USA vs Ghana (Round of 16) Pre-Game Thread

I worry about a big letdown in this game. I don't think losing it would be a huge failure, but there's such goodwill towards soccer overall in the country right now. It will be a difficult game. I know Ghana is a younger and probably faster team but I think the US conditioning and familiarity with Rustenburg will pretty much neutralize that. The crowd will definately be on Ghana's side, but that's also something the US is familiar with. If the defense can hold on and be solid (a big question mark) the US has a real good chance of winning, but I have a feeling if that happens it's gonna be another late goal or maybe even comeback win (I hope it's not penalties - I think the US has the advantage there but watching these games already makes me feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack lol). Finishing will definately be key too, because they won't get as many chances against Ghana as they did with Algeria. And hopefully they won't need to overcome any outrageous refereeing decisions either, but I wouldn't be surprised. So yes, I'm really nervous but really excited about this game. I think it's probably a 50/50 to be honest, but all things being equal I'll be "cautiously optimistic" again, and hope for the best! At least it's coming up real soon!

 

That would be really cool (albeit horrible for one set of fans at the end), but the chances of that happening are so ridiculously slim. If even one of the teams gets to the final it will be a major major surprise. Still, good luck against Argentina for Mexico, that would be a big step forward (the US game is "less difficult" but still would be a great result)...

 

That would be awesome. I always pull for CONCACAF Teams in the WC. Good luck!

 

Wouldn't that be awesome

I was pulling for you guys too against France. I was the only one in my office pool (all Germans besides me) to tip you guys to beat France.

 

I'm shocked that a Mexican living in the USA would hate the US team so much. I mean, at least be neutral on them ... you are living and working in this country.

Secondly, we should start Gooch b/c he will be in pay back mode, ready to kick some ass.

Thirdly, we should start Feilhaber...guys been hot all tourny.... we need a guy like him to run the midfield.

Ideally, since we have no real 2nd foward, I would like Feilhaber as the CAM just below JOZY. Please, Dempsey can't finish...it is a waste to put him up top.

We need to haul some butt and kick some ass baby, YEEEHAAA!!!!

BLACK STRS VS STRS/STRIPES --- READY TO GO BABY!!

I see an England - USA thrid place match.

 

True but Germany found it just as hard to break down Ghana in a must win and it took a wonder goal to do it. Maybe we're looking at Penalty Kicks, is their goalie good at stopping penalties? Howard is so so right?

I agree that Ghana was outmatched and would've found it very difficult to score against Germany, but we have one, of the most porous defenses in the tournament. It's our achilles heel. We let in a lot of goals. . .

 

And if Ghana score early expect a non-stop afternoon of olympic diving of such epic proportions , the Italians will soon lose their claim to fame.

 

You're joking right?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-F4KMkivFc"]YouTube- Tim Howard Penalty Save against Spurs[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JSynnf-0ZQ"]YouTube- Manchester United V Everton Fc In The Fa Cup Semi Final Penalty Shootout Full[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfkakI_k6Ro"]YouTube- FA Cup final Chelsea v Everton: Tim Howard on penalty sh...[/ame]

He is one of the BEST.

 

I've been watching the USA and Mexico games with my Mexican-American friend as well as with a bunch of Mexicans at the local Mexican restaurant. I still would like to see all your team cry tears of sadness after we play them, but I have been rooting for you since you put the French out. I'll admit I feel conflicted at times, but as far as I'm concerned at this point, it's CONCACAF vs The World.

Vinna Aver Estados Unidos vs Mexico en la última copa del mundo!

I'm sure I butchered it, but they're all trying to teach me Spanish.

EDIT: I think it was beating the French and Hernandez following in his grandfather's footsteps that won me over. I had been rooting for the French to lose, and the combination of them getting into the WC on a handball and that handball knocking out the Irish has had me rooting for them to fail. It just had to be Mexico that did it, leaving me with no choice but to say, "Gracias!"

 

Although, it would be nice if we could invite Didier Drogba or Samuel Eto'o to start since their teams have been eliminated, we must choose someone from our own roster. I believe Mr. Findley, with all of his warts, offers the team more than the other potential options.

 

I'm not seeing how Ghana's defense is one that would be stressed by a speedy player who seems mostly lost when he gets to the ball. He is not that speedy, relative to their backs, and is easily neutralized by being played close to the body and out the lines. Ability to surprise with the ball, to hold with strength and them improvise, to carry out quick cutting plays where the other forward players understand what you intend, and you understand what is the intent of the mids pacing the attack, is far more important. We have no player exactly like that, true enough, but Buddle is closer to it than Findley is. ....
I am genuinely curious as to what Bradley opts for tomorrow. I will be disappointed if it is Findley in there.

 

Congrats to the US on the the win against Algeria. They have shown great will. I am a Mexico fan and used to root against the US but not during this world cup. I am glad that CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are doing well and that reflects good on all the Americas. The US should be able now to make it into the Semis with their amazing draws, I predict they will make the Semis. Unfortunately Aguirre planned a stinker game against Uruguay and now we face Argentina so we get knocked out at the round of 16 again by our international nemesis.

I am also happy for ESPN because they really are pushing this world cup and their gamble paid off with Donovan's goal. Americans love winners and the only way for the world cup to make it in the US is for the American team to perform well. They have not performed that great but showed great will to get the results it needed in dramatic fashion and that helps with the average Joe.

I see them performing well and beating Ghana 2-0 and Uruguay 1-0.

 

Bradley has done a great job pulling the strings at this point.
It would be a surprise to me if anyone other than Findley gets the nod.

 

It's funny the way I want to see Mexico succeed as my second team. Maybe it's all of my Mexican friends back home and where I'm at right now, but a lot of it is the way I love seeing Blanco's fat old ass out there still.

It's unfortunate you drew Argentina. I think Mexico will do OK if they get the first goal, but that's a tall feat against them. Either way, I will be there cheering for Mexico on Sunday with your countrymen.

 

The lovefest between US and Mexico fans needs to stop.....now

 

I know, it feels dirty. I'm just being honest. I've never felt hate like I did in 2002 through 2009 but I just can't do it right now.

 

I think we're getting better with each successive game, which is what you want in a tournament, therefore I expect a fairly dominating performance from the US tomorrow. We have players who have been here, this is a first for Ghana, sure they could do to us what we did to Mexico in '02 but just I don't see that happening. Our players would have to seriously shit their collective pants for the US to lose tomorrow. I definitely don't see penalty kicks in this one either.

I also expect fatigue to be a factor for Ghana, not for us. Every African team in this tournament has looked gassed by minute 70.

 

Ghana will leave it all out there. They are their continents last hope in a continent of underdogs.

Oh, and Ghana HAS been there before - at our expense.

I'm confident and excited and nervous about losing too but let's not underestimate ANY team that gets to the round of 16 at a World Cup.

 

I have yet to read a poster here who shows signs of underestimating Ghana. They beat us four years ago, painfully so, and they came second to Germany in their group. They are a complete team, with a fine defense, a powerful midfield, and a solid attacking corps [which has underperformed in this WC, but then may well be due for a breakout game]. And, as you said, Ghana is now their continents last hope. Yes, they will leave it all out there.
That said, we have every right to expect that the USMNT understands that they are our nation's "last" hope, and that they too will leave it all out there, and that in Ghana they face our destroyers from four years ago. Victory, if it comes, will be sweeter than dandelion wine on a July's eve by Lake Superior.

 

I'm not underestimating Ghana, but on any given day I would expect the US to beat a team that has generally been ranked behind Algeria in quality.

 

Who would rank Ghana behind Algeria in terms of quality?

 

http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/coupedumonde2010/articles.php?id=291919

Bradley interview with TV5, anybody speak French?

"Il n'y a plus beaucoup de joueurs qui sont encore là et quatre ans plus tard beaucoup de choses ont changé. Plus que de penser à une revanche, ce sera important de rester concentré pour donner notre maximum pendant 90 minutes et peut-être plus."

 

Here is Google's version...


The pressure is it higher now that the phase of direct elimination matches start?
All teams feel much pressure during the first round. When it comes to leaving the country, cleavers are the matches and we try to know how far one can go. From our point of view, we achieved our first goal we hoisted in the fourth round, now in Ghana.

What is the difference between Ghana and the teams you have faced so far?
Ghana is unique in that it plays very well together. Their coach has done an excellent job because the team is very well organized and have good personalities. We see that this team works well.

What do you think the attack of Ghana?
Their forwards are dangerous all the time because they have individuals capable of surprising us. You think they'll pass the ball at the last moment, they are a dribble, you think they will go left and they run right, they are unpredictable, is one of their qualities.

Do you consider this game as a rematch of the game played four years ago (Ghana 2-1 victory in the group stage)?
There are not many players who are still there and four years later much has changed. More than thinking about revenge, it will be important to remain focused to give our maximum for 90 minutes and perhaps longer.

"All Africa after Ghana"

Do you feel that all Africa is behind the team from Ghana?
Yes, indeed. South Africa is a fantastic host. They are proud to host the World Cup, but it is not only the pride of a nation but that of all Africa. African nations, the African teams and the players feel the African way. So what will happen, absolutely.

American football is growing steadily and have received the support of Barack Obama. Is it important?
It was first and foremost honored to receive a call from him. Several weeks ago, we visited the White House and was a special moment for everyone. Know the weeks after he follows our course is a real honor. We received fantastic support from all fans in the U.S. but also from the large audiences who came to South Africa. It'sa great responsibility for us.

How far do you think your team will go in this tournament?
There are times, we tell ourselves we are able to go after. But we must balance remaining focused on each game, one after another. We'll play the shot to the bottom and we know that if each element of the group gives the maximum, then we can go far.

What do you think of the CONCACAF teams in this competition?
Mexico played very well during the first phase, they made good games, but it will be very tough against Argentina. For its part, Honduras has fallen into a very difficult group (Spain, Chile, Switzerland) and they can still finish with points. I think we can say that the Concacaf (do not forget the U.S.) is well represented.

Your players have learned things by watching the matches of the World?
We appreciate being able to watch the matches. There are two readings of an encounter between the fan and the player or coach who also watch the tactical adjustments during the game or what kind of things. With staff, talking about what we could see.

When do you tell your players they will hold?
Most of the time we established the composition on the eve of the match and the players understand when the tactical deployment. At that time, the team is made of 99%. But sometimes we need to keep them in suspense or doubt whether physical, you wait until 24:00 of the match. It happens rarely.

 

fifa.

 

I think you're a little overconfident, I wouldn't expect the US to really 'dominate' any team that is good enough to make it through group play. This game is going to be a fight, Ghana is the champions of faking and manipulating referees...if that part of the game doesn't go well for them then my confidence will be better.

Hopefully you are right though