Showing posts with label landon donovan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label landon donovan. Show all posts

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

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Breathtaking. Nerve-wracking.  Pulsating.  These are just a few words that described the United State's 91st minute victory against Algeria to win Group C and advance to the Round of 16.  Early in the game we saw Clint Dempsey score a goal that was disallowed because the linesman wrongly made an offside call.  Suddenly, Edu's disallowed goal against Slovenia immediately sprung to mind and one began to wonder if the officials had a conspiracy against the U.S. or if they were just that unlucky.  Minute after minute, the U.S. pressure and pressure, but are unable to find the back of the net.  Jozy Altidore blasts the ball over the bar from 3 yards out; Dempsey hits the post and knocks his rebound shot wide left.  The entire match, however, we felt it coming.  It seemed almost as if the game could end no other way than the way it did.

You couldn't possibly write a better story than this.  Imagine Tim Howard launching the ball in Donovan's path and Donovan surging down the field in slow motion while a Hans Zimmer-composed soundtrack (think Lux Aeterna) blares in the background with intermitent shots of a tense crowd.  The soundtrack builds with every step forward that Donovan takes.  He passes the ball to Jozy Altidore.  The camera zooms in on Jozy's young, nervous face.  He passes the ball in to Dempsey who can't be the hero because, well, it's just not his time.  The keeper knocks it out and Donovan, with his eyes locked on goal, receives the ball.  At this moment, the soundtrack is mellow with only angelic-like voices (think Now We are Free) and as he hits the ball into the back of the net the entire orchestra comes in and the spirits of an entire nation are lifted in that moment.  That would make for a cool movie, or some poorly put together youtube clip that will probably be up in the next hour if it isn't already.

Cheers to the Americans and their new hero Landon Donovan.  Bill
Clinton is proud.

                                                       (Michael Sohn/AP)

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