World Cup 2010: USA vs. Ghana Preview
By Ty Duffy
History: The United States has reached this stage twice in the modern era. Brazil defeated them 1-0 in the 1994 Round of 16. They reached the quarterfinals before bowing out to Germany in 2002. Ghana reached the second round in 2006, eliminating the USA in the final group stage match. Brazil beat them 3-0 in the first knockout round.
Form: USA drew England 1-1. They drew Slovenia 2-2, though a phantom foul ruled out the winner. Landon Donovan’s last gasp goal gave them a 1-0 win over Algeria and the Group C crown on total goals. Ghana finished second in Group D. Though the goal came from a penalty, their 1-0 win over Serbia was deserved. They drew Australia 1-1. They lost 1-0 to Germany in the final match. Both Ghana goals came from penalties.
Home Continent Advantage: Statisticians played up the home continent advantage before the tournament. There is one, but it’s not a statistical certainty. It’s about comfort, not being on the same landmass. It’s common sense that France or Italy would feel more comfortable taking a one-hour flight to Germany than flying to South America or South Africa. African teams, however, had a long trip as well.
It’s 2,800 miles from Accra to Rustenburg. That’s roughly the same distance as Munich. The German summer climate is more similar to Ghana’s than the South African winter. The World Cup is for all of Africa, but it’s not surprising the “home continent advantage” has been negligible.
Fielding a 4-4-2, USA will be outnumbered by Ghana in central midfield. Their best attacking option may be a route one approach, direct balls to the strikers they can play to the onrushing Donovan and Dempsey. Bob Bradley’s team must focus and not fall behind early. The defenders must ensure their tackles are spot on.
Ghana will attack quickly down the wings, hoping to catch lead-footed American defenders. They will also try to exploit the space left by Michael Bradley when he bombs forward and overcommits. They need to be organized and consistent. Ghana have the supporting structure of a great team but seem to be missing the bit of quality to push them there. That would have been Michael Essien.
Prediction: This match could get urgent and chaotic, especially if there’s an early goal. That would work to USA’s advantage. They almost seem to prefer playing that way. 2-1 to the Untied States. The U.S. has not won consecutive matches at the World Cup since 1930. They’re due.
[Photos via Getty]