Preview: US – Ghana

Tomorrow the US looks to at least equal their 2002 World Cup finish by advancing to the quarterfinals. Already the US has done more than was expected by finishing at the top of Group C. By winning the group, the US does avoid a rematch of the 2002 quarterfinal against Germany, but instead will be facing Ghana, who beat the US at the last World Cup.

Ghana took second in their group with a 1-1-1 record defeating Serbia, tying Australia and losing to group winners Germany. With one day left of the first round it looks like Ghana will be the only African nation to make it to the second round unless the Ivory Coast can defeat North Korea by nine goals. As the only African team left it is probable that the whole nation of South Africa will be behind Ghana for the remainder of their World Cup run. The level of influence having a home crowd advantage may not be very high because of the constant buzzing from the crowd, but should not be completely written off.

Like Algeria, Ghana has had little offense to speak of thus far in the tournament having only scored two goals, both from the penalty spot, during the group stage. However, they still possess dangerous attacking players. Up top Ghana uses lone forward Asamoah Gyan. DeMerit’s play thus far in the tournament makes him the first choice to mark Asamoah, who is not afraid to use his body. If DeMerit can keep in form and avoid any mishaps this game, this will be a good matchup to keep an eye on.

Having a single forward will not mean an easy time for the rest of the American backline. Ghana has skilled attackers on both wings coming out of the midfield. Cherundolo will have to keep track of left winger Andre Ayew and may also need to limit his runs forward. On the right side for Ghana will be Prince Tagoe. After Bradley shifted Bocanegra to the middle, Bornstein filled in at left back. While Bornstein has the speed to keep with Tagoe, his defensive ability might not be as consistent as what will be needed. The back line will probably be determined on whether or not Bradley still has confidence in Gooch. If he does, expect the same back line from England and Slovenia.

The US midfield has been fairly consistent except for the central pairing. Three different players have played next to Bradley, but only Edu has kept on the field past half time. His defensive ability will be key against Ghana, but he will have to improve his holding of the ball and his distributions. Feilhaber did very well coming in as a sub and might have earned himself a starting spot on the left side which would also leave Bradley with the option to move Dempsey or Donovan up as a forward.

Although the US was able to score four goals during group play there is still a major question up top. None of the goals have come from Altidore who has started up top every game. Despite that fact his play has been full of heart and effort and there is no doubt he will start again, but once again who will US fans see paired with him? Findley will be back from suspension, but his play has not been spectacular. Gomez started against Algeria, but was ineffective and was subbed out at half time. Buddle also saw some time in the second half, but didn’t impress. I would not be surprised to see either Donovan or Dempsey up top based on their attacking play against Algeria.

Whoever ends up in the starting eleven, the US will have to make sure they play like they did in their last game and not fall back to the team from earlier in the tournament. Since tying is no longer in the cards, the US cannot give up an early goal and hope that they can come back with enough goals to win or at the very least force the unpredictable penalty shootout. Against Algeria the Americans kept strong defensively and dominated play to earn a win. This time around they need to keep just as focused and disciplined in the back and step up their attack.

The US’s game against Ghana will be televised Saturday on ABC with kick-off scheduled for 1:30 PM CST. The winner of this game will advance to the quarterfinals against the winner of the earlier game: Uruguay v South Korea.