The United States were lucky in their first game against England on June 12th. They were unlucky in their second game against Slovenia, and they got a must 1-0 win on Landon Donovan's stoppage time goal against Algeria to win Group C. With a victory over Algeria, they played Ghana in the round of sixteen on Saturday, June 26, 2010. The United States came in as the favorites to win that game but anything can happen in the game of soccer.
The one thing the U.S. did not want to do was to allow another early goal and fall behind. It was about the fifth minute when Ghana scored the game's first goal because of sloppy defense. The United States came into the game with momentum and energy. When they allowed the early goal, the U.S. players knew they had to settle down and play smart, error-free soccer. They needed to control their emotions in order not to concede another goal to fall behind even more.
Starting behind on the scoreboard is nothing new for team U.S.A. They fell behind against England and Slovenia. They nearly fell behind in the Algeria match when the ball bounced off the crossbar. Nothing has been easy for the Americans, but with their spirit, they never gave up.
The first half of Saturday's match was not at all good for the red, white, and blue. The Black Stars of Ghana controlled the ball possession and came out playing more physical , more aggressive, and looked more deserving for the win. Ghana stretched out the field and pulled apart the tough defense on the United States' side. Ghana had many good shot opportunities, and Tim Howard was caught out of position throughout the game. U.S.A. was lucky that they went into the locker room only down by one goal.
Throughout the World Cup, it seemed like the opponent of the United States controlled the first half, and the United States would steal away the momentum in the second half. The United States played the second half more physical and more aggressive in trying to score the equalizing goal. The United States built up the intensity with shot after shot. With so many opportunities, it seemed like a goal was coming. The goal eventually came from the hero of the Algeria game, Landon Donovan, on a penalty kick. The United States kept their composure and were very patient after allowing an early goal. Their persistence payed off as they tied up the game.
After ninety minutes, the score was still 1-1. The match had to go to extra time where it would be extended by thirty minutes. If the game was still tied, the match would extend even further to penalty kicks. Extra time did not start off good for the United States as they gave up the go-ahead goal to Ghana within the first two minutes. Just like Ghana's first goal, this one resulted from the messy defensive effort from team U.S.A. So, all Ghana had to do was to hold the United States to no goals for the next 28 minutes. It was not easy. The United States had some good looks on goal. Both teams had very tired legs.
Despite the United States' spectacular effort, Ghana moved on to the quarterfinals because of their determination to win. Ghana is representing not only one country but the entire continent of Africa because it is the only African nation left in the World Cup. Ghana will play Uruguay and their tough defense in the next round.
The United States had a good World Cup because they won their group, they played with spirit and heart, and they did not give up. The U.S. players can go back to the states with their heads held high.
There are still very good teams left in the World Cup including five from South America. The two teams in the 2006 finals, Italy and France, took early exits. England fell 4-1 to Germany on Sunday, June 27, 2010 in the round of sixteen. England had a chance to tie the game at two in the first half, but the referee did not see the ball as it clearly was a yard behind the goal line. Hockey, football, and basketball all have instant replay. With the crucial mistakes in this World Cup by world class referees, is it time for the game of soccer to add replay technology?
This World Cup has been exciting, stunning, heart-throbbing, and thrilling to watch. Anything is possible. Any team can go home. Any team can win it all and make their nation proud.
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