Man of the moment Donovan says the team that knocked USA out four years ago are no pushovers
Man of the moment Donovan says the team that knockedu00a0USA out four years ago are no pushovers
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Ahead of the match US star striker who's injury time goal powered them into the knockout stages admitted that the African team who are carrying the hopes of the entire continent are looking good.
"I've been impressed with them," Donovan said. "I thought they'd struggle a little bit without (midfielder Michael) Essien, but I thought they've looked very good. They're going to be a very difficult team to play against. Their athleticism will be difficult to deal with."
Donovan also expects to be up against a hostile crowd in the match.
"My guess is that they'll have quite a bit of support," he said. "Like a lot of African teams, they're fairly unpredictable sometimes, which can be a plus or a minus."
Ghana has been the rare successful African team at the first World Cup being staged on the continent, advancing behind Germany from Group D. But it also has only two goals, both scored on penalty kicks by Asamoah Gyan.
"It's a fact that we haven't scored from open play, but it does not mean that we can't play," midfielder Sulley Muntari said. "We will continue working hard on it."
The Americans are accustomed to having more fans rooting for the opponents. That's a given for this match.
"We want to do it for Africa," said Muntari, who added his team is seeking at least a semifinals berth.
USA vs Ghana : Key battles
Landon Donovan vs Kevin Prince Boating
Donovan has been the force driving the US team in this World Cup. The LA Galaxy striker has scored twice and on crucial occasions most being against Slovenia in their last group match. Kevin Prince Boating has been impressive but this will be his biggest task till date.
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Michael Bradley vs Sulley Muntari
Michael Bradley has commanded the US midfield well with solid performances. Munatri is a well built medio with good bursts pace. Bradley will have a tough time containing him.
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