USA-Ghana: Two Forces Colliding
From A to Z, the battle was hot but only 120 minutes of football could separate the two sides. Kevin-Prince Boateng stunned the Americans with a long range low drive goal as early as in the 5th minute of the game. That was quite a way to mark his fifth ever appearance for the Black Stars of Ghana.
1-0 to the boys dressed in yellow and red. Coach Milovan Rajevac was a happy man on the sidelines; his team had found the early breakthrough Ghana so badly needed to work things according to the plan they had created long before the match.
So confidence was solid for the Black Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium like it was for die-hard African supporters all across the continent and the globe. This was simply the perfect start. The USA couldn’t deal with the strength of Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng and Dede Ayew who were constantly using their attacking instinct to put USA’s defense in trouble.
Bob Bradley’s men were fortunate not to concede more goals in the first half. Asamoah Gyan sent a dangerous ball on target through a 19th minute free-kick but Tim Howard nervously punched it away. Although the Ghanaians dominated the game, the USA also found space at the back as it opened up. Michael Bradley would have to be congratulated for his tremendous work in defense like upfront. The son’s coach came close to equalizing midway through the first period before producing a vital clearance of Samuel Inkoom’s cross.
Cherundolo was fortunate to be on the pitch after recklessly tackling Ghana’s most dynamic player, Andre Dede Ayew Pele. It was ugly to see the American stomp on the young Ghanaian’s calf whereas the ball wasn’t around. Cherundolo escaped with a yellow card only.
So the USA remained 11 on the field; they had the referee to thank for that. Now Findley should have stunned the Black Stars on the counter attack as he found himself one-on-one with Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Kingson. Amazingly, Findley smashed the ball into the keeper. That was one glorious chance that the Americans should have seized. But the scoreboard at half time stayed 1-0 in favor of the Black Stars.
Discussions at half time from Coach Bob Bradley had injected more power into USA’s team spirit. Michael Bradley was even more impressive and his spirited run was the source of the Americans’ first attempt on goal after the break. The player reached the penalty box, squared the ball to Jozy Altidore who passed it onto Feilhaber. But Michael Bradley could only disappointingly look as the substitute agonizingly failed to hit the target.
However, the Americans didn’t lose hope. They pressed on in search of an equalizer and had as much as four shots on goal in less than five minutes after the referee’s second half whistle. Looking at how Bob Bradley’s men were pressing forward as they had found the keys to take possession of the game, it was always obvious that they were going to deceive Ghana’s defense. Clint Dempsey won a penalty for the USA as he was brought down in the area by Jonathan Mensah. Landon Donovan was therefore presented with the greatest opportunity to put his side back into the game from the spot.
A shot, and a goal; Richard Kingson went the wrong way. Lifeline for USA; 63st minute, 1-1, game on! Jozy Altidore had a perfect opportunity to punish the Ghanaians six minutes later. Like Findley, the striker was one-on-one but Kingson cleared the danger by sending the ball away with his legs. Impressive. It looked like the Americans would clinch redemption any time they went up front. Their positive game plan was entertaining to watch but the Ghanaians were also up to their task to keep the score line leveled.
Not only did the Americans start to go down easily, but they also started to commit more reckless fouls. It was even surprising to see that Landon Donovan didn’t enter into the referee’s book after outrageously kicking Kevin-Prince Boateng’s lap. It was because of that tackle that the number 23 play maker – who had opened the scoring sheet – had to leave the pitch injured. No apologies from the American player; Landon Donovan was so much concentrated on sealing USA’s comeback.
With 20 minutes to go before the end of regulation time, USA lost control of the game. It became more balanced but the Ghanaians couldn’t take their chances in attack. In response, Jozy Altidore broke forward as the USA plotted a win. During his run, it was clear that the youngster had fouled his marker, John Mensah, in the box. However, play went on Jozy Altidore almost drove the ball into Richard Kingson’s unsafe net. But it rolled just wide... Still 1-1. Interesting.
More interesting was Jozy Altidore’s shameful dive which, unfortunately for Ghanaian fans, earned Dede Ayew a 92nd minute yellow card as the game headed into extra-time. The Black Stars player will now have to miss his side's next match.
USA-Ghana: This Time For Africa
A nation’s size doesn’t count in football. Slovenia showed this by qualifying for South Africa 2010 at the expense of the Russians. Now so did the Ghanaians through Africa’s gifted child, Asamoah Gyan.
Just as Kevin-Prince Boateng had shot the USA after five minutes in the first half of normal time, Gyan stunned the Americans after three minutes in the first half of extra-time. His exquisite goal is one that people would love to see over and over again. The way he overpowered USA’s captain to control the ball which he had chested down in style, and the way he blasted it with a left-footed shot into the back of USA’s net was simply outstanding.
Africa and its nations went wild. 2-1 to Ghana! And so that proved to be it; neither sides could score more goals. The USA are out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Bill Clinton's presence in the VIP stands couldn't inspire the Americans. Ghana have sent them packing from the World Cup for the second time in a row. The Black Stars have reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against the predictions of many doubters. They will face Uruguay next.
Five of Africa’s representatives have crashed out from the tournament, but sole survivors Ghana are lifting the pride of the continent high. They are simply following the voice of Africa that is telling them to ‘Do It’. Waka Waka, this time is for Africa… at least, it was tonight.
