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World Cup: USA v. Ghana Preview

By Big Tent Democrat

Before we get to the preview of the USA's knockout game in the Round of 16 with Ghana, let's take one last moment to savor Landon Donovan's stoppage time goal against Algeria that got the USA through.

Here is a link to the video. And here is a link to Andres Cantor's classic call.

On the flip, a preview of today's 2:30 p.m. game.

Bob Bradley, who has had a bad World Cup in my opinion (I know I know), has huge decisions to make. He has been vainly trying to find an answer for USA's porous defense, especially early in games. With Onyuwe not in form after the devastating knee injury he suffered in the final CONCACAF qualifier, there are no good answers. Bornstein was a bad choice against Algeria (even though he made no major mistakes) and he would be a bad choice here. But there are no good choices.

Bocanegra has been terrible at left back and not much better at center back. DeMerit was also terrible in the center, especially early. The only standout has been Cherundulo, who has been ok on defense and has been a real offensive threat.

In reality, Bradely has no choices here and will likely play the same 4 as in the Algeria game. Cherundulo, Demerit, Bocanegra and Bornstein. This is a terrible back 4, but there's nothing better available.

At the midfield, Donovan, Dempsey and Michael Bradley (yes the coach's son) are no brainers. Will Bob Bradlly be tempted to go back to Ricardo Clark? Let's hope not. Clark is inept. Just terrible. Edu has earned the spot. (I still love Holden, who has not stepped on the field.)

Up front, Robbie Findley is available again, which is a terrible break for the USA if Bradley play him. Herculez Gomez was very good against Algeria. He should start. I expect Bradley to start Findley though.

Jozy Altidore was fantastic against Algeria and seems to be hitting his stride. He will play. Buddle looked lost in the Algeria game when he came on in the second half. No Buddle imo.

Of course Tim Howard in goal.

Unfortunately, I have not seen much of Ghana in this World Cup so I really can not give you an informed view of their form.

Ghana knocked out the USA in the 2006 World Cup. Here is a match report from that game from the UK's Telegraph newspaper. Dempsey scored for the USA. Reyna gave away a goal and a bad penalty was called against the USA.

One last fun fact:

Key clash

Landon Donovan v John Mensah: Donovan is enjoying a terrific spell but will find Mensah as the man detailed to halt his progress and the USA’s passage to the last eight.

Sunderland are still considering whether to sign Mensah permanently; this game could give Steve Bruce some food for thought.

Last season Donovan scored for Everton against Sunderland – and Mensah.

May history repeat itself,at least when it comes to Donovan scoring against a Ghanan defender. The other history we want to change.

Go USA!!

Full post as published by TalkLeft on June 26, 2010 (boomark / email).