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

This "support" couldn't help other 4 African teams, we shouldn't overestimate it

 

They didn't decide to lose, it's more like they managed the result; it happens all the time in group play, did you just start watching the WC this cycle? If you don't think teams know the exact score all the time and what they need to advance then I'm afraid you're being naive. I've been watching WC qualifying for over 30 years and the shenanigans some teams pull are legendary in their cynicalness. (especially in South American qualifying)

Ghana wanted to score first and put themselves in a strong position but when they gave up the first goal they had to be more tactical and decide what the best course of action was. The score in the other game plays a big part in what they were going to do. I'm sure if Serbia was winning they would've thrown the kitchen sink at the Germans.

Was it a coincidence then that as soon as Australia scored that Ghana played extremely conservative? And when Australia scored a second time they basically defended for the rest of the game? Of course when Serbia pulled a goal back, I'm sure Ghana was sweating bullets as a tie would have given 2nd place to Serbia on GS.

When the score was 2-0 for Australia, the biggest threat was the Aussies scoring 2 more so they couldn't concede a goal to the Germans and make it easier for Australia to pass them. The African teams have grown up and they aren't that naive anymore.

 

Odds that Ghana earns a penalty kick: 3 to 1

Odds that the incident leading to the call will be dubious, at best: Even money.

 

Ghana are so good at managing their scoring threats as they held up against Germany, that they have not scored a regular goal in this World Cup, penalty against Serbia, penalty against Australia http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/19/world/world-cup/ghana/australia/878792/. So they are really good at fooling people. They went through 3 games without a normal goal but we know they were just holding back!

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Again too, I just hope their is no Referee prejudice against the USA, USA would be knocking the last team out of Africa if they won. Of course, I just want a fair game and both teams to play well. Fair play always.

 

Odds that an American gets a red card? Two of their previous opponents got them.

 

I wonder if, as a player, you can even tell which team has more support in the stadium when, instead of creative chants and songs you hear "BZZZZZ" all game. That can't be all that bad. Unless you're scared of bees. Then it's bad.

 

I remember the Ghana coach predicted a win before the match in 2006...an arrogant slight that I assume most of 06' crew have not forgotten.

I have not seen Ghana yet, but whatever the merits of their team, the USA seems to be a team of destiny right now; and to be honest....there is something about Donovan's last goal that makes me think he's really starting to understand and believe that he can take over a match... I can't wait.

 

I also wouldn't underestimate the fact that the wall of vuvuzela's being blown in "support" of Ghana isn't anything to be afraid of.

 

With reference to comment above....I'd have to believe this crowd will be at least 50% American or more....there is still a healthy contingent of Yanks down there with a once in a lifetime match and a not yet fully maxed MasterCard!

 

It's not about home support, it's about FIFA wanting African teams to stay in the African World Cup. We have a (albeit extremely recent) history of being cheated out of goals.

 

Um, it's not recent.... Ask Germany.

 

Ok, now I understand your theory. They're ready for you on the set Mr Stone.

 

If anyone has the answer to this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Something tells me I don't think FIFA would mind the Olympic sized Corporate Sponsorships that would follow on the heels of a deep US run in the tournament.

 

Let's hope so

 

Who cares, what are they going to do? Blow the vuvuzelas louder? It's nothing they havent seen before, especially playing in Honduras, Guatamala etc... where they have riot police escorting them to the locker room.

 

Not to seem overconfident here but I just saw that Ghana has only scored more than 1 goal once in 2010: a 5 goal outburst vs Burkina Faso (48th in the world)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_national_football_team

We have common recent opponents in Netherlands and Austrlia...they lost to Netherlands 4-1 and tied Australia 1-1

Their coach seems to be doing really good at keeping them compact and disciplined, I think it is a different and much younger team than we faced in 06.

 

Regarding match fitness I read here that the US team is more fit than the average team. That the Ghana team was running out of gas early in their previous matches. What makes people think that? Just by looking at the way they play? Maybe Ghana's style is not to run and challenge every single time, but if a game goes to overtime they are more than fit to go the distance. Maybe US's perceived better fitness is just bias. It would be nice to hear from someone who knows about fitness training for this situation.

For me the most exciting run-and-go team I've seen was Korea in 2002. It was obvious they were very fit by the amount of running they did, but I'm sure much of it was adrenaline from being the host nation.

And as for preparing for the Ghana match, how would you train/practice the team? Some players played 90+, but some did not play at all. Would the athletic coach make those who didn't play practice harder?

 

If we can settle the game quickly, I think we will win. I have a feeling they will come out shooting and try to catch us off guard.

 

They are gonna shoot every chance they get. I just hope we win.

 

Did not hear it and my computer is not good but Sporting News interviewed Cobi Jones. It sounded like they said he was not totally happy with our defending. Sporting News has a website if someone is real interested, maybe they have the interview. Be good to hear more from our old players other than just Alexi. It's easy to get caught up with this "team of destiny" bit and every reason to but a need to be realistic too.

 

In fact I would be willing to bet anything, that 0% of the population in Ghana lives in South Africa

 

Are you ?

 

re·venge (r-vnj)
tr.v. re·venged, re·veng·ing, re·veng·es
1. To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult).
2. To seek or take vengeance for (oneself or another person); avenge.
n.
1. The act of taking vengeance for injuries or wrongs; retaliation.
2. Something done in vengeance; a retaliatory measure.
3. A desire for revenge; spite or vindictiveness.
4. An opportunity to retaliate, as by a return sports match after a defeat.