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6/21/2006 03:33:00 PM

Five Keys To U.S. Victory

Oakland Arena
The U.S. may have a difficult time replacing Pablo Mastroeni, who is suspended after earning a red card in the Italy game.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Posted by Mark Bechtel

NUREMBERG, Germany -- As the U.S. gets ready to play its biggest game of the past four years, against Ghana on Thursday, here are five things they'll need to focus on getting done:

1. Make up for the loss of Pablo Mastroeni: "The Maestro" is suspended for the game after picking up a red card in Saturday's draw against Italy. He would have played a huge role on Thursday; Ghana's midfield is one of the best in the tournament, with Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah. If the U.S. is going to have a chance, the team's going to have to control the middle of the park. That's usually what the Maestro -- one of the most underrated players around -- does. He's tough, he's calm, he's smart, he's a good tackler, he's a good passer -- in other words, he's exactly what you want in a holding midfielder. The U.S. has several other players who can slide back in a D-mid role, such as Claudio Reyna, John O'Brien or Clint Dempsey -- but it's not the primary position for any of them.

2. Get a big game from Kasey Keller: For the first 150 minutes of the tournament, Keller was average at best. He couldn't really be blamed for the goals he allowed, but at the same time it wasn't as if he was making memorable saves, either. Then late in the Italy game he came alive, turning away several shots in the last half hour. The U.S. side is probably going to be looking to push forward whenever it can, which could leave the defense vulnerable to the occasional counterattack. Ghana is going to get some good shots. Keller needs to stop them.

3. React to Ghana's aggressive play: The Black Stars are a physical team. They are going to play some chippy football, and the U.S. needs to deal with it. That means keeping cool and not retaliating. (If a Ghana player gets sent off, be aware that the ref might be looking to even things up, like we saw in the Italy game with Mastroeni getting the gate shortly after Daniele De Rossi was sent off). It also means taking advantage of getting fouled. When is the last time the U.S. scored on a free kick? They're going to get some set pieces in the Ghanaian third of the field; it'd help matters immensely if they could do something with them.

4. Score early: When Ghana played Italy, they bossed the Azzurri around for much of the first half hour. With each surge forward, Ghana looked like it was getting more and more assured of itself. Then Italy bagged a goal off a corner kick and things went to pot for Ghana. The quicker the U.S. puts Ghana on its heels, the better.

5. Don't worry about the other game: The U.S. has no chance of advancing unless Italy beats or draws the Czech Republic in its match, which starts at the same time as the U.S.-Ghana game. There are all sorts of possible outcomes that could see the U.S. through, but they all have one thing in common: the U.S. has to beat Ghana. There's nothing the Yanks can do except to try and hold up their end of the deal and hope that the football gods smile on them. Keeping one eye on the happenings in Hamburg won't do anybody any good.

How do you think the U.S. will do against Ghana? Who do you think will advance from the group?
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180 Comments:

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Posted: 4:14 PM   by Kris in Key West
Five good points for keys to victory. Maybe McBride will actually get a shot off in this World Cup. If Eddie Johnson doesent start I'm not rooting for the USA.
Where are all the goalscorers we are reported to have on our roster?
Did anyone hear about the racist comments attributed to Rush Limbaugh concerning Ghana?
Posted: 4:52 PM   by Anonymous
How about scoring? The US has yet to score a goal in this tournament.
Posted: 4:56 PM   by Anonymous
The USA have very good players. What they need to do is understand each other. That way when the pass the ball it would be with presicion. At times it looks like they are playing individually not as a team. They make great moves individually, are fast, but is like they dont understand each other when to pass the ball. Is either to early or to late.
Posted: 4:58 PM   by Anonymous
First Touch! I'm not sure how to categorize this, but the US simply looked awful whenever players first received the ball. It would carom off their foot, never trapping it cleanly. Onweyu (who has been solid) wasted precious time in bobbling the ball while receiving passes.

Not so against Italy. We looked crisp, played one touch, and kept the ball moving at all times. Not sure if Ghana will allow this, but we've got to at least try.
Posted: 5:00 PM   by Anonymous
i'm very pro-US soccer, but the reality is that we haven't scored a goal (proactively) in 180 minutes of play. that's sorry. heck, the ivory coast had three goals in this afternoon's match alone. so the US will most likely lose, i'm sorry to say.
Posted: 5:02 PM   by Anonymous
Please put Eddie Johnson in.....McBride sucks and itsnt fast enough. US team should be embarrassed at having only one SHOT on goal. Its the fewest of all teams.....Disgraceful
Posted: 5:02 PM   by Tom Valois
If we can step up, and take shots from outside the box, then we can win: 1-0. Ghana, too, will be playing without two of their stars - correct? Reyna needs to step up. As you correctly commented we need to stop be "the ugly Americans", take our licks and have them work to our advantage.
Posted: 5:03 PM   by Bob from NC
I'm not a huge soccer fan, but have have followed as many WC games as possible and what I have noticed is that both the US and Ghana have few or no players that like to roll around on the field faking a career ending injury like most of the European players--so I like both teams. The US will probably win, but Italy will likely lose thus eliminating the Americans.
Posted: 5:03 PM   by Anonymous
I think the US will play well tomorrow against Ghana. This game will not be easy and I look for a 1-0 or 2-1 result and I really think it would go either way.

The US will miss Pablo M. much more than we miss Eddie Pope. I'd slide Boconegra in the middle and put Berghalter on the outside. Conrad's aggressiveness and lack of experience frightens me in light of Ghana's speed.

I look for Arena to put Reyna as defensive midfielder, but I won't be surprised if it is O'Brien. The problem with O'Brien is fitness and he won't likely hold up the entire match against Ghana's speed. But I think we would do better offensively with O'Brien in the line-up. L. Donovan needs to play the game of his life. In particular he needs to help with possession and breaking down the Ghana defense.

Ghana's keeper (Kingston) looked very shaky in the Italy game. He must be tested early and often. If the US can score early they will win this match.

The wild card is how much Ghana misses their 2 suspended forwards. I think Ghana's suspensions will hurt Ghana more than ours because our roster is deeper. Ghana's top 11 would give us fits, but I think the difference in the game will come down to how each team handles playing without two starters.
Posted: 5:04 PM   by Nater909
If Ghana looks anything like they did against the Czechs....the Yanks better start packing their bags...
Posted: 5:04 PM   by Anonymous
The US will beat Ghana because it has to, but Eddie Johnson needs to play. He is electric on the field and has a nose for the back of the net. Also, Clint Dempsey should see more time. I liked Beasley as a sub in the Italy game. Here's an interesting thought- play Donovan on the wing and let Reyna and O'Brien control the middle of the field. That lets Donovan run at the defense and allows him some freedom- and may also keep Ghana's best defenders away from him. Just a thought. The Italians should be able to beat the striker-less Chechs. If they don't, Go USA!! 8-0 over Ghana. Hopefully things work out and the US goes to the next round with a point to prove against Brasil. (My heart picks matches for me, if you couldn't tell)
Posted: 5:05 PM   by Anonymous
The US will need to control the tempo of the game. Whether that is with tough physical play or with slow methodical attacks.
Posted: 5:06 PM   by Sergio
I think the U.S. will beat Ghana. I do think it will be a tough game, both teams are down a couple of starters. If the U.S. plays as it did against Italy…with 11 players, they are sure to win. Ghana is a tough team; this will be a good game.
Posted: 5:07 PM   by Anonymous
The U.S. will win against Ghana - no question. It will be a small margin of victory though. Maybe 1 or 2. The real issue is if Italy, clearly flawed against the U.S., can defeat Czech. Probably not.

Likely, the U.S. will be watching someone else get beat by Brazil in the Round of 16. Maybe in 2010, Freddy Adu will lead the U.S. to the championship.
Posted: 5:08 PM   by Obe1
The U.S. has yet to score a goal, while Ghana beat the Czechs handily. The same Czechs that whooped the U.S. 3-0. Not much of a chance.
Posted: 5:08 PM   by Doug from DC
I think the United States will play well against Ghana and will get a win with an early goal from Landon Donovan and a generally strong effort by the midfield. The other game is dicey, but Italy should triumph in a heated contest
Posted: 5:09 PM   by Andy
I think the U.S. is capable of getting a 1-0 result because Ghana is missing some key attacking pieces, but I also see Italy drawing because they don't want to risk further suspension or injury
Posted: 5:10 PM   by Anonymous
I am sure Ghana will beat the USA at least 6-0. Ghana's midfield is the best, after Argentina, and I do not see how Donovan, Beasley or any other member of the USA team can contain the Ghanaian offense. Additionally, the Ghanaian defense so far has been rock solid.

I believe that the USA will go fishing on Thursday!
Posted: 5:11 PM   by Anonymous
Kingston is terrible on crosses, he comes out for every single one, seldom looking strong doing so. US needs to attack from the wings and exploit this weakness.
Posted: 5:11 PM   by Anonymous
USA will win this game 3-0. Ghana's offense is poor at best and both of their scorers on out. Dempsey and Convey will provide service to EJ and McB. Unfortunately Czech Italy is a draw.
Posted: 5:12 PM   by Kevin
I don't know that the US will advance in the group, but I do think that they have a good chance against Ghana. After seeing them play against Italy one man down and keep them from scoring in the second half, I think they have a good chance of winning that game. I don't know that Italy can beat the Czechs, but I'm definately hoping for at least a tie.
Posted: 5:12 PM   by Jeb McRary
I think U.S-Ghana will be a close one but this may be Ghana's year. I liek Ghana to beat the U.S in a tossup and Italy to defeat Czech Republic as both winners advance.
Posted: 5:16 PM   by Jake
I'm disheartened by the fact that the U.S. is yet to put a goal in the net (without the help of the other team). I think scoring and scoring early is the best thing the U.S. team could do for itself. I look for Eddie Johnson to see some major minutes up front.
Posted: 5:16 PM   by Azzurri Fan
The US is extremely fortunate that two of Ghana's best are riding the pine for this game. That doesn't mean they can sit on their laurels and expect Ghana to roll over and play dead. The U.S. needs to score early, and often. This is a make or break game, so the midfielders and forwards need to be able to focus on pressing Ghana early on. I agree that Keller needs to have a big game. Ghana will get counters, and they are quick.

Overall, I give the U.S. a good chance to win IF they play agressive attacking futbol. Italy would like to beat Czechoslovakia but it doesn't have to. A tie earns Italy top spot in the group and so the motivation is more pride than need. Remember, the Azzurri are not fans of the U.S. based on their meeting, and they could seek to draw to put the U.S. in a pressure situation.

My prognosis:

Italy 2 Czechoslovakia 1

U.S. 3 Ghana 1
Posted: 5:17 PM   by Troy
Depends which team shows up. The team that played Italy could win this. The team that played the Czechs couldn't. The Ghanaian side resembles the Czechs much more than they do the Italians. Big, strong, and fast; our undersized folks like Donovan and Beasley (if he plays) need to move off the ball to find space. We need our biggest guys out there, so Bocanegra should start again. We don't need 145 pound backs facing up to the Ghanaian attack.
Posted: 5:19 PM   by Anonymous
I think we can win the game as long as we are prepare to battle.

In tactical terms we are superior.
Posted: 5:19 PM   by Anonymous
I wish they would but it is a long shot.
Posted: 5:23 PM   by David E
Ok here is my 2 cents.

I think if Team USA plays as well as they did verses Italy, there isn't a team out there that can stop them.

However, if they play like they did verses the Czech Republic. The Americans are coming home.

I think the United States is going to beat a great Ghana team 3-1 and basically control the game.

I think that if this team shows the emotion that they showed verses Italy they can do great things.
Posted: 5:25 PM   by Anonymous
the u.s. is gonna get smacked!
Posted: 5:26 PM   by Anonymous
i abosolutely agree with you but do believe that we can win against Ghana. Although i am glad they are without their two strikers (neither really should have received a second yellow), with Essien at the helm, they are extremely dangerous. If Arena plays Dempsey and Johnson alongside the rest of the regular starters, i believe we will have a chance. Arena just does not always make the smart moves this tournament. I get so frustrated when i watch our style of play versus other countries. We are not creative and seem fearful to shoot. I do not see that with Dempsey or Johnson...they shoot. I WANT A BALL HOG!!!!! One (real) shot and one goal in the first 20 minutes, and we control the rest of the game. Arena is huge on fitness and with our attitude and passion now, we should be able to score. I hope that Donovan and McBride show up this game; if they do, watch out Ghana!
Posted: 5:28 PM   by Anonymous
I think that this U.S team is going to have to play collectively the best soccer than any other U.S. team has ever played in the entire history of U.S soccer... period! Any less and they will be sent packing.
Posted: 5:28 PM   by American Gremista
I am hoping to see a goal from a US player that hasn't seen game time yet in the second half as the bench for Ghana doesn't seem to be as deep as the U.S. Both teams can play well and we will have to see what version of each team shows up to play this game.

Shane
Gremista
Posted: 5:29 PM   by Anonymous
Agree with all these "keys to victory," though I'd also add "show some sack and take a shot or two at goal." Ghana is a quality team with great striking potential. I thought the first half hour of the Italy game was some of the best play of the Cup so far. We'll be lucky not to get run out of the Stadium.
Posted: 5:29 PM   by Anonymous
One thing we forget is the fact that Ghana has a good bench with a slew of strikers other than Asamoah Gyan and Sully Muntari.

Amoah and others will step in for the suspended strikers -- Plus Essien and Appiah are very capable goal scorers.

The US coaches should go watch all of Ghana's pre- World Cup matches and they may get a better picture of a very tough and formidable Ghanaian team.

I am afraid things may not look that good for the US UNLESS the US plays a very tactical game with cool heads -- hoping for a lucky goal -- Otherwise Ghana will prevail by a good margin.
Posted: 5:29 PM   by Kevin
I think the US wins and Italy and Czech Republic tie so the US doesn't move on based on goal differential.
Posted: 5:32 PM   by Anonymous
I'm afraid our lads have little chance against Ghana. I hope I'm wrong, but I see Ghana placing 2nd in Group E, then meeting, and beating Brazil on June 27. I haven't seen the Brazilian magic of past years, and I think that taking 2nd place will propel Ghana forward. They have the whole package - a potent midfield, sturdy defenders, and a solid keeper. The only thing slowing them down is the lack of experience, which can lead to the kind of letdown they suffered against Italy. Also, while Ghana moves the ball beautifully, they suffer from a lack of precision that, against highly skilled teams, can quickly turn into goals against.

The US Team? Well, they played on pure heart against Italy, and just won't be able to sustain that effort. I congratulate the US Team for making it to this World Cup, and I congratulate them for their showing against the Italians, but I'm afraid the Ghanans (sp?) will prove too fast and too tough.
Posted: 5:33 PM   by Anonymous
there are 2 american teams the american team that got destroyed by the czechs and then there's the team that went toe to toe with the azzuri. if the later team shows up then i think we can win otherwise its likely we lose to the upstart ghana team. As for who will advance i predict the italians and the americans make it on and the US team gives Brazil the biggest scare in the tournament

oh yea and one more side note i predict in the 2010 world cup ghana ends up being a major powerhouse
Posted: 5:34 PM   by Anonymous
I think US will definately win over Ghana. Italy hasn't shown the brilliance they are known for until now in this World Cup but they loosing to Czech would put them in Second position in the Group and hence they will most probably have to play Brazil in the next round. So, keeping that in mind, Italy will definately want to Win tomorrows game, which, is a positive sign for US. But, in case Italy has a draw Game against the Czech then the chances of US advancing to the next round become bleek as Czech has a +1 Goal difference and US has a -3 Goal difference. So, tomorrow morning seems to be very exciting. Let's just wait and see what happens.
Posted: 5:36 PM   by Anonymous
Ghana beat the crap out of the US....
Posted: 5:36 PM   by Anonymous
If Mastroeni is such a smart defender, he sure made a stupid two-footed challenge against Italy. I think scoring early is so importnat. I really hope to see Eddie Johnson in the starting lineup. I love McBride and what he brings to the table, but we need Johnson's speed. It is time to see if he can deliver.

I also think the Pope factor is key. While he certainly is past his prime, it will be importnat to see how Arena chooses to replace him. Does he go with Conrad, Berhalter, or back to Eddie Lewis. While Ghana is without two of their strikers, you know they still will be aggressively attacking.

The main hope is that the US plays with passion and heart, like they did against the Azzurri.
Posted: 5:37 PM   by u8out
I think you need to add another key. We have to generate scoring opportunities. We just aren't getting enough chances around the goals, and with so few world-class goal scorers in our lineup, we need lots of chances.
Posted: 5:40 PM   by Jon N. Irvine, CA
If the US shows up and controls the game from the start, much like they did in their last game against Italy, I think they stand a good chance of beating Ghana. The US is going to have to expect that Ghana will show up with confidence and agression after their big win against the Czech Republic. In my opinion, scoring early and staying agressive will be the keys to the US winning this game.
Posted: 5:41 PM   by Anonymous
I think you are right that the U.S. needs to be smart and no go scoreboard-watching. Take care of business against Ghana and the rest should fall into place. Hey, remember this, a WIN is just another added boost for American soccer, which has struggled on European soil
Posted: 5:42 PM   by Anonymous
No, the US won't advance. They have not shown anything against the Czechs, and the Italians aren't good period. Ghana will win 3-1, and the Czechs 2-0 over Italy, possibly more if they have a striker like Baros play.
Posted: 5:44 PM   by Anonymous
I hope team USA can overcome the horrendous officiating from the Italy game. Go USA!
Posted: 5:44 PM   by Anonymous
Don't forget Eddie Pope....he and Pablo are their two best defenders.
Posted: 5:44 PM   by Anonymous
I can see a possible US win over Ghana. However, for some reason I can also see Italy and the Czechs settling for a draw, even though the Czechs would be eliminated with a draw and a Ghana win. Stranger things have happened in the World Cup.
Posted: 5:44 PM   by Scott D.
As much as I'd like to see the US in the next round, I doubt they'll make it. I think we'll win our game against Ghana, but the Czech's will be fired up after their upset last week, and will dominate the weakened Italian team. Their win, will unfortunately make the outcome of the US game a mute point.
Posted: 5:45 PM   by Anonymous
Honestly,I don't believe that the US has what it takes to advance. With the loss of "the Maestro" and the simple fact that Kasey Keller has never won a World Cup match, the US's chances of victory are slim at best. But, the draw with Italy was impressive, and so was Keller's game at the end of the Italy game. The US will need to come out fighting, and play desperate and hungry for the win.
Posted: 5:46 PM   by Anonymous
Choke-central
Posted: 5:46 PM   by soccerfan
I'll be rooting for them. But so far, I don't think they deserve to make it through. One shot on goal after 2 games..... come on!!
Posted: 5:50 PM   by Anonymous
It is unlikely that the US will advance to the next round. It is unfortunate that they landed in the group they did. To beat Ghana would be a great showing for the US soccer fan but to advance takes more than just words and media. They need to score and then be able to hold off a physical Ghana team that will push them around. It is a not a far fetched dream but the US players need to play better than they did against Italy to do so. Bruce Arena's idea of playing for the draw with 10 minutes left is no attitude they can take into this game. But I will be crossing my fingers for the US.
Posted: 5:54 PM   by Anonymous
get your facts straight, USA technically could advance if Italy loses by a large margin, and USA also wins. If ITA CZE draw, USA needs to win by 5 goals to beat the Czechs.
Posted: 5:56 PM   by Anonymous
US 1 - Ghana 0
Italy 1 - Czech Rep. 0
Posted: 5:56 PM   by Anonymous
Czechs will beat Italy and Ghana will beat the US. Czech and Ghana go through from this group
Posted: 5:57 PM   by Anonymous
i'd love to see a us win but we need an inspired performance from donovan. is it just me, but where has he been. it's not enough to run for 90 mins. we expect more, he should expect more. sadly, i think that he's going to get roughed up.

who else do we have that can turn in an inspired performance? put in lewis, let him run a bit. dmb has disappointed me greatly. he looks so good in the eredvisie (sp?), but this WC has been a poor showing for him
Posted: 5:57 PM   by Anonymous
Bring on Brasil BABY!!! Italy over Czech Rep 2-1. US over Ghana 3-1. we are due up for some of our own goals
Posted: 5:58 PM   by Mike Carnohan
At the same time that I hope to see the US team advance (for the historic precedent that it would represent), I fear they have their work cut out for them with the Ghanaian team on Thursday. The Black Stars victory over the Czech Republic was nothing short of spectacular. Appiah, Gyan, & Essien are all great players and the US will be pressed to hold them without Mastroeni and Pope. If they are going to pull it off, we will have to see a lot more action from Beasley, Reyna, and Johnson.
Posted: 5:58 PM   by Anonymous
The United States has the talent to pass. Italy will win, the US will win and we will see a great game between Brazil and the US in the next round.
Posted: 5:58 PM   by Anonymous
"Ghana is going to get some good shots. Keller needs to stop them."

you think so, doctor?
Posted: 5:59 PM   by Olivier
I hope they'll win but it's going to be real tough against a very physical team. However, if they find a way to control Essien and prevent him from getting the ball, this will be much easier. Go USA!
Posted: 6:02 PM   by Anonymous
i think the US is coming back home on friday
Posted: 6:03 PM   by joe s.
I feel the US will win against Ghana, however I do not have as much confidence in Italy getting a win. I think the Americans will get a result by a goal or two, but see the second round slip away due to the goal difference with the Italians. No one can argue against this being the toughest group...What might have been if the Americans would have shown up in game one.
Posted: 6:04 PM   by Moe
The US has a great chance. I totally agree with key 1; "The Maestro" will leave a huge gap, I think they need to put Reyna back. I would love to see USA vs. Brazil.. 2nd round!! Then we can shake it and giggle it shortly!
Posted: 6:06 PM   by Anonymous
I THINK THE GOALIE FOR GHANA, KINGSTON, IS UNDERRATED. SO FAR IN THE STATS OF THE 06' WORLD CUP KINGSTON HAS HAD MORE SAVES THEN ANY OF THE OTHER GOALIES. THIS WAS BEFORE THE ANGOLA GAME WHERE JOAO RICARDO MADE 12 SAVES IN THERE GAME AGAINST IRAN. HE SLIPPED UP IN THE GAME AGAINST ITALY. BUT I FEEL THAT AMERICA WILL HAVE A HARD TIME SCORING AGAINST KINGSTON IF HES PLAYING HIS "A" GAME THURSDAY
Posted: 6:06 PM   by Anonymous
I think US will lose 0-1 to Ghana. They have yet to score a goal (Italy's self goal does not count) in this world cup and their strikers have yet to cause any major trouble for the opposition.

Let the overhaul of the US team begin!!!!
Posted: 6:10 PM   by Anonymous
In my oppinion the U.S. team has to envolve a lot more to advance in it´s group.
The key to the victory is self-control (what they haven´t shown on last game), ball possession (what results in control of the game) and the same hungry they showed against Italy.
Posted: 6:11 PM   by Anonymous
USA will lose the match 3 Nil and Ghana will advance to the last 16
Posted: 6:11 PM   by Ivan
The U.S will win this game without a doubt. Italy will also win. Furthermore, this will lead to the showdown between U.S.A vs Brazil!
Posted: 6:11 PM   by Anonymous
I think the U.S. will come out with the same aggressive style like in the Italy game. The team plays a lot better with its back against the wall, and I think we will see them take control of the game early. The U.S. should win, and I feel that Italy has enough incentive to play to win against the Czecks. Therefore, I think Italy and the U.S. will advance.
Posted: 6:11 PM   by Kyle Lulofs
I put the chances of the US advancing at 21%. I consider Italy and the Czechs even at best, making a 33% chance of an Italian victory. I give a 2% offering to a Czech-Italy tie and a 5-0 US victory to have the US win the tie-breaker with the Czechs. That equals 35%. With a 60% chance that the US beats, Ghana, thats a 21% chance in advancing, pretty much 1 in 5.

The US needs this win more to continue sparking interest in Soccer and for momentum going into future tournaments.
Posted: 6:14 PM   by Anonymous
USA, 2-1. Ghana is missing Appiah and Mutina, or whatever his name is. That's going to slow them down. They and their coach have been talking a lot of shit about the game with the U.S., which probably means the opposite of what they are trying to convey: they lack confidence.
Posted: 6:14 PM   by Anonymous
Why does everyone have the feeling that Ghana is just a pushover? Perhaps people failed to watch the game against the Czech republic. They dominated the game from start to finish as they did in the game against the Azzurri(bear in mind a few correct calls by the ref and it could have been a tie). Sure in soccer anything can happen and all these ESPN analysts keep hammering home the point that the US team has depth and Ghana doesnt. Memo to all, the loss of Sulley Muntari won't hurt the team that much he is a midfielder not a striker. Oh well may the best team win.
Posted: 6:16 PM   by Anonymous
It is time for the US to show that it really is a soccer power. Ghana, while a good team, can not be compared with the US assuming the US plays at its full potential. I pray to God that Arena decides not to play Beasley... we need players with guts and not primadonnas....
Posted: 6:16 PM   by Winquest
The Maestro is a bigger loss than Pope, no doubt. Pope looked soft against Italy, and made a huge blunder in assuming the linesman would call offsides on that free kick. The U.S. needs to run out of the gates with urgency. We won the first twenty minutes of the Italy game. We have to do the same thing against Ghana. It could be an impossible task if Ghana scores early and floods the back for the rest of the game.
Posted: 6:17 PM   by Anonymous
We can win if we get the same effort that we had against Italy. The midfield will again be the key. I do have a big worry about the central defence since Eddie Pope wont be playing. WE must withstand the first 15 minutes and counter attack and Eddie Johnson must play.
Posted: 6:17 PM   by Anonymous
they'll not win. I mean Italy had to score the only goal they've had.
Posted: 6:18 PM   by Anonymous
2-1 Ghana, 3-1 Italy, Italy and Czechs go through.
Posted: 6:20 PM   by Josh
I think the U.S. will win in a close game...2-1...maybe.
Posted: 6:23 PM   by Anonymous
I don't think the US has a chance. We got worked by a skilled physical team in the Czech Republic and the same will happen again wuth Ghana.

I'd say to date, this squad is about as underachieving as the 0-3 squad from '98.

Hopefully in '10, overhypped players such as Pope, Lewis (has he ever done anything?), Donovan will live up to billing or replaced. Just think, we get to look forward to Adu. He may be the most overhypped.
Posted: 6:26 PM   by Anonymous
If anyone on Team USA reads this post, they need to understand one thing: every win, every goal, and every shot is being televised to the world. Provide one (just one) reason for other teams to respect our team and the program. Win big.
Posted: 6:27 PM   by Anonymous
i envision a spirited US team takin it to the ghanaians, but i think this one is either going to end 1-1 or 1-2 for the US and it wont be enough. regardless, go U-S-A.
Posted: 6:29 PM   by Anonymous
After watching Ghana play, they have not chance.
Posted: 6:30 PM   by Anonymous
As long as Beasley's not on the field, USA will do fine. The Italy game was nearly a complete turnaround from the Czech game. Once we (and not them for us) put the ball in the back of net, all the pressure will be gone. Then you'll see some real American soccer. Again, as long as Beasley's not on the field.
Posted: 6:30 PM   by Anonymous
I think the US will lose. I mean, theoretically, they should lose 5-0 to Ghana! But results on the football field are thankfully not transitive, but I still see the US side going down, perhaps 2-1.
Posted: 6:31 PM   by Anonymous
The big question is how does the USA team see itself? Can Arena make believers out of this team? Not the I think I can type, but the I know I will. Confidence, passion, and aggression will rule the pitch.
Posted: 6:31 PM   by Paulo
I agree that the loss of Pablo is unfortunate, but placing Reyna in a more withdrawn role should do the job. I expect an intelligent game from the U.S. . . . a 2-0 victory.

Do we qualify? Italia has to do its part too. I expect (read: pray) for a 1-0 victory over the Czechs.

15 hours and counting . . . go Red, White, and Blue!!
Posted: 6:37 PM   by Anonymous
As you said in your evaluation, a US early goal can solidify a victory.
Otherwise, Ghana has more talent and physical resistance for a long game and win it.
Posted: 6:40 PM   by Anonymous
I believe the US will be able to beat Ghana and advance. We have an extremely confident and able-bodied team that is playing to form after taking the first game of the tournament off.

LET'S GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 6:45 PM   by Anonymous
usa will pull through in the end and beat ghana 1-0 or 2-1 at best. theyll play hi octane football in the first minutes to bag that first goal for sure. all i can hope is that im right...and that the italians win as well. go usa.
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Anonymous
U.S. offense comes alive with 3 goals from Eddie Johnson, Renya, and Mcbride!
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Tanner
Despite wanting to see Ghana and the U.S. advance (i want to see the U.S. advance just to see the hatred they would receive from the countrys that care) I would put my money on the Czechs and Italians advancing.
Posted: 6:47 PM   by Anonymous
I think the US will advance. They all looked like deers in headlights for most of the game with exception of Eddie Johnson. Johnson played with a purpose and without a care as to who was between him and the goal. The whole team played that way against the Italians. Lump that on top of an Italian team that is taking heat from their coach and media for not taking advantage of being a man up and having 5 corners in the last 5 minutes against a Czech team that is wounded and cowering, we should see a US advancement.

Should the US advance, can they beat Brazil? They did the last time when Bobby Convey was 16 and scored a goal i nthe 1-0 victory. The goalie for that match? Keller who stopped Romario on several attempts. Either way, we'll never know if they don't beat Ghana.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
team USA will advance, but must leave Claudio Reyna on the bench. he has done nothing for the team.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by vitorino
Ghana 2 x 0 USA
Posted: 6:51 PM   by tim knapp
The US attack showed marked improvement against the Italians, specifically with the agressive play of Donovan, Convey and Dempsey. I think that we will be able to net a goal or two against Ghana, but will have to maintain the defensive pressure and intensity from last match if we hope to win this match. Ghana is technically skilled offensively, and once again the US needs to prepare itself to defend against dead ball restarts. The Italy game was the wake-up call we needed, and now its time to win a World Cup game on European soil. Lets forget the fact that the Brazilians wait on the end of this win. US 2 Ghana 1
Posted: 6:52 PM   by jmguriel
I couldn't agree more that the US does not need to worry about the other game. We need to take care of our business, and although it would be a mood point, if we go 1-1-1 in this group and fail to qualify it will still have been a great tournament.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
the U.S were over rated coming into this tornament, and the out come of these games has clearly shown that....imagine U.S soccer 6th in the world, and mexico 5th
and neither beating a major team in a tornament...the U.S that is
I predict a Ganha win
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
The Ghana Black Stars are going to advance to the next round. The U.S team will not be able to sustain the force of the Black Stars!
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
US is in a tough spot. I think Italy has a great chance of going through and they have complete control of their destiny. I think it's better than 50% that Italy gets through. Ghana also has a great chance. All they need to do is beat the US and they dont have to worry about anything else. Czechs need to beat Italy and they are in the same spot the US is in. They are up against a better team and will have to play out of their skins in order to win. If they win and US wins, its Brazil vs. Italy in the second round. It does not get any better than this. Good luck to all the nations and let's hope that the refrees play it straight and keep politics out of the pitch. The US team must not be penalized for the actions of its leaders and politicians. These are football players who have earned their tickets to Germany. Enjoy the beautiful game.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
Bottom line, if the US does not score, they go home. There has to be a commitment to attacking football. If we do go down, go down swinging, not waiting for a 90th minute counter attack opportunity. The battle in the midfield is going to be key, particularly with the loss of Pablo. There is so much potential here, if they are able to get through to the round of 16, Brazil looms and would there be a bigger upset in the history of the World cup than a US win? Hey, it's the World Cup, I can dream!
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
I think it all depends on which team shows up. If the team from the Czech games appears forget about even a tie, if the team from the Italian game shows up we can do some major damage. Let's hope for the new and improved team which played with such passion and heart against Italy!!!!!
Posted: 6:56 PM   by sflcards45
I think that the U.S. can pull out a win against Ghana, but I don't think they will advance out of the group.

I think Ghana will be hurt more by the suspensions it has to endure than the U.S. will. Eddie Pope has looked slow and is showing his age. I love Eddie, but he's lost a step. I think John O'Brien deserves a spot on the field. I thought he did some good things in the opening match when he came on, and he is able to start the attack and move the ball well.

A lot of analysts have been talking about how Italy must play for a win in their match, but I don't think they do. Italy already has 4 points, the Czech Republic only has 3. All Italy has to do is earn a draw, and they are the top team in the group and can avoid Brazil. I think the Italians will go this route and not want to push the envelope and risk losing the match, then having to endure the tie-breakers in hopes of still winning.
Posted: 6:57 PM   by Anonymous
i'm hoping that the U.S. shows up big.. i believe they will... i'm really interested to see how they react with their backs really against the wall
Posted: 6:58 PM   by Anonymous
Very difficult game for the US team. They need to win whit a few goals. I'm not sure if they have such quality forewards.
Posted: 6:59 PM   by Josimars
Hopefully the US will show some signs of the team that it could be. The Italy game shows that there is some offensive potency but I wonder why the team keeps using the rediculous 1 - 5 - 4 formation. It puts the team in the mindstate not to score and burdens McBride too much.
Ultimately, I think the US will go through to the next stage. The Italy - Czech game plays into Italy's favor. They will be happy to sit back and counter and teh Czechs will get impatient and concede sooner or later. The US will edge Ghana 2 - 1 after Eddie Johnson ignites the attack and puts three shots on goal by himself to triple the US's shots on goal by himself.
Posted: 7:00 PM   by Anonymous
The US can certainly advance if they play with the committment they showed against Italy!!!!
Posted: 7:02 PM   by Anonymous
Us will get killed.

better luck next time!

regards,
Anonymous
Posted: 7:03 PM   by Anonymous
as much as i would love to say otherwise...we're cooked. 1 SOG in two games? We need McBride and Donovan to be the team leaders that they are and have massive games..I just don't think we can deal with Ghanas team speed.
Posted: 7:04 PM   by vitorino
By the way, I think mastroeni did deserve the red card, he surely didn't go for the ball, he should have kept his head cool, as the US had a one man advantage ;)
Posted: 7:04 PM   by Anonymous
Score first... that's it
Posted: 7:07 PM   by Ivan in Mexico
They have to play with the same heart and "guts" as they played against Italy. Ghana has a more, for lack of a better word, "noble" style of playing (attacking with joy), unlike the Italians that devoted themselves to defending and playing rough. So I think this style would mesh well with the US and will make it a very back-and-forth, open game, with the US winning on account of creativity, discipline and finesse. That is if Mr. Congeniality (Bruce Arenas) or Landon Donovan don't lose their cool and do something stupid.
Posted: 7:07 PM   by Anonymous
USA has got to come with their "A" game. We can't be afraid to attack. Would like to see Beasley step up and see more of McBride. Need to "bring it" in terms of physical play. Shoot, shoot, shoot! I'm hopeful and look forward to the match.

Sorry to hear about racist comments concerning Ghana. Definitely bad form.
Posted: 7:07 PM   by Mike DuFour
Could it be that our players have succumbed to the same apathy that we saw in the Winter Olympics? It just seems that players that represent our country, the U.S., could care less if we win or lose...it's all about the bling. Screw the bling! Play your butt off!
Posted: 7:08 PM   by Anonymous
If the US plays with the attitude that they showed against Italy they should do well. The US defense is stronger than Ghana and with Johnson and McBride upfront and Donovan and company in the midfield , the goals will come.
Posted: 7:17 PM   by Anonymous
this is definatly a make or break match for the red, white and blue. All the progress the US has made in the past 4 years in gaining respect and attention from the rest of the world could go up in smoke with a loss to Ghana.
Posted: 7:18 PM   by Rob Zurfluh
I think there is a good chance that the Czech Republic and Italy will tie their game. I wouldn't wanna speculate who wins it at this point. And that would mean the end for team USA unless they score a lot of goals to make up the goal difference.

But for team USA, let's hope they can pull off a victory, and maybe the Czech Republic will lose.
Posted: 7:18 PM   by Anonymous
US really looked aweful in the past games. I dont see any chance of them advancing to the next round. Heck, i dont even see them scoring a goal(goal against Italy was a fluke)
Posted: 7:18 PM   by Anonymous
I hope the US doesn't get thru, their no 5 ranking is a joke and they are absolutely useless, shouldn't get out of the group .. but then again... either way they wont make it past the 2nd round!
Posted: 7:23 PM   by Anonymous
THE TRUTH THAT WE ALL KNOW & DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE:

The U.S. just does not have the quality that Ghana does (as a team and individually). U.S. players don't match up well: speed, passing, physically, ball control, and scoring prowess are all advantages for Ghana.

Even if the U.S. does MIRACULOUSLY beat Ghana, it's asking a lot of the Italians to beat a Czech Republic team that's going to surely come out with their "A" game since they want to avoid elimination. The Czechs only need a tie being that the U.S. won’t score many goals on Ghana (better said, the U.S. won’t score any).

Let's not kid ourselves about the U.S. team, it's one of the weaker sides in the tournament and if they go thru to the next round they are going to get embarrassed against Brazil.

SPARE US THE EMBARRASSMENT AND COME BACK HOME U.S. TEAM!
Posted: 7:23 PM   by Anonymous
1 shot on goal and have not scored a goal yet I only pray that they get extremely lucky
Posted: 7:26 PM   by Anonymous
US will be downed in no time 3-0
Posted: 7:27 PM   by gary in texas
Experience will count and no one has more than Brian McBride. No one is tougher on pitch and no one had the ability in the air that McBride brings to the table. He is also the rare forward who understands the need to support the defense. I like the speed and desire Johnson can bring off the bench but he should not start ahead of McBride.
Posted: 7:28 PM   by Anonymous
THE US DOESN'T DESERVE TO GO THROUGH. THEY HAVE ONE SHOT IN TWO GAMES... LESS THAN ANY OTHER TEAM. REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY PLAY THIS GAME THEY HAVE NOT SHOWN WORTHY OF THE NEXT ROUND.
Posted: 7:28 PM   by Anonymous
Italy can't play for the tie because if Ghana beats the US then Italy would finish second and face brazil in the next round. They'll be playing to win against the czechs; I just hope they have it in them. I expect the czechs to give them trouble.
Posted: 7:29 PM   by Anonymous
I'm stoked. The Italy game was great....but I believe that if Pope hadn't been rainbowed the US would have scored another. On the other hand, I've never been a Pope fan so I'm kinda glad to see him out of the game against Ghana. The Ghanaians are not a deep team so I'm expecting the thrust to come from the midfield ( their strength...especially without the two scorers against Czech ). The offside trap probably won't work as well against them because the attack may come from midfield. If we can weather the storm and pop one in at some point.....the US will win. If only Ghana had romped Czech on the scoreboard as bad as they beat them on the field. US wins 2-1.....but I'm nervous about the Czech/Italy game. What a group! Congrats to whoever makes it out.
Posted: 7:31 PM   by Anonymous
US 2 Ghana 1

US 1 Brazil 2

BRASIL OLE OLE OLE OLE OOOLLEEEEE BRASIL
Posted: 7:31 PM   by kwazykweku
everyone has made some good points but once again i have to straigten you all. ghana has won the african cup of nations 4 times, won the U-17 world cup twice beating brazil in one of the finals and most of those players on that team form the bulk of this team. adriano of brazil was on one of the youth teams that played ghana. so i find it hard to believe that the US will win against ghana. most of the players on the ghana squad play in top leagues in europe and are physically gifted and very skillful plus they are very fast something the US cannot contend with. sure we have lost muntari for the game but during qualifying most of the goals scored came from Appiah, Essien and Amoah and those players are eligible for thursdays match. the better team here is ghana playing against a bunch of primadonnas. no country wants to lose to the US!!!!
Posted: 7:32 PM   by Anonymous
I have been watching how the U.S. has been playing lately. Sure It was a draw between Itlay and U.S.A., But look at the facts first before making a bad comment. I think U.S.A. will win and Ghana will be tough to beat, but if the U.S. plays smart, defensively, and pass the ball, yes they will win 6-0 over Ghana.
Posted: 7:33 PM   by Anonymous
Speed will be a huge factor, take out McBride (or make him the first sub if he aint doing it), put in Eddie Johnson. Maybe put Landon in the Mid-field and Josh Wolf up front, and Dempsey should get a lot of balls in space to do his "g-thang"
Posted: 7:35 PM   by Anonymous
Here's a key to victory. Don't start Demarcus Beasley. Even as a sub who was already on the poop list of Bruce Arena, Beasley came in and only seemed to do anything when the ball was in his vicinity. His positioning was off and lets face it..he is just flat out lazy. Putting him in to start will be a huge advantage for Ghana in the sense that he will not come back to help in the mid-feild and will selfishly try to be the star he seems to think he is and squander any chances he gets. The guy has talent but he is not a team player. At least not in this world cup. Bring him in late to create some later opportunities and he will be best utilized. Otherwise bring in Wolff.
Posted: 7:37 PM   by Anonymous
Been said on these posts, US is not clean on first touch, passes either with too much or too little pace and is not doing a decent build up.
Not scoring on any chances of any kind is really a killer.
I think we'll salvage a win but probably be toast if we make it to the next round.
Posted: 7:40 PM   by Anonymous
After living in the United States for 11 years I can say without a doubt that Ghana deserves to win on Thursday. Why should the USA move forward in the tournament when 90% of the population doesn't even know there playing? The whole world is watching but the Americans would rather watch reruns of American Idol. So pathetic. Go Ghana, I know your country is behind you.
Posted: 7:47 PM   by kwazykweku
the united states played ghana in a youth tournament in New Zealand and lost 2-0. Most of the players on that squad form the core of this US team including Landon Donovan
Posted: 7:51 PM   by Mack the knife
It will be a miracle on grass if they win!
Posted: 8:19 PM   by Anonymous
U.S can win this game. We need Landon
to step up and score. No more wishy
washy decisions at the top of the box.

Dude.. you just crack the shot. You
miss ... you miss. But we want you to
shoot.

U.S needs shots on goal for this game.
Posted: 8:25 PM   by Anonymous
Has anyone realized that the United States is a mediocre team? If they were able to complete passes they might have a chance. More importantly, Ghana has passion, which seems to be lacking on the American side.
Posted: 8:27 PM   by Anonymous
The US play soccer at the same level as the Dutch -Europe's best- play baseball. The Dutch baseball team would not stand a glimmer of a change against the St Louis Cardinals. Same for the US in soccer. Only reason the US play the world cup is the weakness of their qualifying group. Against South American or European teams, the US would not qualify in a million years. Ghana are a much better soccer team. Should the US be lucky enough to get through, they will be eaten for breakfast in the 1/8th finals.
Posted: 8:31 PM   by GreatAttitude
It will be a great classic game between two great teams. I did see the game between Ghana & Czech Republic, and no doubt, the Ghana's played superb, one of the best game so far. Hey, they have G with lots of Gravity and it is the time of US to show, how much they can push this G to their Goal? Must be exciting and I can't wait to see this game.
Posted: 8:32 PM   by Anonymous
Stop kidding yourselves guys the US is no match for Ghana... US is going to lose by at least 2 goals.
Posted: 8:33 PM   by Anonymous
Reyna, although he is the captain of the team, should not play. He is too slow and has not done anything in the midfield. He is supposed to control the center of the pitch, and distribute balls to the forwards. If the forwards aren't getting service, how are the U.S. supposed to score??? Arena should start O'Brien (even though he is not match fit) because he is more likely to deliver good balls to the forwards for some much needed scoring opportunities!
Posted: 8:38 PM   by Anonymous
The US team has yet to show any punch up front. We saw flashes from Donovan last game, but it was all individual. I do not see how this team can beat Ghana. Ghana didn't just defeat the Czechs, they dominated them. Not only has the US failed to score, but they haven't produced too many chances. Their stand against Italy was courageous, but Ghana's victory was far more impressive.

Bruce Arena is a liability. His tampering with positions and formations against the Czechs no doubt contributed greatly to their collosal failure in that match. His insistence on keeping McBride alone up front demonstrates his inflexibility and lack of imagination. I know the point has been beaten to death, but how do you not USE ALL OF YOUR SUBS after being down to ten men, much less nine for the majority of the game?
I regrettably predict a 2-1 victory for Ghana. I hope after the US elimination ABC doesn't scale back its coverage.
Posted: 8:40 PM   by Super Z
Arena needs to pull Landon. Having a guy on the field who may or may not be in the game is too big a risk. Plus, it sends a bad message to the guys that are (and always do) give 100%. Aside from his dis-interest in most of the games he has played for the US of late, he is neither big nor strong enough to be at all effective. Consider what an attacking midfielder truly should be (Gerrard, Lampard, Ronaldhino) and Landon is a joke.
Posted: 8:42 PM   by Tuannyriver
One good thing going the US way is Ghana has a couple of players sitting out as well. So things may even out, at least on paper. The US has shown it can run, and I anticipate a fast-running game, with most action on both ends of the field. In other words, a repetition of the US-Italy game, when there was little action in the midfield.
Posted: 8:42 PM   by Anonymous
Hey USA lets aim at the goal, and give some credit to ONYEWU Oguchi hes done his job
Posted: 8:43 PM   by Tuannyriver
Oh, to add. Ghana is a terrific team, so it's not a devastating loss if the US loses. But it would be disappointing if they won't score a couple of goals.
Posted: 8:51 PM   by Anonymous
US 2 Ghana-rea 0

US will win, with a couple half a$$ goals. Soapbox: I'm all for soccer gaining recognition in our country, once this sport advances beyond the suburbs, US will dominate just like every other sport. For now, we just have to take our licks. Can we really not come up with more players taller than 5'6" and 5'8"? That's pathetic, I don't care how skilled you are, you're going to pushed off the ball every time. Onyewu is like a giant at 6'4" compared to the rest of the lilliputian team. I'm sure the selection process (ODP) is still as political as ever, and it will be a long time 'til we field a team that deserves to be called the best in the USA.
Posted: 8:51 PM   by Anonymous
As we saw in the game against Italy, there is simply no way to predict what will happen. Who would have predicted that after Italy scored, the U.S. would get the benefit of an own goal and, shortly thereafter, the benefit of a red card, and then squander the advantage with their own red card, and then be reduced to 9 players with a second red card, and then almost score with 9 players? Predicting the outcome of soccer matches between two capable and reasonably matched teams is impossible.
Posted: 8:52 PM   by Anonymous
I love the USA team, I thought they were going to do good and I still do. They are just playing the opposite of the Mexican team. Instead of getting a victory , then a tied and then a lost, they are just going the other way. They just need to play a little bit better than they did on the second game. They showed a lot of character, even though they were playing with 9 players against 10 for most of the second half. They were tired but they knew that they needed at least one point to keep their tournament alive, and they did it. Now, they just need to relax, forget about the last two games, the tournament just started, the Czech Republic is not going to do a do a lot of damage against Italy, they are under pressure too. I'm sure the italian team is going to go for the victory and they'll get it.
Posted: 8:54 PM   by Tom
I turned on the italy game hoping to avoid national disgrace, particularly after the game against the Czech republic. While the first to admit that FIFA rankings are atrocious, the US played better than it was ranked against italy, dominating and virtually decimating the reknowned azzurri.

If it was not for the crimes against humanity committed by the ref, The US would undoubtedly have won the game. They held off Italy for 30 minutes with 9 men, defying those who attribute american success to good coaching and teamwork, and not pure footballing skill.

The long and short of it, is that the US will beat ghana because it has too. and Italy will beat the Czech republic because they have to.

However, the US will still be absolutely obliterated by brasil in the group of 16.
Posted: 8:58 PM   by Piotr
where does all the money that US Development soccer purportedly have go?

the US team at this world cup is definitely weaker than in Korea. they don't have the skill to play. the draw against Italy was a lucky break, the Americans didn't even score.

as for Ghana. they're a solid team. not only did they beat the Czechs, they gave the Italians a run for their money. the team is very strong physically and I believe that will be the determining factor of this game.

Ghana wins.
Posted: 8:59 PM   by Anonymous
The USA has made practically no investments in Football so they deserve to be beaten by any Country that has. The #1 game in the world is derided, laughed at and even called a "sissy" game in the US by those who shoold be promoting it and encouraging it's advancement across all strata of society. You cannot reap where you did not sow goes the old saying. Until the US makes Football the #1 national game, she will continue to be humiliated by countries as small as South Dakota.
Posted: 9:01 PM   by Anonymous
One key point is the FANS. During the US/Italy game in K-town, the fan support was tremendous. I am certain this gave the team a huge boost, especially late in the game when we were playing with only 9 players. Hopefully the same level of support will show up for tomorrow's game. I unfortunately had to return to work and will not attend.
Posted: 9:06 PM   by Anonymous
TO US TEAM:

I don't expect the win against Ghana. But I hope you make 'em earn the game with every hard tackle and challenge for the ball.

Win or lose and regardless of what the frakking world thinks of U.S. soccer, play with energy and emotion and purpose as a team and leave everything on the pitch like you did against Italy. Maybe with a little luck, a slip of the foot here and a crazy bounce there, I'll be writing this same fatalistic blurb when we're facing Brazil in the next round.

Thanks for making it this far and for the excitement that comes with the anticipation of waiting for this game against Ghana. I'm rooting' for you boys.
Posted: 9:10 PM   by fishnolonger
what noone is talking about is the fact that ghana could win this group if they beat the US and czechs and italy tie. in the other group is australia can at least tie in their next game it could be australia vs. ghana for a shot at the final 8, who would have thought that!
Posted: 9:16 PM   by Anonymous
The US will have to play big defense against a fast and talented african side.KELLER should be ready for this game because rains of shots are coming his way.
Posted: 9:16 PM   by Anonymous
Please US fans. If you pass through to the second round (I dont think that they will), some of you actually think you would beat Brazil. Are you crazy!!! Brazil hasnt won the World Cup five times for nothing. US fans and the overly biased ESPN thinks you deserve the 5th ranking but the true football fans know better.
Posted: 9:22 PM   by Anonymous
the US has to win to assure FIFA that the area CONCACAF is worthy, with so many areas playing good football it is vital that the area keeps the 3.5 places that they got this time.
CRC and TT did not do anything to assure this, Mexico will have a very tough time beating Argentina, if the US goes through as the 2nd from it group they will have a very hard time since they will have to Ronaldihnio and CO, so definately the US has 1 do or die match starting tomorrow, and the second hopefully on Monday
Posted: 9:29 PM   by Anonymous
USA 6 Ghana 0 ?
I do not think so.
Ghana has a good team.
The USA does not. Like Steinbrenner, pay a lot of money, still lose.
Remember this is a " World Series" in which the rest of the World actually plays.
Take your medecine
Posted: 9:52 PM   by Anonymous
When will someone come out and say that McBride needs to sit out? He's the biggest weakness in the US attack.
Posted: 10:22 PM   by Anonymous
Ok you guys need to be realistic, there is no way that the US can thrash or even beat Ghana. The US got 3-0 from the Czech and Ghana gave the Czech 2-0. You be the honest judge and tell me what you think
Posted: 10:42 PM   by Anonymous
I think the United States will win because Ghana should suck without two big time performers on their side. If the U.S. does not win... well that just goes to show how soccer is viewed in the states. Not enough importance given to the game. It is a shame really.
Posted: 10:44 PM   by Anonymous
Ghana will win the group.
Posted: 10:48 PM   by Anonymous
Soccer is a very simple, uncomplicated game when you ponder it a bit. Having coached soccer in the past, one tells the players that when the other team has possesssion of the ball, everyone goes on defense, pressuring your opponents by not giving them room to pass as well as causing them to make errant passes. This aspect was not accomplished in the first match against The CR but was done against the Italians. Once the ball is obtained, players MUST get away from their opponents and run off the ball. Again this was not done in the first match but was corrected in the 2nd. Pope, a player I admire, is sporadic in playing, sometimes being excellent while at other times just forgetting certain basics such as telling his team mates to ALL pull an offside trap in unison or marking the top scorer of the opponents as he mentally lapsed in marking Koller in the 1st game. In a sense I am jubilant he's out, believing Conrad can be mentally consistent and vocal to his team mates. Regarding def MF, I undoubtedly believe Lewis can step in to do a laudatory job. Although Beasley plays defense well, I am not too impressed with his abilities to take players 1 on 1 and twist them like a pretzel the way Robben, Cole or Demsey can. As a sub he may be suitable but not as a starter. Demsey can accomplish the formidable task of opening the right midfield. Johnsom may have the speed but his ability to convert crosses by heading is only fairly good but he does not know how to place himself into opening positions as McBride does. Again as a sub he is good. If the US plays the basics right, then the team, with a bit of luck, can emerge victorious.
Posted: 10:59 PM   by upslammers
Dempsey on the wing, Obrien as the holding midfielder, Bocanegra at center back, Cherundelo at outside back, and Johnson paired with McBride. I think this combination gives the US the best shot to win. It also allows Beasley to come off the bench late to pick up the pace against a tired Ghana team(hopefully). I also agree with the article, Keller has to play an outstanding game and not give up any easy ones.

I love the setup for both games. Both the US and Ghana need to win to advance and are coming off inspiring performances. The Czechs and Azurri are both looking to rebound from less than stellar performances. Should make for some great games.
Posted: 11:07 PM   by Anonymous
only in America. I don't think I've seen that many myopic MORONS in one forum like this one.
Beat Ghana? You think you can beat Ghana because this is their 1st world cup appearance? Or is it because you think meeting an African team is an easy 3 points (as your own coach had implied)? Or are you still hanging on your farcical 5th place ranking, which should be something like 60th place? You're a talentless bunch propped up by FIFA's D-League, CONCACAF, coddled by no-names on ESPN misrepresenting themselves are real footballers, and a seriously warped sense of reality. You haven't scored a single goal in the world cup. None of your 23 men will make Ghana's under 23, or under 21 teams. Hell, you can't even beat its under 17 team if you met them on a pitch. One could touch down in Ghana, and round up 11 men, and I'll bet my last $ you won't get a single goal against them.
All that said, you still manage to convince yourself you really belong at this party, and come on blogs like this to claim the improbable. Stick to baseball, basketball, and American Football.
This is a sport where you actually need talent to play, and not one of your sports where height and size is the be-all end-all.
Why don't you put your money where your mouths are and counter my $5k challege on Ghana beating the U.S.?

Ah... thought as much!
Posted: 11:14 PM   by Anonymous
The U.S. could win 1-0 if Keller has a blinder and Eddie Johnson or Convey put something in on a counter.

That's about it.

If Ghana scores at all, our hopes are gone. We have no offense, as clearly shown in this tournament.
Posted: 12:52 AM   by Anonymous
Some of these responses are amazing. The US should bench Reyna, McBride, and Donovan, three of the five guys most responsible for holding powerful Italy to a well-deserved tie?

Ghana should beat US 5-0 based on comparative scores with CZ? What about comparative scores with Italy, which show the US beating Ghana by two goals?

The US will win 6-0? That's too silly to be worth refuting.

Ghana's youth teams can beat the US -- equally silly.

The US is awful because they only have one shot on goal? Shots on goal don't matter as much as good scoring opportunities, and while the US hasn't had a lot of good opportunities, they have had some: Mastroeni's near miss high, Dempsey and Johnson's near misses wide, Reyna's shot off the post, Johnson's attempt on Convey's cross, Beasley's goal disallowed (properly) due to McBride being offside, and the free kick (Convey?) to McBride at the far post that the Italian defender sliced into his own goal -- under pressure. As I said, that is not a lot and finishing is the US's weakness, but would the critics think the US was a better team if they had put a few futile long shots on goal and padded the SOG stat? Fact is, the US have one goal after two games. Five other teams had one goal after two games, and six teams had zero goals after two games -- so the US are tied or better at "goals for" than one third of the teams in the World Cup.

Ghana (twice) and the US (once) have proven they can compete with the elite teams in the world (well, not counting Brazil, but they are other-worldy).

I have no idea who will win the Ghana/US match, but I'm predicting it will be lively, interesting, and full of lots of high caliber football.
Posted: 3:59 AM   by Anonymous
So wait..let me try to understand some of the rational in this forum. Since Ghana's U-17 won the championship twice and most of their players comprise this team they will beat the US. Didn't the world try to push this down our throat in '02 with Portugal and their Golden Generation Crap...and how did that turn out for them? 3-2 was it? Also, good point that any 11 men in Ghana could beat this US national soccer team. I suppose by that rational any 11 men in Ghana could also beat the Italians? If so congratulations Ghana, you now have your method for selecting your national team. Pick 11 random men. I'm not dissing Ghana they are a stacked team, but when the chips are down the US usually responds. So I say 2-1, Essien scores one for Ghana and EJ and Dempsey score for the US. Then we go face Brazil and lose but tastefully, like we did against the Germans in '02, or did everyone forget that we lost to the Runners-up by one goal, in a game that should have gone to extra time. Oh well. I just hope that Ghana doesn't pick up 11 random men to play tommorow, because if they do we best just give them the trophy. And in one final note, how dare a team try to compete in any sport if its not their nations number one sports interest, I mean what the hell kind of rationale is that??
Posted: 4:37 AM   by Simon Kimbrell
I disagree with a couple of things:
Caludio Reyna is a natural holding midfielder (or D-Mid using your terminology) he has played there for several years for Rangers and Man City.
The biggest problem the US has is its tackling - you guys are atrocious, too many times guys throw themselves into tackles and give away free kicks and get carded. Your defence looks disorganised and lacks a leader (see John Terry or Roberto Ayala or Carles Puyol or Fabio Cannavaro).
You have McBride, a striker who thrives on crosses, and you need to play with 2 wingers who will cross the ball into the box without delay and if you play Landon Donovan as an attackig central midfielder he has the quality to create something from the edge of the area and will get more involved in the game than if he is played as a wide midfielder.
Arena should have brought Adu too.
Posted: 6:35 AM   by Anonymous
Scored goals will have an important impact on qualification. If two teams have the same points, that's what makes the difference.
Posted: 6:36 AM   by Anonymous
How about playing American! I am not a big fan of European soccer, simply because they sometimes play not to lose!
The strength we have always shown is in determination and a never say die attitude.
So attack at every turn and don't look for the perfect play.
Better to go down fighting then playing to slide one lucky goal.
The only way we can lose this game is if we play not to lose it....Go Team USA!!!!
Posted: 6:50 AM   by Anonymous
Being American I really have to say thanks to all the haters....
The fact Soccer is not seen in a great light is because he has too many crap rules, and golden goals...to not play a playoff game until one team really beats the other does them all a disservice.
Yes we should spend more money on professional Soccer. We do have many fans and players, just don't have the next level league....
Those that are not soccer fans are misunderstood by the Europeans. I love to watch Brazil or other South American teams play. They play uptempo and looking to make things happen. The Europeans play for table standings and postioning...sorry but to me a sport is competive and I could never in my life go into any game and play to tie....and you have the nerve to call our sports unskilled, play a game of American football and when you wake up two days later you might have clue....we do not sit around on a play all move with purpose...but I will not bash soccer, I think when played with heart and a desire to go for a win the skill is breath taking and the game very exciting, so get off your high horses and open your eyes...the reason the US team is playing so bad is they are trying to play like the European teams, instead of letting their natural competiveness take over, we saw some of it in Italy (who also played with good energy and heart).
So keep hating and we will just keep getting better....p.s. regarding the we have no chance against Brazil, are you saying someone else does? But the game is not played on paper, but rather on the pitch and in all sports the best team does not always win. The ones who go for it do. Last point, my knowldge of the game is not great, but in all the reading I have been doing it seems most teams have played inconsistently thus far...so perhaps you might want to check your own team's chances instead of jumping on ours as hopeless...
Posted: 7:54 AM   by vanjulio
The soccer gods are responsible for our draught in the past 90 minutes. I do not follow the logic that "Ghana > Czech > USA". Therefore "Ghana >> USA". I think what happened is that Czech used up all their goals/luck against USA in first match (3-0) and then because of this they had no extra for Ghana! Ghana was due for some goals. Now Sam's Army is due! I predict USA 3 - Ghana 2. Both teams will be laying it all out so I think there will be many scores in this contest... as long as the refs don't botch it with red cards...
Posted: 8:11 AM   by Rob G
this is the game where claudio reyna leaves his legacy. this is where landon donovan has to prove he can raise his game and be a world class player. the US has to leave their mark here regardless of the Italy result, which i think will be a draw, based on their recent "track record"
Posted: 8:26 AM   by Anonymous
I think Ghana will win this based on what I have seen so far. They are a disciplined side that runs all 90 minutes with tons of energy, primarily because of thier age(it is the youngest team at the WC) Don't count on the two players suspended, they still have Razak Pimpong, Otto Addo and Amando sitting on the bench, which most people seem to forget are as capable as Muntari and Gyan. Appiah and Essien can also score from a distance so thier options are many. Ghana win 2-0
Posted: 8:34 AM   by Anonymous
Ghana is definitely going to win this game. Even the punters have Ghana throwing 0.5 ball to the US.

I believe someone earlier on said that if the US played like they did against Italy, there's no team that can stop them. Is this guy on crack? The Italians, albeit with an extra player for 45 minutes, kept them to a draw. Even if the USA played their best football, I could name 10 teams that would beat them. Argentina, Brazil, England, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Holland, Portugal, Ivory Coast. Sorry, make that 12.

ONE SHOT ON GOAL THE ENTIRE TOURNAMENT? That's the biggest joke I ever heard. All you Americans just need to acknowledge the fact that your team sucks BIG TIME. You CANNOT JUSTIFY only a single shot on goal for 180 minutes. Someone please explain to me how a team of supposedly professionals can only conjure up one shot on goal in 2 matches. This shows 1) midfield has no creativity whatsoever 2) your strikers are worthless. Look for Ghana to run all over your midfield. That's where games are usually won anywhow, in the middle of the park.

Ghana 2 USA 0
Posted: 8:44 AM   by Anonymous
Like everyone else have said, need to put Eddie Johnson in. He has been the only player to anti up and take an outside shot. Second, go ahead and send Beasley home. Italy should be his last game for the US. The comment about first touch is right on. That coupled with taking players on one on one and not just playing the ball into the middle (where we are usually smaller than the opponent). We need to dribble the ball up field, make the defense commit and then make the pass. Also look for some outside shots. If Germany & England have taught us anything, it is taking a good strike at the ball outside the 18 is necessary to score goals. This ball lends its self favorably to shots like this with the movement you can get.
Also, put Eric Wynalda back on the team.
Posted: 11:55 AM   by Anonymous
What I love most about the world cup is when fans from other countries start deriding US sports. Outside of the world cup its always "the US has no culture" (as they eat our crappy fast food, watch our crappy movies, and listen to our crappy music :) ). Then, when the world cup happens, its "the US should forget about its rich, complicated, unique sports heritage and adopt the same game as the rest of the world." I like soccer and hope it grows in popularity here. But its ridiculous for someone who obviously doesn't understand the US to demand that we make soccer our "#1 game" and equates losing in soccer with "humiliation." I thought arrogance and the in-your-face attitude were supposed to be American traits. Its good to know there are jerks the world around.
Posted: 3:14 PM   by J-Bone
I had a moment to myself where I think I figured everything out. Ok, hypothetically in a world where pigs grow wings and fly, trees astonishingly grow money for their owners and the world is in a state of peace, the USA pulls off a huge decisive victory and wins the World Cup. The build up to the next World Cup would be incredible. The US fans would simply believe they are now unstoppable and it doesn't matter who they play, no team can beat them now. For all you US fans know this, just like you are trying to get your team in gear for the next world cup to defeat the best, all the other teams or futbol super powers would be doing the same. They would put together teams untold of in skill just to come back and prove a point. So you know what, I am looking forward to USA winning a cup, it will only influence all the other futbol nations to become even better! That would make for very good games and even better fan base from the world. So, USA project 2010 has my approval and I hope it goes through quite successfully, because after that, you will know the USA's true place when it comes to World Cup futbol!
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