2014 FIFA World Cup: Ghana vs USA - What we can expect

Ghana vs USA

The United States’ fate at the World Cup has once again been entangled with that of Ghana. In what has been a regular clash at the last two World Cups, USA face Ghana in their opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. While their clash might be overshadowed by that of Germany v Portugal earlier, neither of them can let their performances drop.

Having been drawn in a tough group with Germany and Portugal, it is vital that either team win their first match to propel their challenge in this World Cup to some distance. Ghana are considered by many as the best African team in the World Cup, and after witnessing their heartbreak four years ago, we might as well expect them to be on their best this time. USA, even without the experienced Donovan possess a talented team and are massively underrated by critics and fans alike. This fixture could go a long way in determining the progress of either team.

Venue

Estadio das Nunas, in Natal is a punishing arena with an average humidity of 97% in the middle of June. This could result in a lot of tiredness in the players and players cramping up. We can also expect frequent water breaks. Capable of accommodating nearly 40,000 people, the stadium which has been newly built for the World Cup looks stunning from a terrestrial view where its roof is seen in the form of petals.

However, there are spaces between the petals allow the sea breeze originating from the nearby shores to enter the stadium while the pitch experiences a lot of sunlight. Both the teams must be prepared for slugging it out on the field and the result could well turn out to be a matter of who adapts to the conditions. We could expect rain will play a key part in the proceedings.

Kickoff time

June 16 – 7.00 pm – Local Time

June 17 – 3.30 am – Indian Standard Time (IST)

Possible Starting Line-ups

Jurgen Klinsmann has been quite vocal about his team’s approach in the recent past. He has evidently been more of a manager who focuses on achieving short term goals rather than winning the World Cup. His team, despite missing the experienced Donovan seems reasonably good. Michael Bradley’s creativity would be an important component of their attacks with a good amount of pressure on Dempsey to perform.

After recently moving to a 4-3-1-2 diamond, Klinsmann has signaled that his team relies on their expertise at seizing opportunities which shall primarily be channelized through the center.

United States (4-3-1-2): Tim Howard; DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson; Kyle Beckerman,Alejandro Bodeya , Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley; Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore

While USA’s diamond shows that they lack pace, the Black Stars possess that in abundance. The Ayew brothers and Asamoah Gyan are very good in beating the offside trap with their bursts of pace, which is complemented very well by Boateng’s creative ability. Muntari and Rabiu’s holding skills would be very important to counter the diamond while Kwadwo Asamoah, on the left side of defense could potentially be the difference between the teams.

His days at Juventus have seen him develop as an all-round player from the full back position, something which can be put to full use by their coach Akwasi Appiah. Although star midfielder Essien is ruled out, they have quality replacements for him.

Ghana (4-2-3-1): Adam Kwarasey; Kwadwo Asamoah, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom; Mohammed Rabiu, Sulley Muntari; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew; Asamoah Gyan

Key Stats

This is the 3rd consecutive World Cup in which both sides are facing each other in the group stages.

If Asamoah Gyan scores twice, he will surpass Cameroon legend Roger Milla to become the top African goalscorer in the World Cup with six goals.

USA’s best World Cup performance was in 1930 when the Yanks finished third.

Ghana scored 25 goals in the qualifiers, the most any African nation scored in the qualifiers.

Key Battles

Michael Bradley v Kevin-Prince Boateng

The two midfielders will be facing each other in a potential match-up that could decide the outcome of this match. Boateng’s time at Schalke has been very good and he has been topping the stats chart as the most successful dribbler in Europe with around 75% of a success rate. Bradley, who was initially an attacking midfielder, has moved back to the three man midfield which could see him face up against Boateng.

Bradley’s experience in Europe makes sure that he is well-suited to counter Boateng’s continuous threats down the center. While seeing Boateng off, Bradley would like to make an impact of his own; it certainly would be an intense battle in the middle of the pitch.

Clint Dempsey v John Boye

USA's talisman will be crucial in their ability to progress in the tournament. His recent switch back to Fulham has done him a lot of good, although Fulham have gone down. The physical demands of the Premier League are something that would come into against this Ghanaian defender as well. Ghana's Boye would have to be on his guard against Dempsey, whose mobility around the frontline can cause real problems for the defense.

Predictions

The World Cup has yet to see a draw till now and we should hope that the status remains the same after this match. Although the Americans are placed 24 places above Ghana at 13, their opponents are equally matched in terms of quality. Ghana defeated the Americans 2-1 in both their previous encounters at World Cups, one each in 2006 and 2010. We could expect third time’s the charm for USA as they will be looking to break their jinx against Ghana.

Although USA surpass Ghana technically with a superior coach, the Black Stars’ physical and dominating game is likely to prevail over USA’s incisive passing.

Predicted Scoreline: Ghana 2 – 1 USA