US seeks revenge on Ghana
Source: Agencies |
June 26, 2010, Saturday
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COACH Bob Bradley and his indefatigable United States team will seek revenge and a place in the quarterfinals when they meet Ghana today.
After topping Group C, thanks to a late winner by Landon Donovan in its 1-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, it hopes to beat a team which is the only surviving African nation in the second round.
The 1-2 defeat by Ghana in Nuremburg four years ago rankles the Americans most as they prepare to meet the 'Black Stars' at the Royal Bafokeng stadium. Several of the 2006 squad are in Bradley's current group with Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley and Donovan in the 2006 starting lineup.
The fixture provides a great chance for his men to erase memories of that controversial defeat decided by a penalty.
"We have Ghana and that will be a rematch of the game in 2006 -- so it's a great opportunity for us. We've watched Ghana before and they're very talented," coach Bradley said.
"They're very athletic. We'll need to do a real solid job in terms of our team effort, our discipline because, again, they're a very talented team."
Great support
Bradley's fit and determined side will also have great support again as it returns to Rustenburg where it drew its opening group game against England 1-1 on June 12.
"One thing that was really special for us today (Wednesday) was as our bus was coming down the road to the stadium -- that last stretch down the road the street was lined with USA fans," he said. "People waving flags, banging on the bus, wearing red, white and blue and faces painted -- we all felt a real extra amount of emotion at that point."
Ghana can also expect huge backing after coach Milovan Rajevac called for Africa to back his side.
"To qualify is really very important for us and for Africa," said the Serb. "I'm very emotional and I hope we can benefit from the support of all of the South African people and the continent of Africa."
Rajevac needs to find a cutting edge if Ghana is to repeat its previous win. It has scored only twice in its three group games -- both penalties converted by Asamoah Gyan.
The Americans have scored more freely -- finding the net four times -- but have twice relied on late goals to draw with Slovenia and then beat Algeria.
After topping Group C, thanks to a late winner by Landon Donovan in its 1-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, it hopes to beat a team which is the only surviving African nation in the second round.
The 1-2 defeat by Ghana in Nuremburg four years ago rankles the Americans most as they prepare to meet the 'Black Stars' at the Royal Bafokeng stadium. Several of the 2006 squad are in Bradley's current group with Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley and Donovan in the 2006 starting lineup.
The fixture provides a great chance for his men to erase memories of that controversial defeat decided by a penalty.
"We have Ghana and that will be a rematch of the game in 2006 -- so it's a great opportunity for us. We've watched Ghana before and they're very talented," coach Bradley said.
"They're very athletic. We'll need to do a real solid job in terms of our team effort, our discipline because, again, they're a very talented team."
Great support
Bradley's fit and determined side will also have great support again as it returns to Rustenburg where it drew its opening group game against England 1-1 on June 12.
"One thing that was really special for us today (Wednesday) was as our bus was coming down the road to the stadium -- that last stretch down the road the street was lined with USA fans," he said. "People waving flags, banging on the bus, wearing red, white and blue and faces painted -- we all felt a real extra amount of emotion at that point."
Ghana can also expect huge backing after coach Milovan Rajevac called for Africa to back his side.
"To qualify is really very important for us and for Africa," said the Serb. "I'm very emotional and I hope we can benefit from the support of all of the South African people and the continent of Africa."
Rajevac needs to find a cutting edge if Ghana is to repeat its previous win. It has scored only twice in its three group games -- both penalties converted by Asamoah Gyan.
The Americans have scored more freely -- finding the net four times -- but have twice relied on late goals to draw with Slovenia and then beat Algeria.
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