving quite frequently.

PROJECTED LINEUP V GHANA:

Altidore

Dempsey Feilhaber Donovan

Bradley Edu

Bornstein Demerit Bocanegra Cherundolo

Due to the speed element brought to the table, I believe Bornstein gets the nod starting again. It would not surprise me in the least bit to see Oguchi Onyewu start in this game, but his strengths (namely his aerial prowess) are going to be tested much in this game, and coming off of a knee injury his fitness and timing still isn't quite there against a very fast Ghanian team. Dempsey could get the nod up front as a second striker, or to combat the 4-5-1 formation, the United States could choose to use Altidore as a lone striker with a midfielder such as Benny Feilhaber or Stuart Holden coming in to enhance the center of the pitch. Findley, who was suspended for the last match due to a yellow card accumulation could resume his spot aside Altidore assuming Bradley chooses to use a 4-4-2 formation. Edson Buddle could very well start due to his ability to hold the ball up, because truthfully Findley is on the pitch due to this speed. This will be the first time that that Findley won't have a distinct advantage because he will be potentially going against players that are as fast, or are faster than he is. Edu and Ricardo Clark is a toss up at this point but I believe Edu will ultimately get the nod.

The start of the game will be key. Ghana's ineptness to finish in front of goal hasn't been a problem as of late, but their chances need to be taken advantage of if they are to beat the United States. The Black Stars are essentially an enhanced version of Algeria. A big question will be how the United States comes out. They expelled so much effort and emotion in the thrilling 1-0 victory only 3 days ago, so fatigue could come into play against a young side. Look for the United States to attack the backline of Ghana. Centerback Jonathan Mensah is only age 19, so experience could be a problem. Outside back Hans Sarpei is 33 years old and doesn't have the pace he used to have, so Donovan could definitely exploit that matchup. This will be a very interesting match between two relatively even sides. The United States will look to control the possession in this game and I believe that they will, especially if a fifth midfielder is added to the mix. A big question will be the level of energy the United States will have. But if recent history is any indication, Bob Bradley's boys will come out with the positive attitude and the absolute grit and character needed to come across with a positive result. Revenge might be sweet for the Americans, who were unceremoniously bounced from the 2006 World Cup...by Ghana. The "Never Say Die" attitude will come through once again.

PREDICTION: United States 2 Ghana 1





JOGA BONITO