World Cup
2010-06-26 - United States vs Ghana
A Sports Betting Pick by Caged
Football : FIFA World Cup : Round of 16
Saturday 26th June 2010 - Kickoff 20.45 Local time
United States (FIFA Rank 14)
The USA return to Rustenberg, the venue for their 1-1 draw with England in the group stages and also where they staged a remarkable 3-0 win over Egypt in last years Confederations Cup.
As usual, the USA had to qualify from their group the Hollywood way, needing a comeback from two goals down against Slovenia and a desperate late winner to beat Algeria in the final game. Although they ultimately topped the group, they were going out before Landon Donovan scored that crucial late goal.
More than a bit shaky in defence, the Americans make up for their lack of world class talent with a physical and mental toughness that sees them punch above their weight, and bounce back from knockdowns time and again. They are always worth watching.
The USA last saw the round of 16 in 2002, upsetting fancied Mexico 2-0 in Japan/South Korea.
Ghana (FIFA Rank 32)
This game will be an interesting clash of styles as the swashbuckling Americans face a resolute Ghanaian side. Ghana play a 4-2-3-1 formation that allows their wingers to push up and attack the flanks, which will put the dodgy American defence under a lot of pressure. Steve Cherundulo in particular looks like he may have a torrid evening.
Based on the under-20 World Cup winning side, the Ghanaians are strong in midfield and defence, and will make it very difficult for the Americans to break them down. They are not just physically and defensively powerful though, they attack with a freedom and ability that puts a lot of constipated European sides to shame. Ghana should not be underestimated, they can beat anyone.
However their big weakness is in attack. For all the quality in midfield they do not have someone who can close the deal. Lone frontman Gyan is more miss than hit. Despite impressing in all three group games, Ghana could only find the net twice, both from penalties.
The Black Stars qualified for the round of 16 in Germany four years ago, but went down 3-0 to Brazil.
Head to head
These sides met four years ago in the group stages of Germany World Cup 2006. Ghana won 2-1.
The Betting Verdict
The bookies can barely split these two. Although the round of 16 doesn’t see as many draws as you would think (only 25% in the last two tournaments), this is a game between two closely matched teams, which would make the draw in 90 minutes appear a little more likely.
I think the USA are marginally the better side because of their greater goal threat and their incredible ability to rise to the occasion. Also, although Ghana should get the African support, the US do seem to like playing in Rustenberg.
I am sorely tempted to take the USA to win in 90 minutes price of 2.7 - it looks a touch too big, but there is the risk that USA can’t break an obdurate Ghana down taking this to extra time.
And the US never make things easy for themselves, if there is a dramatic way to do it, thats what they will do. So I’m going to take the safer play of USA to qualify at 1.91.
The Pick :
United States 1-0 Ghana
