Can Ghana reach the Quarterfinals for the first time in World Cup history?
Ghana are just experiencing their second World Cup participation. The first time they entered the tournament, in 2006, they could only reach the last 16, where they were knocked-out by quarterfinalists Brazil subsequent to a 3-0 loss. The match was said to be controversial, but subsequent to pressuring complains on the elites of the Federation International of Football Association; they were given no other choice but to leave Germany just as every other loser was asked to.
In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Ghana have added their names in the list of qualified teams ahead of the last 16. They jumped in the second round by finishing as runners-up in Group D behind leaders Germany, but above Serbia and Australia. They’ll be fighting the USA this evening in Rustenburg, and if ever the Black Stars were to trample on Bob Bradley’s boys, then they’ll be entering their first ever World Cup quarterfinals.
Can Ghana score their first goal from open play?
Ghana qualified from Group D after winning their first match 1-0 against Serbia, then drawing their second game 1-1 with Australia. Therefore, the 1-0 defeat they suffered against Germany was not enough to drive them back home, since Australia had defeated Serbia on Day 3 to resolve the deep complications of Group D.
Nevertheless, Ghana have never scored in the 2010 FIFA World Cup from open play, and their 2 only goals were both penalties, converted from the spot by forward Asamoah Gyan. Should the score from open play against USA this evening, then they will be breaking their goal curse to take goals by themselves and by their own efforts, and not by gifts from referees.
Asamoah Gyan vs Landon Donovan: Who will impose himself?
So, as fans all know, Ghana key player Asamoah Gyan is the Black Stars’ only goalscorer so far in the World Cup. Speaking of Group C’s leaders USA, Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley have both been on the scoring sheet for the North Americans, but overall, it was Landon Donovan who stole the spotlight with 2 important goals against Slovenia and Algeria.
At 20:30 local time or 14:30 EST, USA and Ghana will meet, but who will win the individual battle between Landon Donovan and Asamoah Gyan? This will be interesting to know, but presently, all we can do is learn relevant facts, analyze, and predict.
2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup: Can USA take their revenge on Ghana?
USA were sent out of the 2006 Germany World Cup after losing 2-1 against Ghana in Group E. Ghana’s young player Dramani first gave the Africans the lead, before USA’s striker Clint Dempsey equalized from a suspiciously offside angle. A penalty from Captain Steven Appiah sealed the game, and thus, gave the Ghanaians a position in the last 16 along with group leaders Italy.
The Americans felt great anger and bitterness as they accused the Black Stars of being cheats (the penalty was contested by the CONCACAF representatives), and obviously, their fans vowed to take their revenge sooner or later. The time has finally come for USA to “punish” the Ghanaians, while the African jewels will also be given the option of justifying their 2006 record by beating Bocanegra’s men on another occasion. Whatever the game ends up in, there is no doubt that USA will be playing more for vengeance than the last African team in the 2010 World Cup.
USA-Ghana: Will the referee influence the game in favor of Ghana?
Ghana were accused for negatively forcing their way through in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup, when they defeated USA. Truthfully, it was the referee who was attacked for awarding the Ghanaian Black Stars what was looked upon as a “wrong penalty”.
This evening, the referee will be scrutinized, as USA will be ready to deprive him of freedom if he “robs” them. USA have already been cheated in the first round, having been controversially disallowed 2 clean goals against Slovenia and Algeria. Regardless, the Americans outclassed the English Lions; but another disfavorable match against Ghana will be in no way acceptable to the fans, to Bob Bradley, and to his boys.
