The Stars and Stripes vs The Black Stars
Friday, June 25, 2010
In 14 hours and 15 minutes the US Men's National Team will take on Ghana in the Round of 16. If you remember the 2006 World Cup, Ghana defeated the United States 2-1 and the US will be seeking revenge tomorrow. This is a very different US squad from four years ago. I will be expecting a phenomenal game because the stakes are high and there is a bit of history there.
Who will you be rooting for?
I'm a bit torn. I've lived in the United States for the past decade even though I am West African. And since Ghana is the only African side to advance to the knockout stages I feel a sense of responsibility in supporting the Black Stars in the first World Cup on African soil. Who are you guys rolling with?
Sentiment and emotions aside, I have been more impressed by the US' showing thus far in the World Cup. Ghana has scored only two goals so far, both of which have been penalties. However, I certainly am not counting them out because they are a strong defensive side and have shown some attacking flair even though they have not particularly finished well.
X- Factor
It goes without saying but Landon Donovan must be on his game and be the leader he has become if the U.S. are to win this. Though he is still young, Jozy Altidore's size and strength is a huge bonus up top for the US and they ought to capitalize on it.
For the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan has to score goals. Not a penalty, but a legitimate product of a well orchestrated attack. Also, Kevin-Prince Boateng has to shine. He is new in the squad, but extremely confident on the ball and he brings creativity to the midfield.
My prediction? The U.S. wins 2-1. Whats yours?
Twitter: @LiveBrtheFutbol
I think that you are failing to realize that Ghana's team is filled with young players that are able to make an incredible impact despite their inexperience. Furthermore, I think it's ridiculous to assume that a "well orchastrated attack" must always result in a goal. I think that Ghana proved their offensive capabilities in their game versus Germany. Anyone can see that the match between the two teams could have gone either way. Both Germany and Ghana had numerous chances on net, it was merely a matter of "who is going to score first?" Also. How can you speak of the Blackstars without even mentioning Andre Ayew? Despite his immature attitude toward the referees...He has much to offer. He's able to cut the ball into the midfield, which often times results in numerous opportunities for Ghana's offense. As far as Asamoah goes, I'm not impressed. The only thing I'll give him credit for is his ability to move into uninhibited areas. But if you're putting the future of Ghana's success within his hands...Ghana is bound for failure. He needs more support at the top. As far as Kevin-Prince Boateng goes. He reminds me of Drake.... Over hyped. But Johnathon Mensah seems to be steadily proving his worth with each game. And I am confident in Kingson's abilities in the back. You're underestimating this team.
With all of that being said. I still think that the match will be 1-0 in Ghana's favor. Most likely the goal will be scored off of a play created by Ayew. That's a star player. That's money right there.
....But if by chance... The US does win. It will be the result of Ghana's zone defense. They need to stick to man to man defense because Harpei has demonstrated many times that zone defense may not always be the most efficient way to go about things...He tends to get a bit lackadaisical to say the least.
great comment, thanks.
What did I tell you? Granted the score was 2-1. ONLY because like I said, Ghana needs to stop with the zone defense. They ended up getting caught off guard once again, resulting in a desperate slide tackle from Mensah giving USA the penalty. But nevertheless Ghana won it back again. Scoring early in the overtime. I honestly don't know what it is with the USA and letting goals in early then struggling to play catch-up (remind you of anyone? Oh yeah. Nigeria). Even though Ghana secured this win (Like I knew they would). If they don't put four in back like they ended up shifting to towards the end of the game, they're doomed. Because their players are not experienced enough to play zone defense.
I hope that this helps to reinforce the fact that Africans are very capable and stand a fair shot within the world cup. I mean come on. Look at it skill wise. Pair the Ghanaian players one to one with each USA player, the US would get merked! That Ghanaian footwork is crazy. (Especially Ayew!)
Shit. I deserve my own section in this blog.
lol. good stuff, good stuff. But like I did say and it came to pass as such, Gyan has to score goals and Boateng has to shine. And they both did their thing today. Gyan's strike was marvelous.
just re-read your first comment. Ghana is doomed for failure if they place their future in Gyan? His left foot in the 93rd minute thinks not.
Boateng overhyped? you must be joking! see the first goal.
And Jonathan Mensah, well he gave away the penalty in the box that gave the U.S. their goal.
I certainly did not underestimate Ghana. I called it like it happened. Great stuff from the Black Stars.
Well. Maybe you didn't completely undersestimate Ghana. But you certainly read them wrong. "They are a strong defensive side" based off of what facts? Stats? Even if you were to base it off of stats. Stats couldn't possibly bring you to the conclusion that they have a strong defensive team. Yeah they shut out Serbia. Australia got one in, as did Germany. Throughout that whole Germany vs. Ghana game, both Germany and Ghana showed multiple times that they both have gaps and holes in their defense. Especially Ghana. Ghana does not know how to play zone defense. Period. That's their main weak point. They end up leaving players open and scattered and find themselves scattering and scrambling when they're under attack. They have so much confidence in their midfield that they fail to realize that they need to focus more attention towards the back.
I'm sorry. Still calling Kevin-Prince Boateng and his whole dual citzenship situation overhyped. Drawn out. And overrated. I've been following him for a little while, and given the hype and expectations placed on his shoulder, he hasn't even begun to live up to it in the slightest. Giving this kid way too much credit. Why don't we just continue to see how he does before we start considering him as some type of savior. If he's the star that everyone says he is.... Why is he just now really delivering? Let's get some consistency first before we show praise. Shall we?
Now see. This is where I get frustrated. And I think anyone who has ever played soccer in their life, gets frustrated as well. WHO CREATED THAT PLAY? Who lofted that ball to Gyan in the first place? Do you recall? Do you even remember? AYEW. Play maker. MONEY. That's the star of that team. Did I not call it? He saw the open space, sent a high lofting ball to Gyan, and thank heavens Gyan capitalized on it for once. He didn't do that by himself. Putting the success of Ghana solely in his hands. That's a fail. I've played striker for 15 years of my life, and I must say at least half of the goals that I've scored came as a result of visually aware mid-fielders who were able to recognize open space, giving me opportunities in the offensive end. If you ask me. Ayew is the star of that game, and the reason for that goal. Anyone who has played soccer in their life can see that. Everyone else. They just see the goal, and they see the person who scored the goal. The striker gets the glory, but the mid-fielder is the one who set it up. He's the general behind it all. He's the reason. Ayew FED him that ball. He FED it to him. Man of the match... In my eyes? AYEW.
Whoops sorry. Just realized I kind of went off on you. Get a little too emotional over this shit called soccer sometimes. My bad.
haha. it's all good. it's passion. And just for the record we never once disagreed, we were just arguing very different points. Man of the match for me? Ayew as well. And I appreciate a great midfield, the general as you call it. But what is a general without able soldiers to carry out his command?
Congrats to the Black Stars. Africa remains alive and in the race for the Cup. cheers.
No. We disagreed. But..I'm so over this game. Africa won. Messi next :)