USA vs. Ghana – USA Will Win Defensive Battle

Landon Donovan performed a miracle against Algeria. Al says it will take the same kind of effort to put the USA into the quarter finals.

A great match-up
The clash between the USA and Ghana promises to be the most dramatic game in the second round of the World Cup. It may not have the flair of Argentina vs. Mexico, or the history of Germany vs. England, but this is the tightest and most balanced match-up of the entire round. I love the way both of these teams play. Ghana and the USA play tight and to their strengths. These are organized and disciplined sides which have shown why team work matters in Soccer. I expect the passion and belief these teams have shown to spill over onto the park into what will be an emotional game all round. Prior to the World Cup both rosters were considered good but not great, capable of making the knockout stages but not making a dent. Well one of these teams is going to defy the World Cup betting odds and go to the quarter finals.

Expect few goals
Sports Interaction has set the Over/Under at 2.5 goals and I’m taking the under at -189. Defense has been a strength for both of these sides in the clutch. True Ghana had its share of problems at the back against Australia and Germany, as did the USA against Slovenia, but when survival was on the line these defenses came good.

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Offensively there are questions on both sides. Ghana has managed just two goals so far and while the USA has doubled that, it too has shown a lack of firepower. In a lose and go home situation I don’t expect either side to up the tempo in attack. This game will be decided by a single goal and it might take extra time to find a winner.

Donovan’s destiny
Was there anyone that didn’t get excited when Landon Donovan scored against Algeria? Donovan’s miracle goal kept the dream alive for the USA and he will receive plenty of attention from Ghana’s defense on Saturday. When the USA presses forward he will likely be suffocated by defenders but on the counter attack, breaking from defense, he will be unleashed. With Clint Dempsey and the physical play of Jozy Altidore to work with, Donovan will be able to create some magic and conjure up a goal. The LA Galaxy man is going to be the difference in this game. While Ghana has legitimate stars at the back and in midfield, they lack an attacking presence to counter Donovan’s impact. Get your star spangled vuvuzela and bet on the USA to win.

XXVIII: Gabriel Morency previews the World Cup last 16

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