U.S. vs. Ghana: What’s Your Prediction?
Written by Jeff Lemieux on June 25, 2010 – 4:46 pm -I don’t think I can bring myself to make a prediction for Saturday afternoon’s massive Round of 16 clash between the United States and Ghana. After watching Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time goal against Algeria - which was quite possibly the most dramatic sporting moment I’ve ever witnessed - there’s no way I could possibly even try to predict what this team will pull off next.
What I do know is that Saturday’s game is going to provide plenty of drama, especially considering the history between the two sides. Fans of the U.S. National Team will recall quite vividly the last time the Americans met Ghana on a remarkably similar stage. The date was June 22, 2006, and the U.S. squared off against Ghana in the third and final match of the group stage in Germany, with both sides looking for a win to clinch a spot in the knockout round. Former Revolution star Clint Dempsey scored a fantastic goal to provide hope for the red, white and blue, but a questionable penalty kick right before the half doomed the Americans to a 2-1 defeat, ending their tournament.
On Saturday afternoon, they’ll have a shot at redemption, though the players have claimed revenge is not on their minds, simply a spot in the quarterfinals.
While I can’t bring myself to predict the outcome of this match, I wanted to open the floor for you to give your predictions if you so desire. After all, I’ve done prediction blog posts for each of the group stage matches and that worked out pretty well, so no sense in stopping now.
Posted in World Cup 2010 |
June 25th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Hey guys
After the out for the Swiss team, the USMNT are the only one left to support. I hope they will do better than the Swiss team.
As I said earlier, Ghana is low-scoring team. Their dangerous in the offense, create a lot of possibilities, but don’t take the opportunity to score. Defensively, they used to play well for about a half-time or 70 minutes, but then get to lose their organzition and allow the other team dangerous moments. So far, Ghana produces pressure only over a short periode of time, mostly for about 10 minutes and retreat afterwards.
Therefore, I go with a 1:0 or 2:1 victory of the US-team. If Dempsey only nets one of his numerous possibilities or Altidore got lucky a little bit more upfront, the USMNT has a good chance to advance to next stage. But it’s getting dangerous if they’re loosing too many balls in midfield ’cause Ghana is very fast in getting balls to their forward Gyan or Ayew on the side, so the midfield will be the decesive part of the field. But with the good performance of Bradley and Edu/Clark so far, I think the USMNT has good guys in there. Oh, by the way, a good defense play concerning avoiding fouls will be also very important. Ghana showed that they can score on penalty kicks, not like Germany.
So, let’s hope for a good ending. Best wishes and a large support from Switzerland
June 25th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I agree with Cyrill, the US has to keep an eye on Gyan and Ayew, also Kingston in goal is a very solid and athletic keeper. He will be hard to score on. Keep in mind the whole of Africa will be behind Ghana, so they will have the home field advantage in this one. I think that the US will pull out another heart stopper, either in regular or extra time 2-1.
June 25th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Is that injury list for real? So much for getting some rest and coming our swinging for the second half of the season. This season is turning into a total wash (understatement of the year)
June 26th, 2010 at 9:25 am
I agree with Cyrill and Joe. 2-1 to the US is how I see this ending. It’s going to be a close game and we might concede, but we now have the strength and confidence to top them that we didn’t have in ‘06. But we’ll need a big game from Donovan and Dempsey and a little luck in breaking down a strong Ghana defense. Can’t wait for the game.
P.S.: My condolences over the Swiss team’s exit, Cyrill. I was supporting them all the way and was disappointed they couldn’t find the result against Honduras after their spirited upset of Spain.
June 26th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I thought we were going to hear from Brian and Mike this week?
June 26th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
1-0 USA wins!!!
June 26th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Cooper - I’ve been told that we’ll have those answers early next week. When it was originally stated that the answers would be available late this week, it wasn’t known that Mike Burns would be out of town for a few days. So, expect that early next week.
June 26th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
1-1 USA wins by penalty shots
June 26th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Hey guys
That’s so bad that the USMNT couldn’t win. Well, at least they fought for the win and could tie the game, but in the end it was just not enough. But I think the USMNT showed how dangerous they could be and I’m sure that their time will come to play along the big nations like Spain or Brasil. Especially, I hope that this World Cup put US soccer in a better light within the United States and that its popularity will rise. This will help the USMNT, MLS and the Revs. I’ll definitely stay you biggest Swiss supporter of US soccer.
So, the league returns to play and I want to wish the Revs all the best for their match against Chicago. You guys have seen how good the national teams can play, so take that inspiration on the field and make it. Although the injury list is surprisingly long, you can get a win. The USMNT turned two games around which is very unlikely, according to statistics.
Best wishes from Switzerland
P.S.: Dave W, I thank you for your support for the Swiss team. It’s good to hear that the Swiss team has support in the United States.
June 26th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Both the US and Italian national teams have turned the page in this world cup. It is time to rebuild and start looking for more young talent. As they have to stay competitive on the international stage, This is more important for the US than Italy because if the US Mens team has a downturn it will hurt the sport in our countey and we will be taking a step back instead of forward. It will also add fuel to the fire of the anti-soccer people.