Ghana and the United States have met twice in the past, and they have come at the last two World Cups. Both have ended in misery for the Americans as losses to Ghana have ended their stint on soccer’s biggest stage, which means the Group G opener between the two is a massive match on a number of different levels.
World Cup Odds: Ghana +160, United States +195, Draw +215
Why Ghana Can Win
Ghana has the best striker on the pitch in Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s captain that has some revenge of his own on his mind or rather, redemption. Luis Suarez’s deliberate handball in the quarterfinal of the 2010 World Cup gave Gyan a chance to put his country through to the next round, but he missed and it was Uruguay who would eventually advance. Gyan would love another chance, but first he has to get his team through the group stage. He is as clinical a finisher as you will see in this tournament.
However, he has to get some help from midfield and the onus is on Kevin Prince-Boateng to provide it, or maybe Andre Ayew, whose father was Abedi Pele, arguably the best Ghanaian player of all time. This is his chance to step out of his father’s shadow, because Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari are well past their prime in midfield and Ghana has to cover for a suspect defense.
Why The United States Can Win
The United States have a midfield duo of Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones that can dominate a weak area for Ghana. Bradley is just 26 years old, but he already has 86 caps, he has played in Europe and now is playing at home, dominating for Toronto FC in MLS action. He is adept at defending and going forward, which he is allowed to do more alongside Jones, who will happily shield the defense at 32 years old. Bradley will be counted on to support Clint Dempsey, who is now the captain and star of the attack with no Landon Donovan in Brazil. Tim Howard is a solid shot-stopper who has had some tough moments in important games, but he has the experience to help a shoddy back line.
Never underestimate a team playing for revenge. The Americans are claiming that they aren’t thinking about their last two losses to Ghana, but they are lying; they have to be thinking about it and it should be a huge motivation to play them in the group stage.
Outlook
Because of the history between these teams and what is at stake in the “group of death”, this match is a dark horse to be the best match of this stage, at the very least, the first volley of games. Both defenses can be exploited, so this should feature a lot of goals. Look for the United States to get their revenge and move one step closer to the knockout stage for the second World Cup in a row.
Pick: United States
