jhf14
Player Valuation: £950k
Okay U.S. fans, you can take a second to breath and enjoy the moment: we made it.... the round of 16. After an emotional roller coaster I think the USA are in a good position for this game. Unlike Ghana, they are coming into the R16 off of a win and the belief that as a TEAM they can overcome seemingly impossible odds... this type of mental momentum is invaluable to a squad.
That being said, we certainly cannot overlook the black stars. They will likely have a whole continent in their corner for the match. Historically, Ghana have been a very athletic and talented squad, and more than capable of knocking the U.S. out (see WC '06). But there is also the outside chance that this pressure to do well - to deliver for a continent - will be too much of a burden for them to carry...
USA have a few questions to answer leading up to this game as well, the biggest in regards to (surprise) the defense. Does Gooch remain on the bench and does the squad keep Bornstein (yikes) on the outside? Personally I think he would get schooled by Ghana's Prince & co. as he is just not quick enough... but that's one man's opinion.
Does Findley come back into the line-up? Does Gomez or Buddle make their way onto the pitch in any capacity (both of which played well against Algeria)? ... It appears that Bradley is not going to use Dempsey up top as he has opted against it in all the matches (unless we go down and need a goal late, when he is placed beneath the top two).
and what about the midfield with Feilhaber?... He has actually played very solid when in the game offering a little spark to offense, but not much in regards to defense. Clark and Edu have only been "okay". I could see Clark starting to absorb some of the initial Ghana pressure...and then Benny Feilhaber subbing in the second half for another look.
Let the debates begin...
That being said, we certainly cannot overlook the black stars. They will likely have a whole continent in their corner for the match. Historically, Ghana have been a very athletic and talented squad, and more than capable of knocking the U.S. out (see WC '06). But there is also the outside chance that this pressure to do well - to deliver for a continent - will be too much of a burden for them to carry...
USA have a few questions to answer leading up to this game as well, the biggest in regards to (surprise) the defense. Does Gooch remain on the bench and does the squad keep Bornstein (yikes) on the outside? Personally I think he would get schooled by Ghana's Prince & co. as he is just not quick enough... but that's one man's opinion.
Does Findley come back into the line-up? Does Gomez or Buddle make their way onto the pitch in any capacity (both of which played well against Algeria)? ... It appears that Bradley is not going to use Dempsey up top as he has opted against it in all the matches (unless we go down and need a goal late, when he is placed beneath the top two).
and what about the midfield with Feilhaber?... He has actually played very solid when in the game offering a little spark to offense, but not much in regards to defense. Clark and Edu have only been "okay". I could see Clark starting to absorb some of the initial Ghana pressure...and then Benny Feilhaber subbing in the second half for another look.
Let the debates begin...
