USA-Ghana: 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifications from Group C and Group D
How USA qualified from Group C
The United States shockingly topped Group C after outclassing favorites England. Bob Bradley’s boys held the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw on Day 1; in a game which has already transformed into one of the World Cup’s most remembered battles due to goalkeeper Green’s memorable gaff. This defensive and regrettable error from the English gifted USA with a point in their opening match, giving them confidence for the rest of their run in their group.
USA then met Slovenia, and on this occasion, the referee and his decisions turned against the Americans, as they were denied what should have been a fair goal within the time of action. Despite the disappointing controversy, USA still fought to secure a point subsequent to a 2-2 draw; but this meant that they had to win at any rate against the Algerians, as they were dangerously close to a consecutive Round 1 exit.
Their task was historically accomplished against the North Africans–a late winner from Landon Donovan stole a 1-0 win for the Americans. That perfect result was enough for USA to qualify into the round of 16 as Group C leaders, and even though they were once again disallowed a goal in that match, they still managed to impose their power over referees.
How Ghana qualified from Group D
On one hand, Ghana were lucky, but from another point of view, they were deserved Group D runners-up. Notwithstanding their inexperience in the World Cup in view of the fact that they were only playing in their second FIFA World Cup, Ghana showed confidence and strength. Their first game was brightened through a 1-0 success over Serbia subsequent to a late Asamoah Gyan penalty.
Their second battle finished in a 1-1 draw with Australia, at the sadness of many Ghanaian supporters. A victory over the Socceroos would have indeed automatically sent the Black Stars through with 6 precious points in Group D; but since the Africans were only able to take a point, they had to wait until Day 3 to know their future.
Their last game against Germany was memorable, but expectedly, Ghana lost by a goal to nil following a winner from Oezil. No matter what, good celebrations took place in the stadium for both teams, as the Black Stars were still qualified for the last 16 stage, due to Australia’s controversial triumph over Serbia on the same evening.
USA-Ghana: Goalscorers / Players to watch in the last 16
As at now, only 4 players have registered their names on the scoring sheet for both USA and Ghana in the 2010 World Cup’s Group C and Group D respectively. Below, we take a look at quick information on the players who scored and who can also be considered as the players to watch in the USA-Ghana super clash, which will kick-off in the last 16.
USA – Clint Dempsey: He was USA’s first goalscorer in the South Africa World Cup. He scored his side’s funny equalizer against England on Day 1. Despite the fact that he has not been on fire in the competition, he could help his team mates to take their revenge against Ghana.
USA – Michael Bradley: He is the popular son of Bob Bradley, the present USA manager. He grabbed his nation’s late equalizer against Slovenia on Day 2, as the North Americans secured a point.
USA – Landon Donovan: He is his country’s most attractive player. He has clinched 2 goals in the contest so far, including one against Slovenia, and another one against Algeria. The Black Stars should surely contain him in the last 16 if ever they do not wish to bear terrible consequences.
Ghana – Asamoah Gyan: He is the footballer who scored the earliest goal of the 2006 World Cup. He also appears as Ghana’s only goalscorer in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Asamoah Gyan scored Ghana’s first goal in this competition from the spot against Serbia to make his side become the first African country to triumph in South Africa (World Cup), and he scored his second penalty against Australia to hold the Socceroos to a draw.
More players & yellow cards
Other players, among which are keeper Tim Howard, Andre Ayew, and Prince Boateng also deserve special attention, yet, the ones with their profiles written above are those with the greatest chances of influencing the match. Happily for both teams, only a single player from each side received a yellow card in his last World Cup game; Altidore for USA, and Andre Ayew for Ghana.
Where to follow USA-Ghana LIVE?
Fans are advised to follow the USA-Ghana game live on Live Soccer TV so as to get the full report, statistics, live commentary, and video highlights of the thrilling last 16 game in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. See match page here.
