Take a breath U.S. fans, we made it. Now we can turn our focus to Portugal.
After an unreal start, which included a Clint Dempsey goal in the first 30 seconds, the USA really didn’t show much. Let’s cut to the chase and take a look at the American captain's goal which was the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history.
After this, the next 82 minutes were pretty unbearable as a U.S. fan. Michael Bradley struggled to get anything going in the midfield, Jozy Altidore left the game in the 23rd minute due to a strained hamstring, and Demarcus Beasely's right side was under constant attack. Jermaine Jones' shot from deep was really the only opportunity the Yanks had at unsettling Ghana keeper Adam Kwarssey.
On the other hand, Ghana had plenty of opportunities. They pressed the U.S., but failed to capitalize on the chances they created. Then, at 82', Andre Ayew received a stellar back heel pass from Asamoah Gyan and buried a shot from the left side with the outside of his foot, fooling Tim Howard.
At this point, the U.S. looked stagnant, and the American fans started to feel a tie would be a good result. But, on the next trip down to Ghana’s third, the U.S. earned a corner. Substitute Graham Zusi sent in a service that found fellow substitute John Brooks. In typical U.S. cardiac fashion, they had the lead.
For U.S. fans, the time in-between goals was stressful and frustrating. The U.S. lost the possession battle 41% to 59%, and it seemed like every time they tried to make a break it was halted in the early stages of the build. In Sunday’s game versus a desperate Portgual team, Michael Bradley will have to step up. That said, Fabian Johnson, Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones looked in top form throughout the match, so the U.S. will also have to build on their strength.
The big decision, of course, will rest on Klinsmann as he replaces Jozy Altidore. There hasn’t been a time table released regarding his injury yet, but it is safe to say he will miss several games. We would expect Chris Wondolowski to start versus Portugal, instead of Aron Johannsson. The U.S. showed they can defend, but when you have zero threat going the other way, it's not a surprise Ghana found an equalizer. We'll have to do better this weekend. This next game should be treated as a must win for the USMNT. Germany will mostly likely take care of Ghana, and a win versus a desperate Portuguese squad will send them through. If the US were to lose and give life to Portugal, their next game against Germany while Portugal faces Ghana, will be all the more difficult. That said, a win is a win, and these three points couldn’t be bigger. On to the next one.
