Uruguay progressed to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup earlier in the day and tonight it was up to USA and Ghana to see who would join the South Americans.
The USA were the slight favorites on paper but with just five minutes gone Boatang put Ghana in the lead when his shot from twenty yards beat Goalkeeper Tim Howard. The early lead seemed to knock USA back somewhat and they struggled to get a foothold in the game as Ghana controlled the first half.
In the second half the USA got their act together and began to play. Before long Mensah hacked down Dempsey in the box and the penalty was given. Donovan stepped up and cooly converted, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way and giving his team the equalizing goal.
Before the equalizer Ghana were trading at very short prices – odds on for the win. But when the goal came, the momentum shifted and the USA became the quick favorites to win, with their price slashed to half that of Ghana’s.
They pushed for a winner but it never came and the USA ended the 90 scheduled minutes on top but tied at 1-1. Things were looking up for them at that point, with Extra Time called, but just three minutes into the added time Gyan smashed home for Ghana to put them back in front.
The USA tried to get back into the game and pressed hard, but the goal never came and the shrill sound of the referee’s whistle sounded the end of their tournament as Ghana advanced through to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup. A good result for an African team in the first African World Cup, but a game that USA will feel they could have won. Ghana will now play Uruguay in the next round.
Tomorrow the fates of England/Germany and Argentina/Mexico will be decided.
