Predictions: Day 17

Game 1: England v Germany (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: England 2 Germany 1


Game 2: Argentina v Mexico (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Argentina 3 Mexico 2


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Final: Ghana 2 United States 1

An extremely tough loss has the United States bowing out of the world. Missed opportunities and questionable lineup inclusions characterize today's game. Thoughts on the game and the tournament for the United States are coming soon...

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Prediction: South Korea v Uruguay

Uruguay v South Korea (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: Uruguay 1 South Korea 1 (Uruguay wins on PKs 4-3)


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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





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Day 15 Predictions

Game 1: North Korea v Cote D'Ivoire (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: Cote D'Ivoire 3 North Korea 0


Game 2: Portugal v Brazil (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: Brazil 2 Portugal 1


Game 3: Spain v Chile (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Spain 2 Chile 1


Game 4: Honduras v Switzerland (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Honduras 1 Switzerland 1


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Day 14 Predictions

Game 1: Italy v Slovakia (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: Italy 2 Slovakia 1


Game 2: Paraguay v New Zealand (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: Paraguay 2 New Zealand 0


Game 3: Japan v Denmark (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Denmark 1 Japan 1


Game 4: Netherlands v Cameroon (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Netherlands 3 Cameroon 2



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LINEUP V ALGERIA

Here is the official starting lineup, with some surprises...

Altidore Gomez

Dempsey Edu Bradley Donovan

Bornstein Demerit Bocanegra Cherundolo

Howard


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Algeria Preview/Prediction

This is a make or break game for the United States as they take the field v Algeria (9:30 am est/6:30 am pst). For the Americans it's quite simple: A win propels Bob Bradley's boys into the round of 16 and a loss sends them back to the states. A tie complicates things and depending on the result in the England v Slovenia game, the Americans could move on due to the right scenario.

The Algerian side was thought of to be the easiest team in the group when the pairings were announced, but they absolutely cannot be taken lightly in the least bit. After losing to Slovenia 1-0 in the opening game (where they outplayed the Slovenians, and save for a goalkeeping gaffe would have gotten a point), they drew with England, showing that they are very much a big threat but also illustrating that they could give the USMNT problems.

The Desert Foxes are an enigma; One minute they look like world beaters, and in the next moment they show the patience and maturity of a U-10 soccer team. Midfielders Hassan Yebda and Karim Ziani form a dangerous pairing in the midfield. They both showed immense skill against England and time after time proved to be very effective in regards to their passing ability. They like to get forward and attack in the final third. Midfielder Ryad Boudebouz is very clever and adventurous on the ball and showed his cheeky skill quite well against England. Forward Karim Matmour provides the threat up top for Algeria. He has good size and speed on the ball and looks to push ad nauseum. He is a club teammate of United States Midfielder Michael Bradley so that should bode well for the Americans as they have inside knowledge of Matmour. Oddly enough, the player the Americans should most keep an eye out for and fear would be Portsmouth leftback Nadir Belhadj. Belhadj was an absolute terror against the English, tearing up and down the flanks with his incredible speed. He most definitely is one of the paciest players in the world and had the penchant for causing immense difficulty on the left side with his skillful footwork and his deft crosses. United States right back Steve Cherundolo definitely has his hands full with Belhadj and it is paramount for him to neutralize Belhadj as best as possible. An area to possibly exploit would be the frequency that Belhadj enters up the pitch, as he's sometimes exposed and thusly out of position. This would be prime for Landon Donovan to take advantage of.

PREDICTED LINEUP V ALGERIA:

Altidore Dempsey

Holden Clark Bradley Donovan

Bocanegra Demerit Onyewu Cherundolo

Howard


Clint Dempsey will get the start just due to the magnitude of this game. I don't see Bob Bradley trotting out Edson Buddle or Herculez Gomez just simply for the fact that they lack experience on the worlds stage, and Dempsey doesn't. The fact that Dempsey also scores many of his goals for the Americans while playing up top bodes well for that choice. Stuart Holden looks to be the first midfielder off the bench for Bradley playing on the flanks. He has good pace but more importantly he works extremely hard. His will and grit in the midfield will definitely be tested by the athletic and skilled midfield of Algeria. Ricardo Clark takes his place back in the centre of the park due to his prowess of breaking plays up and making it difficult for the midfields of opposing teams to function. His play is going to be key if the Americans are to slow down the midfield of the Desert Foxes.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:

United States 2 Algeria 1

I think this will be a hard fought game with the teams battling to get into the second round. Algeria possesses great confidence at the moment and the game will definitely be a war. Algeria is a very athletic and skilled team. One needs to remember that the majority of these players grew up in France and played in youth games for the French National Team, so they definitely have talent even if they are not household names. The volitile nature of the Algerians might prove to be a positive for the Americans, especially if frustration sets in. The Algerians are known to have literal tantrums and even provide dangerous play physically if the game isn't going in their favor. It will leave their team open to counterattacks especially since they carry the stigma of being somewhat lazy.Though Algeria hasn't scored yet in this tournament, the United States is susceptible to allowing weak and inopportune goals, and I feel like one of the solid Algerian midfielders will put one away. It would not surprise me however, to see the United States winning handily. If the United States can come out and not allow an early goal and actually take the lead, it will put pressure on Algeria and thusly they may crack. Their willingness at pushing up the pitch already leaves them prime for a defensive lapse, but if they are down a goal it leaves them exposed even more. After the triumphant come back v Slovenia and the controversy over the disallowed goal, there's no way in my mind that Bradley's bunch does not come out with the will to win. I expect them to play very well.

This game represents more than just a move to the second round. A win would help to enhance the belief that the sport is growing in the country and isn't just a passing interest come world cup time. Sure, the sport is exponentially growing in the United States but for it to take the next step in popularity, the team needs to move to the round of 16 and strike when the proverbial iron is hot (in terms of the mass amounts of interest and media coverage on the National Team, which has been unprecedented). The importance of the result of this match cannot be understated.



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Day 13 Predictions

Game 1: USA v Algeria (9:30 am est/6:30 am pst)

Prediction: USA 2 Algeria 1


Game 2: England v Slovenia (9:30 am est/6:30 am pst)

Prediction: England 2 Slovenia 1


Game 3: Australia v Serbia (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Serbia 2 Australia 0


Game 4: Ghana v Germany (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Germany 3 Ghana 1



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Algeria Preview/Prediction

Day 12 Predictions

Game 1: France v South Africa (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediction: South Africa 3 France 2


Game 2: Mexico v Uruguay (10 am est/7 am pst)

Prediciton: Mexico 1 Uruguay 1


Game 3: South Korea v Nigeria (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: South Korea 2 Nigeria 1


Game 4: Argentina v Greece (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Argentina 3 Greece 0


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Day 11 Predictions

Game 1: Portugal v North Korea (7:30 am est/4:30 am pst)

Prediction: Portugal 2 North Korea 0


Game 2: Switzerland v Chile (10:00 am est/7:00 am pst)

Prediction: Chile 2 Switzerland 1


Game 3: Spain v Honduras (2:30 pm est/11:30 am pst)

Prediction: Spain 4 Honduras 1


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