WORLD CUP
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
Referee: Viktor Kassai | Attendance: 28646
* Local time based on your geographic location.
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Goal
Shot
Video
Goal
Shot
Video
Shots (on goal)
tackles
Fouls
possession
United States
-
51%
49%
Ghana
United States
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
1 | Tim Howard |
D |
3 | Carlos Bocanegra |
D |
6 | Steve Cherundolo |
D |
12 | Jonathan Bornstein |
D |
15 | Jay DeMerit |
M |
4 | Michael Bradley |
M |
8 | Clint Dempsey |
M |
10 | Landon Donovan |
M |
13 | Ricardo Clark |
| M | 19 | Maurice Edu |
F |
17 | Jozy Altidore |
| F | 9 | Herculez Gomez |
F |
20 | Robbie Findley |
| M | 22 | Benny Feilhaber |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 23 | Marcus Hahnemann |
| G | 18 | Brad Guzan |
| D | 2 | Jonathan Spector |
| D | 5 | Oguchi Onyewu |
| D | 21 | Clarence Goodson |
| M | 7 | DaMarcus Beasley |
| M | 11 | Stuart Holden |
| M | 16 | José Torres |
| M | 19 | Maurice Edu |
| M | 22 | Benny Feilhaber |
| F | 9 | Herculez Gomez |
| F | 14 | Edson Buddle |
Ghana
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
22 | Richard Kingson |
D |
2 | Hans Sarpei |
| D | 19 | Lee Addy |
D |
4 | John Pantsil |
D |
5 | John Mensah |
D |
8 | Jonathan Mensah |
M |
6 | Anthony Annan |
M |
7 | Samuel Inkoom |
| M | 11 | Sulley Muntari |
M |
13 | Andre Ayew |
M |
23 | Kevin-Prince Boateng |
| M | 10 | Stephen Appiah |
F |
3 | Asamoah Gyan |
F |
21 | Kwadwo Asamoah |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 16 | Stephen Ahorlu |
| G | 1 | Daniel Agyei |
| D | 17 | Rahim Ayew |
| D | 19 | Lee Addy |
| M | 9 | Derek Boateng |
| M | 10 | Stephen Appiah |
| M | 11 | Sulley Muntari |
| M | 20 | Quincy Owusu-Abeyie |
| F | 12 | Prince Tagoe |
| F | 14 | Matthew Amoah |
| F | 18 | Dominic Adiyiah |
Match Stats
- United States
- Ghana
| 20(6) | Shots (on goal) | 16(6) |
| 11 | Fouls | 19 |
| 5 | Corner kicks | 4 |
| 1 | Offsides | 4 |
| 51% | Time of Possession | 49% |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 4 | Saves | 5 |
Leander Schaerlaeckens: From all of us, have a good afternoon.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Best of luck to them. We'll be back with more games tomorrow.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Their flopping and time-wasting wasn't very sportsmanlike, but they deserve to go to the quarterfinals.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Ghanaians are running their flag around the running track that encircles the field.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: American flags still wave proudly in the stands.
[Comment from USA]
Congratulations, Ghana
Leander Schaerlaeckens: But it was for naught.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A bracket that was better than one could have hoped for.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A last-minute group win.
[Comment from Franklin Titan]
Thanks, USA soccer. You just made a new fan over the last week.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A favorable draw.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A spirited and talented team.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: All the factors appeared to line up.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a pity.
Chris Jones: Tonight, the magic ran out.
Chris Jones: A great run. That game against Algeria was magical.
ESPN Stats and Info: That was the third straight loss by one goal in the World Cup knockout stage for the United States (2002, 1994).
Chris Jones: It was a good effort.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: There were no more heroics tonight.
Luke Cyphers: U.S. is bummed. Good tournament, though. Too many early goals given up, not enough chances finished.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A draw that had suddenly parted for the Americans like the Red Sea to Moses wasn't good enough as the Americans stumbled in the Round of 16 nonetheless.
[Comment from Austin Rutledge]
Guess it will have to be 2014
Chris Jones: WIld celebrations for the Ghanaians.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Americans' 2010 World Cup campaign has come to an abrupt end.
Chris Jones: American players are scattered on the grass.
Chris Jones: That's game.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's all over.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana still on the ball.
Chris Jones: Africa will still have a team.
Chris Jones: Crowd is cheering...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kingson taking his sweet, sweet time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cross in to Dempsey but he heads it wide.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is dire.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. wins a throw-in.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long kick to the front!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Offside for Ghana.
[Comment from Andrew C.]
America still holds our heads up high, great effort
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Even Howard was up on that ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit with a volley from the edge of the box that goes just over!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another cross...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kingson punches it away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Three minutes of extra time.
Chris Jones: Howard coming up!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just wide.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Gomez with a surprising shot from the edge of the box!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo pushed on the right and got a cross in which Dempsey shot at but was blocked..
[Comment from Ted Wolfe]
Still very proud of our team
Chris Jones: I think this is very sadly over.
Luke Cyphers: Tired decision making. Feels like doom
Chris Jones: The U.S. has nothing right now.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber into Donovan but the latter sent a terrible ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It goes out of bounds.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein wins it but Bradley sends a bad ball to Gomez.
[Comment from Webster]
Somebody, anybody, STEP UP!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: And another ball skips to Kingson without an American near enough it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey almost brought a long ball down.
[Comment from The Fat Lady]
Sup, y'all?
[Comment from frustrated]
If the us lose this match, we have only ourselves to blame for allowing so many quick goals
Luke Cyphers: US losing balls in the air.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard will send a long ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: U.S. in possession.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed across goal.
[Comment from Sam]
3 shots for U.S. in extra time, 1 by Ghana, and Ghana made that only shot.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Ghana at the other end.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Save by Kingson on a ball that wasn't very dangerous.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick to the U.S. at the half-way line.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is trying desperately to get the ball forward, any old way it can.
[Comment from Englishman]
Now is the time for someone to immortalise themselves.
Chris Jones: Howard is 40 yards out of his net.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Short corner. headed away.
Chris Jones: The U.S. really need to go all-or-nothing here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They're running out of time.
Luke Cyphers: The Ghanaian reporter is an enemy of all that is good in the world.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Infuriating.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Ghanaian reporter gets up and claps for him...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Inkoom off for Sulley Muntari.
[Comment from Peter Griffin]
Time is a factor, Lois
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Disgraceful.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course he immediately skips up off his stretcher.
Chris Jones: Crowd really booing now.
Luke Cyphers: Soccer: Where you CAN make the club in the tub.
[Comment from Jeff]
that is utterly pathetic
[Comment from JayJay]
Flopping: the number one reason why US wont accept soccer nation wide
Chris Jones: That's pretty brutal stuff there. Nobody within a mile of him.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Calls for a stretcher.
Luke Cyphers: Tummy hurts
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another Ghanaian down.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Dempsey cross reached nobody from the outside of the box.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. keeps the ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard with a free kick.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Offside.
[Comment from Peppy]
Shoot the tentacles to open the core!
[Comment from Josh]
Depends what you're considering "good" right now Chris. ;)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A U.S. cross is blocked, there were calls for a hand ball. Nevertheless, Ghana has it on the other end.
Chris Jones: Good punch by Kingson.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: All sorts of danger, but no profit.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Punched away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan behind it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: But the ref gives only a free kick outside of it.
[Comment from James]
U.S. is absolutely exhausted. There's nothing left. They won't score like this.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pulled by his shorts.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein is taken down in the box!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey and Bradley almost connect on the right but Dempsey played it behind Bradley, who would have had a clear run.
Luke Cyphers: It's quiet. Too quiet.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is pressing with all its might, but Ghana is getting a good chunk of the possession.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has had the all for a little while now until a Ghanaian wins it, pretends to be kicked and settles in for a nice nap.
[Comment from khuef]
it's alright folks, we're back on the right side of the field
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana kicks off the second half.
ESPN Stats and Info: The United States has put two shots on target since halftime, and none since the 76th minute.
Chris Jones: These are the parts of me that hurt: my head and my tummy.
[Comment from Anthony]
We continue to play better in second half so look out. Second half in overtime we can do it
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 15 minutes to get another goal and scrape out some penalties.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 15 minutes will remain.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is mid-attack after winning a throw-in but the ref whistles for half-time in the extra time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey intercepts a ball and runs with it.
[Comment from Tony Meola]
after all that rolling around, 1 minute???
[Comment from Sireniya]
This isn't a great day if you're a nail-biter...
[Comment from Stephen]
These guys have to be out of gas. 100 minutes of world cup and class soccer
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Little frugal, given the flopping.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: One minute of additional time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Two crosses into the box yield nothing but back pain for Edu, who took a knock while he was in the air and landed awkwardly.
[Comment from Kaylee]
so true Danielle
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghanaian reporter is screaming something.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. finally gets a call when Dempsey is bowled over on a header.
[Comment from Danielle]
Of course Donovan looks tired; he's got the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.
Chris Jones: I'd swear I was watching Italy... except they're at home.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit is still rock solid.
Luke Cyphers: Gomez a nice takeaway there
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. broke away but Donovan couldn't connect with the men up front. He looks tired.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana from playing physically to playing floppy.
Luke Cyphers: And doing it all.... very .... slooooowwwwwlly.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan barely bumps into an opponent who crashes to the earth, as Donovan raises his hands to the skies. Call against the U.S.
Chris Jones: ... and rolling around on the field.
Chris Jones: Ghana now passing the ball among themselves...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is really not the way to go about this.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: More of the long ball game for the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A lucky roll could have set up Gomez.
Luke Cyphers: Stephen Appiah's played well since coming on for Ghana
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It had Jonathan in the back of the head.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. almost got a lucky bounce on a Gomez play.
Chris Jones: Stats comes with hope!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cleared.
ESPN Stats and Info: The last team to tie the game after allowing an extra-time goal was Sweden in the 1994 quarterfinals. Romania scored in the 101st minute, and Sweden equalized in the 115th and won on penalty kicks 5-4.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Ghana.
Luke Cyphers: Edu just misses it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner taken short and curled in by Cherundolo, whose cross is headed wide by Edu.
[Comment from Syd]
who knows CPR?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Taking some time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayew is down...
Luke Cyphers: After a timeout for cramps
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He takes it short instead and let Dempsey send a cross which sailed to the second post, was kept in and shot at by Feilhaber. But his shot was deflected for a corner.
Chris Jones: The U.S. is very thankful that the old golden goal doesn't exist anymore. Chance for redemption.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for Donovan that he'll swing into the box.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has evidently been bolstered by its previous comebacks and is going at this as if the score was still tied.
[Comment from Cubby]
Man! Let's see what kind of warrior spirit we have now
[Comment from joe]
Donovan please save us yet again!
[Comment from Nathan]
Comeback Kings, we got this
[Comment from Brad]
Bradley couldn't finish the left-footed goal. Gyan could. Looks like that might be the difference.
[Comment from Ricardo Clark]
That one wasn't my fault...
Luke Cyphers: His teammate at Rennes
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nothing Howard could do about that.
Chris Jones: Beat Bocanegra to the long ball pretty handily.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Michael Bradley is screaming at his teammates at the top of his lungs and the U.S. kicks off with a purpose. I don't think they're gonna surrender here.
Chris Jones: Left footed volley. Wow.
Luke Cyphers: Just a great play.
[Comment from Steve]
When does the second 15 minutes start?
[Comment from Will]
06 all over again!
[Comment from Cody]
Here we go again!
[Comment from Andrew C.]
*sigh*
[Comment from Nathan]
NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Asamoah Gyan on the run and pelted it past Howard.
Chris Jones: Oh dear.
Luke Cyphers: Wonder strike by Gyan
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ball. Not drugs.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. in possession here.
Chris Jones: Zing!
[Comment from Noah]
Zidane lost his head in 2006
Luke Cyphers: I thought I heard Dempsey say, "I dint go down Ray. I dint go down."
ESPN Stats and Info: I'll see what I can do :)
[Comment from on deployment]
we are out here on deployment in the middle of the ocean just wanting to say GO USA WIN ONE FOR US!!!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Johnny B. with a great header to get the ball away from Ayew.
Chris Jones: My only question is whether Dempsey actually loses a body part. Stats, has that ever happened before?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Or maybe they're mind-games.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Clearly not looking tired.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. press straight away.
[Comment from Bob Bradley]
The race goes not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...uh, wait. I mean, go get 'em!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Herculez Gomez on for Altidore it appears.
Luke Cyphers: Bob Bradley has one hand. And it's an iron fist
[Comment from Kate]
this would be epic for USA ! Let's go!
Chris Jones: Bob Bradley giving an animated -- even by normal standards -- talk to his team.
Chris Jones: That's kind of a personal question, Luke.
Luke Cyphers: What's on your third hand, Chris?
ESPN Stats and Info: The last extra-time game for the United States was last summer's Gold Cup quarterfinals against Panama (USA won 2-1).
Chris Jones: How's that for a non-answer?
Chris Jones: I like Howard more than Kingson, although Kingson has played every well. I'd give the edge to the Ghanaian shooters, I think. Very close, though -- just like the game.
[Comment from Kyle Weis]
If we go to the Shoot-out, who has the advantage?
[Comment from Steven]
My heart can't handle a shoot out, please USA score early in OT
Chris Jones: 15 minutes each way no matter what. It's not sudden death.
[Comment from Jeff]
Is it first one to score? Or 15mins each way?
[Comment from JJ]
The Cardiac Kids are at it again...
Chris Jones: That's cold, Steve. Ice cold.
[Comment from Steve]
so can the US play in the first 15 minutes, or do we have to wait until the second?
Chris Jones: I still have to drive to Bloemfontein.
Luke Cyphers: They never make it easy on deadline, do they.
ESPN Stats and Info: Neither Ghana nor the United States have ever played an extra-time game at the World Cup. Also, no African side has ever been in a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup.
Chris Jones: 15 minutes each way. If the game is still tied, shootout!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Extra time!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner meets a fellow Ghanaian head but goes out.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: After more good work from Edu Bornstein heads it out for a corner.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another spell of dangerous balls by Ghana.
Luke Cyphers: Nearly an own goal
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a fluke that would have been. It bounced off a Ghanaian foot, I think.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball to Dempsey almost got past Kingson!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayew gets a yellow and will miss the next game, if there is one.
[Comment from David]
Five days for the winner, 4 years for the loser
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana is really going for a final push.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bocanegra gets his head to a dangerous cross by Ghana.
Chris Jones: It takes a long time to put your head back on your shoulders, Leander.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: There are three minutes of added time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Whoever wins this does have five whole days to recover.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Inkoom with a dangerous cross to Gyan, but DeMerit got his reliable golden-stubbled noggin in between it.
Chris Jones: The longer this game goes, the happier Uruguay is.
Luke Cyphers: Not literally death. That's illegal
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This might be a fight to the death between these teams, as play remains very physical.
Chris Jones: There seemed to be many more fans for USA-Algeria.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We do!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Do we hear... "U-S-A"?
[Comment from Brian]
I'm not sure I can make it if it goes to penalty kicks....
Chris Jones: Ghana just shutting it down.
Luke Cyphers: Possession is almost all US
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. got forward in numbers but had trouble connecting with its strikers once more.
Chris Jones: Correct, Adam.
[Comment from Adam]
No sudden death in overtime correct?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It should be noted, as we inch towards extra time, that the U.S. and Ghana both have one substitution left.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is resorting to a little bit of kick-and-rush here.
Paul Grant: PK shootout rules: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/blog?entryID=5331151&name=worldcup2010blog
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Offsides for Ghana.
Chris Jones: If the U.S. advances, I'm guessing Clark doesn't play another minute.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan tries a long shot with his left but it's blocked.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He has really brought stability since taking over for Ricardo Clark.
[Comment from Robert]
It's about the time of the game where the US likes to score, right?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good ball by Dempsey to Altidore, but he was defended well. More good defensive work by Edu at the root of it.
Luke Cyphers: This is now the Ghana we saw much of the first round. Hang around. Pray for Gyan to do something.
Chris Jones: I smell a shootout in our futures...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore heads a high ball on but the U.S. can't get to it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I don't think Dempsey is far off, Chris.
[Comment from Ghanaian reporter]
Why does the US keep hitting us in the elbows with their heads?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I guess he thinks the ref is being too harsh...
[Comment from Craig]
What is the reporter complaining about?
Chris Jones: Decapitation.
[Comment from Trevor]
What exactly has to happen to Dempsey before a card is drawn?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Into the wall.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Almost 30 yards.
Chris Jones: This game reminds me of those rap-rock pioneers... Body Count.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for Dempsey.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Ghanaian reporter behind us is complaining...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Again getting an elbow into his neck.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey down again!
Chris Jones: Okay, I think he's played pretty poorly, but Altidore made a terrific second effort there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He flipped it over his man as he fell down and it went just inches wide!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore almost!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. starts a break-away but a Cherundolo ball is a little too far out ahead of Dempsey.
[Comment from paul]
inhale. exhale. repeat.
[Comment from Alex Pollock]
Wow...Boateng's done... Good game for him. I think the US might have a shot now
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A dangerous Ghanaian cross into the box but a diving Bocanegra got to it after which DeMerit was able to clean up.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boating was a scourge to the Americans.
Chris Jones: Wow, that's quite a sub.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Some good news here, Kevin Prince Boateng is coming off for Stephen Appiah.
Chris Jones: Waterbreak!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Or at least take it to your right.
Chris Jones: Maybe a couple more steps before shooting there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: As I type that, Altidore sets up Bradley on the left who had loads of time but shot it straight away with his bad left leg.
Chris Jones: If Donovan could take all five penalties in the shootout, I'd like their chances.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: With Feilhaber drifting way into the middle, the U.S. is looking understaffed on the left.
Chris Jones: Playing not to give up another goal, I suspect.
Luke Cyphers: Still, Ghana looks tentative, and has for 15 mintues.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Gyan gets to a header on a cross from Inkoom but Howard sees it slip over his bar.
Chris Jones: 34,976 in attendance. Allegedly.
[Comment from Sean]
Unbelievable turnaroud from the first half
Leander Schaerlaeckens: U-S-A, U-S-A sings the section to our left.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We really hate that.
Chris Jones: Here's a tip if you want a comment posted: Don't write it 1,000 times.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lee Addy is coming on for Ghana Hans Sarpei. One defender for another.
Chris Jones: That would have been a tricky stop had it made it through.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley took the long free kick and ran onto his own rebound by outhustling two opponents.
Chris Jones: The midfield is so tightly packed right now, it's insane. Like, every player on the field is within the center circle.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ref was right on top of it. No card.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Took an elbow to the ear.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore is knocked down and reaching for his head.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let it never be said that this U.S. team wasn't up for the fight.
Chris Jones: I think Altidore has had a pretty poor game so far. Just no touch.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The tide is turning here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu meanwhile, was blocked off as he tried to run on goal from close with the ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan almost got onto a long ball!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: After a nifty idea that doesn't work by Feilhaber, Bornstein tracks back well and closes the gap in the back.
Luke Cyphers: Bornstein snuffs out a counter.
[Comment from C. Dempsey]
Last I checked, I was playing in the World Cup, not the Stanley.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: His wife may not recognize him after this tournament.
Chris Jones: Dempsey looks like he's been put through the grinder.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard threw out a long ball and Dempsey was knocked down on the run.
Luke Cyphers: Elbowed in the face
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I should have that on copy-paste.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is down...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Asamoah's long free kick goes right into the hands of Howard.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He had earlier warded off an attack with a physical move the he got away with.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fair enough.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow card for Bocanegra for hacking down an opponent.
Chris Jones: Altidore's first touch just a little too strong.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He played it a little too far out in front of him and Kingsom tackled to it.
Luke Cyphers: Great buildup.
Chris Jones: Well out by Kingson there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore almost got another penalty for the U.S.!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana on the ball.
[Comment from jcondor50]
This is way too tense man!
[Comment from Kevin-Prince Boateng]
I should go buy a lottery ticket, I've been so lucky getting away with all these fouls
Chris Jones: The Ghanaian back four play like foosball players. Perfectly straight line.
Luke Cyphers: US has dominated this half. The Feilhaber sub does its work again.
[Comment from Mary]
I am surprised the ref called the PK. he lets ghana get away with alot of fouls
ESPN Stats and Info: That was Landon Donovan's third goal, tying him for the lead in the World Cup (David Villa, Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Vittek, Luis Suarez).
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng dished it out to Donovan and Donovan gave it right back to him, for some reason upsetting Boateng.
Chris Jones: Ghana has played a crunching game... It just caught up with them there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This ref really is letting Ghana get away with a lot.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let's see if this turns the game, because truth be told, Ghana is still the better side, even though the U.S. has had more chances this half.
ESPN Stats and Info: That was the second penalty ever awarded to the United States in the World Cup (John Souza, 1950 vs. Chile- scored).
[Comment from kris]
if i ever have another child , it will be named Landon. what a clutch player
[Comment from Obama]
Landon Donovan should have my job...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey knocked down again!
[Comment from Tony]
Beautiful Penalty. That was top-class. Reminiscent of Del-Piero
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Landon Donovan now has the most World Cup appearances and the most World Cup goals in U.S. history.
Chris Jones: Perfect penalty taken. No keeper in the world stops that.
[Comment from Jozy Alitdore :)]
WOOOOOOOOOHHHHH@!!!!!!!!
[Comment from Megan]
We scored! All we had to do was remove all the defenders!
[Comment from cree]
wooooooooo
[Comment from jimmy john chacalaca]
usa!! come on guys
[Comment from Aaron]
SICK!
[Comment from Adam]
1-1!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Jones: Unstoppable.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Against a Ghana team that is looking considerably stronger!
Chris Jones: Or not. Wow, what a penalty.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has come back!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: In off the post!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!!!!
Chris Jones: Dononvan is going to his left here
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Crouching down as Altidore is being wrestled to the ground.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan behind the penalty.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jonathan came over to tackle Dempsey but missed the ball entirely.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He was down for a good while too!
Luke Cyphers: Dempsey another hard run
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is played into the box wonderfully by Donovan and is struck down for a penalty!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: USA!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: PENALTY!!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghan plays a really good positional game.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Scuffling for the rebound, Feilhaber went down in what looked like a painful collision, but he's up again.
Luke Cyphers: Feilhaber gets kicked hard in the shin.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo started it on the right and got the ball back from Donovan. Cherundolo changed to his other leg and sent in a cross that reached Altidore and rolled back to Feilhaber for a shot that was blocked.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lovely attack by the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein is covering a lot of ground here.
Luke Cyphers: Good hustle by Bornstein to keep him from a shot
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Very dangerous cross by Ayew.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit gets a toe in between it and Howard scoops it up.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayew breaks away on the right.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ref isn't much mindful of it as of yet.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng chops down Donovan by the corner flag. We're starting to see that Ghanaian physicality we've heard so much about.
Luke Cyphers: All of a sudden, Jozy's pushing plays, getting hacked.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is fouled.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good interception by Edu.
[Comment from US!!!]
Whoever wins this will have their hand sfull with a fierce Uruguay...
[Comment from Joel]
Did they push more men forward? Or are they just playing better?
[Comment from Jake - CT]
Ref's got it right, no penalty, corner USA
[Comment from Sean]
That was not a challenge, at all. That was nothing but a trip.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No body can get to the corner.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is down after being run down by Mensah. Corner to the U.S.
Luke Cyphers: Again, feels like two different teams.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber playes Dempsey into space off the volley!
[Comment from Michael]
If the US played all game like they do in the past 2 second halves, we'd be something serious to contend with.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan with a really good cross that Altidore and Dempsey almost got on the end of!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan played the ball to Feilhaber on the left but the ball was cleared before he could get to it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Three American shots were on target, which isn't bad out of four, while the Ghanaians had four on target.
[Comment from JC]
Shame no one made a run after that nice ball from Bornstein
Luke Cyphers: Bornstein's having an excellent night.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein sends a ball trickling into the box that somebody should have gotten to!
[Comment from CD Connelly]
Is Altidore aware that this is not a friendly? Does he know this match counts?
[Comment from Seth]
US has to be very careful. Ghana seems very capable of a sudden counterattack
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana had nine shots on goal in the first half. To the U.S.'s four.
[Comment from eric]
it looks like they came out to play in the second half
Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the other end Gyan gets a harmless shot off.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It was a nice spell of ball circulation by the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley almost got a good bounce to go clear on goal!
[Comment from Gill]
Ghana is going to play back .. the U.S. needs to leave it all on the field if they want to win .....
[Comment from Uncle Sam]
Why doesn't Dempsey just start as a Forward?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A shot by Boateng from the side of the box sails over Howard's goal.
[Comment from Mike]
WHERE'S CHRIS?!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: In last game too. And I was the last guy to think I'd be saying that.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I must say, he has done a good job of it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good tackle by Bornstein to get Inkoom off the ball on the wing.
Luke Cyphers: Feels like US midfield has already won more balls in 5 minutes than it did all first half.
[Comment from Anthony Landry]
USA is lookin slightly better... not sure if slightly will be enough here
[Comment from Starcade]
That's probably more chances in five minutes than they had the whole first half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A nice run by Bradley ends when his flick to Donovan comes up short.
[Comment from john]
We need to gain control of the midfield.
[Comment from Mike]
Mark my words: we may lose this game, but Landon Donovan will tie it before we do.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan with a nice ball in to Dempsey in the box, but he was closed down well.
[Comment from JDizzy]
I don't know why Harkes keeps saying the US is better tactically and thinks better when Ghana has clearly been better at both today
[Comment from Tarlen]
Kingson is standing on his head for this one
[Comment from ryan]
kingson is pretty good too
[Comment from Clint]
Again... YOU HAVE TO FINISH!!!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan on the right played it into Altidore who created space for Feilhaber but his shot was saved well by Kingson.
[Comment from Jeremy]
AHHH painfully close
[Comment from Zac -TX]
Ahh!!!
[Comment from Anthony]
ONE goal and good defense. Howard could take them in PKs.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: So close!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo with a good block.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is indeed playing as a second striker.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: ONly this time it will take more then one goal to right the wrong.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're back on. Once again 45 minutes stand between the U.S. and elimination.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Findley indeed off for Feilhaber.
[Comment from Luis Suarez]
I hope the U.S comes back....I can't wait to play against that defense!
Jeff Carlisle: Whatever half-time speech Bradley cooked up, it needed to be a beaut.
[Comment from Jeremy]
We are a democracy right? Can we vote Findley out of the game. Bring on Gomez or Buddle
[Comment from Clark]
I'm in the locker room yelling at myself
[Comment from Jake - CT]
Just took a shower to get the stink off of that 1st half.
[Comment from SoFlor00]
She's not asleep..She's bored stiff from the USA play.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Could it be for Findley? Could Dempsey move up top again?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It looks like Benny Feilhaber will be making his entrance.
[Comment from L. Donovan]
I'm in the locker room yelling at Clark
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Very welcome, Colorado. If only this game got more exciting for the right reasons.
[Comment from Colorado]
New to Soccer - reading your comments has made it more exciting, Thank you
[Comment from hooligan]
Giving the US 10 minutes before I switch to hard liquor.
[Comment from prolson]
To be honest, I'm happy my daughter slept through the first half!
[Comment from Ghana]
We are Africa's last hope you think we would just roll over?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Being worn in even greater numbers.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Ghanaian hoodies are back!
Luke Cyphers: For the third straight match, it looks like Benny Feilhaber is warming up early in intermission, and looks likely to come on.
ESPN Stats and Info: The United States has posted a +3 goal differential in the second half at this tournament (-3 in the first).
[Comment from Anthony]
We have been good at half-time adjustments. I think we will play much better the second half
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course! The draw opened up just as widely for them.
Luke Cyphers: And better on the ball.
[Comment from Scott B]
You think Ghana was happy to see us win the group instead of England?
[Comment from ENGLAND]
Ghana look awesome, stick togeather and tatically aware
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Erm. Yes.
[Comment from Ashley]
Dumb question...but if US loses, are they completely out?
[Comment from kyle]
47th floor, you got anymore room?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time, and the U.S. can't get off the field quick enough.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A good cross from Cherundolo is just high for Dempsey.
[Comment from Elwood]
Anyone notice the horns are more annoying when you are being beaten?
[Comment from Jake - CT]
A second good play from Findley....maybe I was wrong about him...No, WE WANT BUDDLE!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Findley played on the run by Dempsey but he doesn't manage to cross it before the back line catches him by surprise.
[Comment from MT]
A bit of a waking up for all those who were looking past Ghana to a deep US run.
[Comment from SifuJohn]
Hard to score when you can't win a ball.
[Comment from BCRGirl]
"Comeback kids?" Harkes, the point is to not have to come back!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dononvan's corner is for naught.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore wins the U.S. a corner on the right.
[Comment from Andrew]
Just horrible, Halftime can not come soon enough
[Comment from Jeremy]
Ghana seems just so much quicker than US
Luke Cyphers: Nice defending by Edu there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng played it back to Asamoah who blasted it high.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana still on the ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Excellent tackle by Bradley.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore with a run on the left but he steps on the ball or finds another way to lose it in trying to get it to the overlapping Bornstein.
[Comment from LetsGoUs]
The US needs to start moving their feet. They are standing.
ESPN Stats and Info: The 31st-minute substitution is the earliest for the USA in the last 6 World Cups. The previous fastest was DaMarcus Beasley for Jeff Agoos vs Poland in 2002 (36').
[Comment from US Defense]
THE GAME WAS TODAY!?!?!?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley sends a chip into the box but Donovan is very late. Or the ball was very early, whichever.
[Comment from Mike]
Is it me or does that stadium sound almost empty right now? Where is the support??
Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit cuts off a long ball, which would have fallen to Asamoah.
[Comment from Random]
Why is the US defense so unorganized? Lack of communication? Talent?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Throw-in at the other end for the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for Donovan here.
[Comment from Paul]
the MAGIC SPRAY
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng cut right on by DeMerit.
[Comment from Tim Howard]
Again holding open auditions for Defenders
Jeff Carlisle: Big mistake there by DeMerit allowed Asamoah to sneak in.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng broke out on the right and got a hard shot off on the left which hugged the ground and then collided with Howard's foot.
Luke Cyphers: On the replay, that looks like a decent try by Findley. Nice save. Speaking of which...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good save by Howard!
[Comment from nate in va]
all we need is one goal and this game is tied. may look ugly now, but its far from over
[Comment from Epic Troll]
The way the US is playing, Ghana deserves to win
Chris Jones: Kingson shouldn't have been near it, James G.
[Comment from James G]
Shot it right at Kingson? That's why it hit his foot, chris?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan again bails out a struggling defense and is fouled in the process.
Jeff Carlisle: Donovan has been doing a LOT of defending.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Earlier, Donovan and Findley had not been on the same wavelength, losing the ball.
[Comment from Asamoah Gyan]
Good thing you didn't leave Richard...LOL
[Comment from Tony]
Findley shows why he should NOT be starting...
[Comment from Clint]
YOU HAVE TO FINISH!!!
Chris Jones: Best U.S. chance by far.
Chris Jones: Needs to do better than that. Shot it right at Kingson.
Jeff Carlisle: That's two bad passes in a row from Edu. Not much of an improvement.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Onto Kingson!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Findley with a free run on goal!
[Comment from Josh]
quit ragging on clark, hes just inexperienced theres no way he can get experience by sitting the bench... he obviously has potential for bradley to try him out
[Comment from The 49th Floor]
Apparently 47 wasn't high enough for this fiasco..
[Comment from Richard Kingson]
I'm so bored. Can I just go home? You'll be fine.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick over the top to Altidore doesn't arrive.
Chris Jones: Ballack just shuddered.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu got hacked by Boateng. No card.
[Comment from The 47th Floor]
Boy it sure is getting crowded up here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That sounds like a lot, Joel...
[Comment from Ricardo\'s friend]
Ricardo was too busy sending comments in on gamecast to play
[Comment from Joel]
i am getting depressed...do we really only have 2 shots?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan got a ball and a chance to play it onto Findley but it seemed to skip off his foot.
[Comment from Mohammed in Houston]
Bob bradley has done this twice with clark he should be smarter
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball by DeMerit is headed by Bradley into the path of... nobody.
[Comment from Ricardo Clark...]
I was just heating up!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: But he's certainly not the sole culprit.
[Comment from Cody]
so, is this the equivalent of Bob Bradley saying OOPS!!!
[Comment from ]
Glad to see Clark coimg out...he should have never started
Jeff Carlisle: Not much more to be said about Clark's performance.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That says a lot about the game Clark was having, I think.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Off after 30 minutes.
[Comment from Conor]
The difference between this and Algeria is we're actually playing a real team
[Comment from Sean]
It looks like Ghana has 20 people on the field!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Clark.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu is indeed coming on for...
[Comment from Amerimex]
Quit witht he negativity. This team will fight the entire match. A lot of time left.
[Comment from Andy Raymond]
Agreed. Entirely different feel. Almost as if USA was content with moving into the Sweet 16.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another attack with a minimum of promise is blown when Dempsey plays it to Altidore in offside position.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu does appear to be getting ready to come on.
[Comment from Kanklekiller]
The US squad seems content having just advanced, they aint looking to make a big splash I guess.
[Comment from Nick]
Sloppy movement from the US. It just plain looks like Ghana isn't scared of us.
[Comment from c_orman]
Did Ghana have one more day off than US?
[Comment from Kyle]
Edu getting ready...
Luke Cyphers: Looks like Edu is warming up.
[Comment from Keith]
Edu for Clark!?!??!?
[Comment from Mike]
The US team looks like they're waiting for half time so they can make a break with the french underground
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long cross to Donovan picked up by Kingson.
[Comment from Travis]
Dolo is having a terrible game.
[Comment from Toni]
I perfer Gomez to Findley
[Comment from The REAL starting lineup]
Haha, I was just playing hookie, guys. I'll see you in the second half.
Luke Cyphers: Right now USA rhymes with giveaway.
[Comment from Larry]
usa playing very tentative and tired
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo sends a hopeless ball across to absolutely nobody.
[Comment from nathaniel]
if the US can keep the score at 1 till half, i am almost certain it will go go Pk's
[Comment from Marianne]
wake up USA get a GOAL
[Comment from P]
USA!!! USA!!!
[Comment from Jonathan]
The U.S. looks tired!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Luckily for the U.S., the ball skipped over the byline.
[Comment from dov c]
why isnt Oguchi Onyewu playing?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It took a big tackle from DeMerit to get Boating off the ball.
[Comment from Hey Stats]
Not making me feel good right now. Ignorance is bliss
Jeff Carlisle: Yep. Boateng is the guy who injured Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A dangerous attack from Ghana!
[Comment from Andy]
Thanks stats, ray of sunshine as usual
[Comment from mike]
is ghana playing that well or is the us playing bad?
[Comment from Toni]
Portsmouth
ESPN Stats and Info: The United States is 0-15-4 all-time when allowing the first goal at the World Cup.
[Comment from Toni]
Time Howard needs to be careful and stay on his toes
[Comment from Doc V]
Anyone know who Boateng plays for when not in the World Cup?
[Comment from Irish-American]
All US is doing is watching, not defending!
Jeff Carlisle: The Americans' flank defense is not nearly as good as in games past. They're conceding a lot of space.
[Comment from Toni]
Bradley's a fantastic player
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner was headed up and Howard caught its rebound.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley heads away a dangerous cross. Corner for Ghana.
[Comment from Joe in Boston]
Not only the cheerers. I'm hearing vuvuzela soloists out there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. again sees an attack stunted early in its growth.
Paul Grant: More empty seats than you would imagine for this game, also.
Chris Jones: Agreed Jake. Lots of neutral fans here, I think. Probably English.
[Comment from Jake]
The crowd has been a bit dead, I can actually hear individual people yelling
Luke Cyphers: Ghana's defense is very tight. US having difficulty moving in the midfield.
[Comment from ]
US needs more shots
Jeff Carlisle: That's a better attack from the US, linking up on a mix of short and long passes.
Chris Jones: A bit of life there. Good to see. Bradley has been one of the stars of this team.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good chance there!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey at the edge of the box played Bradley on the run but his cross was snapped up by a diving Kingson.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan's free kick is headed away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He had so much space to advance against Algeria. There's none of that now.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo is fouled getting up the field for the first time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey gets knocked over, but he gets a friendly handshake too.
Chris Jones: Very different feeling from the Algeria game... That one felt like the U.S. were going to score. This one, there's less of that -- less energy, less buzz, even from the crowd. It's strange.
Jeff Carlisle: It's one thing to play direct, it's another to lump aimless long balls down the middle, which is what the US is doing.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore sets up Donovan on the clearance, who played it back to Altidore, who may have been fouled but didn't get the call.
Chris Jones: Howard not looking as solid as he has.
Jeff Carlisle: Howard needed to catch the ball there.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard has to charge out from his line to punch wildly at a hopping ball.
Chris Jones: Ghanaians are diving a bit here... Reminiscent of 2006.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore thought he had a run on but he was called for a foul.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Ghanaian shot is blocked by an unsuspecting Bocanegra.
Luke Cyphers: Ghana's a step faster and better organized right now.
[Comment from Jeremy]
At this point, everyone will miss the next match
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dove to his left on the free kick to the right corner.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard punches away.
Chris Jones: I don't think the US wall is big enough here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for Gyan.
[Comment from ???]
USA IS PLAYING BAD
Jeff Carlisle: Cherundolo misses the next match.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayew get past Cherundolo, who then tripped him and got a yellow for it.
[Comment from Gabby L]
Come on USA!!! You can do this!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: You don't get points for almost though.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I bad back-header by Ghana almost got intercepted by Findley.
[Comment from Charlie]
*sigh* Ricardo Clark...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I hate to say it, people. But Ghana is the better team here.
[Comment from Ghana side of pitch]
I'm lonely
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A nice ball over the top by Dempsey to Altidore, who comes up a step short in the box.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan played it too far out ahead of himself and lost it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Finally, a U.S. sighting deep in Ghanaian territory.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan sent a nice through ball for Findley to run onto. But the defenders were just as quick.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Gyan receives the ball at 22 yards tries to turn and shoot but DeMerit was there.
[Comment from Guy on the 47th floor\'s neighbor]
yeah, but we live near the mountains.
ESPN Stats and Info: The USA has allowed goals in the first 15 minutes in eight of their last 22 World Cup matches, including three of the four played in South Africa.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Asamoah outran Bornstein and then sent a cross through his legs. Easily picked up by Bocanegra.
[Comment from felix]
good thing it's the weekend, guy on the 47th floor's house is only 2 stories high
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo saves a corner but gives up a throw-in.
[Comment from Jake - CT]
How many in the first ten-fifteen minutes Stats?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo heads away a cross deep in the American box. DeMerit heads away another.
ESPN Stats and Info: The last seven goals conceded by the US at the World Cup have all come in the first half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore with a shot from distance that goes wide.
Jeff Carlisle: US getting dominated in midfield at the moment. Annan is having pretty much free rein to dictate the tempo.
Chris Jones: I think Ghana has been a touch underestimated here... They look very good.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It rolled to Boateng whose shot from the edge of the box flew high and over.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana again. Ayew out on the left sent in a hard cross.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. just won the ball back only by virtue of a bad bit of trapping by Ayew.
Luke Cyphers: U.S. a little bit stunned.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana is really looking like the better side right now, J'Sizzle.
[Comment from J\'Sizzle]
Great! No one said it was gonna be a shut out! Still think US 2-1 with late dramatics again!
Jeff Carlisle: If I remember correctly, Boateng only became eligible for Ghana shortly before the tournament began.
Jeff Carlisle: Yo Rico, ask Bob Bradley.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has it all to do. Again.
Jeff Carlisle: Boateng is just winning everything right now.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. in possession.
[Comment from jonathan scholtz]
dang it...why cant we just play one game with no dramaticsism
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Boateng sends in a dangerous cross but Demerit gets it away.
[Comment from Ricardo Clark]
You still think I'm a good idea?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Clark incurs a yellow for a foul.
Chris Jones: They didn't, James G.
[Comment from James G]
Lets just not play the first 5 minutes
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ricardo Clark tried to get past Annan but loses it after which Kevin Prince Boateng charged up the field largely uncontested and finished at the near post.
Chris Jones: That was a great finish -- left foot, low, near the post. Very good shot. A few inches to the right, Howard saves it; to the left, off the post.
Jeff Carlisle: Rico with a terrible turnover in midfield, ball fell to Boateng, who beat Howard to his near post.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another calamitous beginning!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Oh no!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!
[Comment from Elwood]
Ghana not turning this into a track meet works against them
Chris Jones: US has already made more happen than I thought they might against Ghana.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Right at Kingson after a good ball from Bradley, who resisted playing it to Bornstein who had run ahead on the left.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey with a good shot!
Chris Jones: We'll do our best to keep you awake, SSG Matt.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A shot by Asamoah is wide.
[Comment from Matt]
I am a SSG in the Army currently pulling a 24 hr duty logging on to listen to the commentary
Leander Schaerlaeckens: U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A say the spectators.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. playing with urgency from the off.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayew loses the ball to the sideline and while he complains about it Cherundolo snags the ball and throws it up to Findley.
Jeff Carlisle: For you formation geeks, Ghana look to be using a 4-2-3-1.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bocanegra clears the ball with a savvy play. He really does look much more comfortable in the center of defense.
Luke Cyphers: Good pass from Findley to Donovan. Jozy two steps behind the cross.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nobody there to stick it in.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan with a good cross from the right after hustling well to get the ball back.
Chris Jones: Gotta say, the Ghana strip is pretty flash.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ayaew broke out on the left but Cherundolo and Donovan boxed him in well.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It looks like Gyan will be hugging the offside trap all night here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: An early ball to Gyan is headed away by Bocanegra.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghana will kick off.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What could possibly go wrong now?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: And what a huddle it was!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Watches synchronized, team ready for soccer.
[Comment from Walker]
Even though it's a weekend and I can actually watch the game now, I'm still logging on to watch y'alls commentary on here
Leander Schaerlaeckens: USA huddle!
Paul Grant: Where can I get me one of them FIFA bibs?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Americans run out to their positions like little leaguers getting their first action of the season.
Chris Jones: We're going to be a little light on comments today, everybody, so we can bring you the best game action we can. Thanks for understanding. Let's do this thing.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Do I detect a minor U-S-A chant brewing?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Handshakes and a nice firm hug between Bocanegra and Asamoah Gyan, teammates at Rennes.
Paul Grant: Bill Clinton here and singing along. He knows the words.
Paul Grant: Anybody thinking of the scene from Slap Shot right now?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Anthems!
Chris Jones: Brad is our eye in the sky.
[Comment from Brad]
@ Chris Jones - Yeah, US is pretty pumped. There isnt a bar, bw3's or sports bar in any city that isnt completely packed right now
Luke Cyphers: Weird, there's a helicopter hovering just outside the stadium in the smoky gloaming. I'm flashing back... The horror... The horror...
Paul Grant: Here come the players.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: In case anybody had forgotten that this is a FIFA event.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: FIFA flags coming out... YAAAAAAAY!!!
Paul Grant: I'd say smoky, with a slight chance of asthma.
Chris Jones: No, but our commentary sure is.
[Comment from D. Smith]
Would you categorize today as "breezy"?
Paul Grant: Here come the flags.
[Comment from awkward silence]
Glad I could make it guys
Chris Jones: I'm in South Africa, Joe. I have no idea.
[Comment from joe]
Chris, I hear that the US is going crazy. I'm in europe and i don't know what's going on there. can you tell me about it?
Paul Grant: Players are getting ready to come out onto the pitch.
Luke Cyphers: I was going to say something about feeling mopane, but thought better of it...
Paul Grant: Photo of a mopane worm: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/postcards/?cc=5901&ver=us, click on June 22
Chris Jones: Leander has been talking about worms for three days. The guy is off his head.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That was a conversation stopper...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They sure didn't taste ripe.
[Comment from Danny]
i hear mopane worms are in season right now?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A lot of people seem to.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What for? I don't get that.
[Comment from buzz]
i'm an american and I call it futbol, spanish accent and all.
Chris Jones: His name is John, but I have no idea what my accountant has to do with this.
[Comment from Taylor Lautner]
What was your GPA, Chris?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Can't be worse than the food at the Media Center here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They're picking up unidentified objects and occasionally giving the field a good kicking.
Paul Grant: Also, the ground crew is picking mopane worms off the pitch to give to Leander after the game.
Luke Cyphers: We are all kindergarten kids
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A bunch of people in green outfits are now making sure the field is nice and green.
Paul Grant: Meanwhile, on the pitch, the photographers are led to their position like kindergarten kids, complete with long leash to make sure they don't stray.
Chris Jones: For the U.S.: CHerundolo, DeMerit, Altidore, and Beasley (sub).
For Ghana: Annan, Mensah (Jonathan), Ayew, Tagoe and Addy (subs).
[Comment from James]
Can you tell us what players have yellow cards coming into the game?
Jeff Carlisle: Clark has fresher legs and greater range, so I get it. His passing is about the same as Edu, which isn't all that great.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. should have its own soccer culture, that's the first step on the road to success. My 12-point Plan for a Better Life will be at your local bookstore in August -- co-written by Joel Osteen.
[Comment from MJ]
I think Dempsey is due
Chris Jones: I don't think that means what you think it means, Paulo.
James Martin: How about calling football here "throwball" cuz that's what it is
Paul Grant: How about socball?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Calling it Football isn't going to make anybody play better.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: If I, a European, can get to used to calling it soccer, why can't the Americans?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Amen.
[Comment from Craig S]
OK, the nice approach...What do you guys think about Clark playing instead of Edu?
Luke Cyphers: No
[Comment from Long overdue]
Can USA fans start calling it Football now? Please?
Chris Jones: You're most welcome, Chris.
Sincerely,
Chris in South Africa.
[Comment from Chris in Delaware]
Hey guys, I just wanted to thank you guys for getting me through the week at work. I'm at home now, watching the game on TV, but I'm still gonna read your guy's commentary. Let's go USA!!!!
[Comment from nsimone]
so, i have my defribrillator ready...
Luke Cyphers: Findley.
[Comment from Darrell]
which USA player will score first? Donovan, Dempsey, or Altidore
[Comment from INS]
Is it possible to naturalize Luis Suarez in the next 20 minutes?
Chris Jones: Boom goes the dynamite! Take that Jeremy!
Chris Jones: Don't worry, guys, I've got this one. Yes, RCKicks13.
[Comment from RCKicks13]
Ghana has only scored on PKs right??
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's 93 and change!
Jeff Carlisle: Or the quality.
Paul Grant: The last of the players are making their way off the pitch. Probably driven off by the volume level of the music.
Chris Jones: 4?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That sounds like a question for Chris, since it's his friend.
[Comment from Chris\' Friend]
What is the square root of 8654?
Chris Jones: Pretty good Bob. I've had lunch and dinner since.
Dinner: Hot dog; beef jerky; chips; Coke.
I don't feel "good."
[Comment from BobS]
Does this mean we can't ask Chris any "tough" questions? like how was breakfast?
Luke Cyphers: I'm betting they make three. They're young and talented.
ESPN Stats and Info: Ghana is only the second African team to reach the Round of 16 in two consecutive World Cups. Nigeria was the first team to achieve that feat in 1994-98.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Said the Schaerlaeckens...
[Comment from Beer]
I feel popular today.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We all know there's no such thing as a Rajevac.
Jeff Carlisle: Always, Chris. Always.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: And Jeff Carlisle, as we've just been told, has a wild imagination.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris, we've discovered, is very easily entertained.
Chris Jones: Jeff Carlisle, everybody. Just making it up as he goes along.
Jeff Carlisle: For those not in the know, Muntari has long butted heads with Rajevac. In this case, Muntari thinks he should be getting more playing time, and voiced his frustration publicly, a tactic guaranteed to land him in the doghouse.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris, it should be noted is bobbing along to songs he's heard a million times before now.
Chris Jones: This is "also" true, "Jeremy." I need all the "help" I can get.
[Comment from Jeremy]
The secret to getting posted is asking a question that will make Chris sound "smart"! lol
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That would be to the advantage to the team that advances, since both are now playing two days rest.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: As mentioned before, the winner of this game will play Uruguay in the quarterfinals in Johannesburg's Soccer City on Friday.
Chris Jones: Now that's a quality suck-up. Two points to Jake.
[Comment from Jake]
Playing the WEAKERTHANS full blast right now!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're about 26 minutes away, by my count.
[Comment from Pedro on the 46th floor]
How long till the game starts?
Chris Jones: But an excellent effort.
Chris Jones: Good try. Lassiter Coast.
[Comment from Lattimer Coast]
Just so you know we are all pulling for the US down here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: With just the right amount of pressure.
Chris Jones: No rain, Mayito, unlike Port Elizabeth earlier today. Smoke in the air. Temp of 57 degrees and dropping.
[Comment from Mayito]
What's the forecast? Hopefully no rain
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The way to Chris's heart is through warm, well-weighted cuddles.
Luke Cyphers: Donovan tonight holds the record for a CONCACAF player. Until tomorrow, when Blanco for Mexico ties him again.
Chris Jones: Everything but cuddle. You said it yourself, Mike.
[Comment from Mike]
Im fairly certain I've done everything but cuddle with Chris, and I still cant get a comment posted.
Luke Cyphers: Egypt last year... England this year... CBGB's... The Fillmore...
ESPN Stats and Info: With today's start, Landon Donovan will beat the USA's all-time record of 11 World Cup finals appearances, previously held by Cobi Jones and Earnie Stewart.
Chris Jones: Luke is having a lot of flashbacks tonight.
Jeff Carlisle: It was rumored that Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari would make the lineup today, but alas for Sulley, he is still on the bench. Given the bust-up he had earlier in the tournament with head coach Milovan Rajevac, he's lucky to have that spot.
Luke Cyphers: Flashback to "My Mind is Playin Tricks on Me."
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Quite a few of the Ghanaians have the hoods on their sweaters up.
Luke Cyphers: This scoreboard, like Spain, gets better as the tournament goes on.
Chris Jones: Stats, Stefan speaks the truth. Fact.
[Comment from Stefan]
Have you guys told stats to keep it positive today?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has never failed to win a game with the scoreboard working in this stadium...
Jeff Carlisle: In a switch from the last time the US was in Rustenburg, the scoreboard is working.
Chris Jones: I am a "big" fan of "inappropriate" quotation "marks." You can totally change the "meaning" of a sentence.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Oh, wait, on Donovan there was a good cheer. But his name was followed by Bornstein's, so that killed the momentum.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It does seem that quite a few Americans made it out. They're not terribly vocal though.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. lineup is being announced.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The cold potato salad was warmer than the "lamb" "stew".
[Comment from stuck@work]
pizza flung in joy is far easier to clean
[Comment from James]
Come on Andrew. Its USA game. Go get a burger and fries
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Whatever you do, don't order the muck served at the media center here.
Chris Jones: I could eat some Chinese myself, Andrew. Pizza's good, but Chinese... Yeah, I would go with Chinese.
[Comment from Andrew]
Should I order pizza or chinese?
Luke Cyphers: Just had a really bad flashback to Dead Poets Society
Chris Jones: I like Bocanegra as a pick... Captain o' captain.
[Comment from Craig]
50 Stars on the flag > 1 star
Jeff Carlisle: Here are my pk takers in no particular order: Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, Altidore, Bocanegra.
[Comment from Alex]
Jeff, who do you think the 5 penalty takers will be for the Americans if it gets down to a shootout?
Luke Cyphers: Ghana stays compact. Findley may be able to stretch them vertically.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Like Jeff said, his speed is important in the Americans creating space up front.
Luke Cyphers: Like Ghana's warmups. Old-school gold hoodies.
[Comment from tom]
why is robbie findlay starting? gomez had a great game vs slovenia and algeria, and against england
[Comment from tenthreeleader]
My hope was that Clark and Findley would be duct-taped to the bench for the rest of the World Cup. Oh well. Go USA!
Chris Jones: Yes, Uruguay -- and the beautiful touch of Suarez -- awaits the winner.
Jeff Carlisle: One banner says: "Colby - Go USA".
Some English fans who obviously couldn't change their reservations after thinking they'd win the group, are in attendance as well. Blackpool FC, in an odd twist, are well represented.
[Comment from Jeremy]
Uraguay awaits the winner, correct?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That was the most baseless analysis ever.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Perhaps all those Americans growing up in smoggy towns will have an advantage over their Ghanaian counterparts, probably accustomed to more clean air.
Chris Jones: And some England flags... A few of the lads guessed wrong when predicting who would win the group. Oops! Too bad Bloemfontein is six hours away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The smoke from those field fires is very visible now that it's dark and all the stadium lights are on. It just wafts on through here, although not down to the field. I have to say though, it's not optimal for breathing, which, in addition to the altitude, might have an impact on this game.
Luke Cyphers: The Rustenburg US fan club has raised its game since England.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: But I'm seeing a lot more American flags out here.
Jeff Carlisle: I see some American flags hung Euro-style from the upper deck. Nice.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I thought the cheer for Ghana was a bit louder.
Chris Jones: This, at the moment, is actually a pretty even crowd.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A decent little cheer here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: For warm ups...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Here come the Americans!
[Comment from Patrick]
I think I speak for all the regulars when I say, I hope the guy on the 47th floor has nothing to worry about today
Luke Cyphers: When I saw them against Serbia, Jeff, they kept Gyan alone up top. They tried to kick it up to him and have him create something, anything.
Chris Jones: I love Essien. He's a huge absence for Ghana. Their attack has been basically nullified without him. Two goals in the tournament, both on PKs.
[Comment from Craig]
How much different do you think the outcome would be with a healthy Micheal Essien?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Early observation on the U.S.: The goalkeepers are out on the field warming each other up and Brad Guzan kicked a ball intended to help Marcus Hahnemann warm up a good 10 yards off target from only about 15 yards away.
Jeff Carlisle: According to the tactical layout I saw for Ghana, they are allegedly playing a 5-4-1. That wouldn't appear to be the right recipe for a team struggling to score goals, but we'll see what actually happens out on the the field.
[Comment from stuck@work]
sorry leander, but i hope he gets to work you like a speed bag
Chris Jones: Knuckles cracked and ready, sir.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I can't remember the last time I did a sit-up.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Which has me nervous about sitting next to him for this one.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris, as a consequence, needing an outlet for his joy, punches people in the stomach.
Jeff Carlisle: Greetings everyone. Not all that surprised with Bob Bradley's lineup choices. Given the way the defense performed against Algeria, Bornstein deserves to keep his place. The US can only hope he plays that way again.
I also expected to see Findley back in the lineup. Bradley loves his speed and how it creates space underneath for Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey.
I was a bit surprised to see Clark in place of Edu, but Clark has fresh legs, and given the quick turnaround between games, his range will come in handy.
Luke Cyphers: Nice night, but really smoky. The Veld fires are producing quite a haze.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Except we're not allowed to show it. Press box decorum and all.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: As are we, Chris.
[Comment from chris]
I AM SO PUMPED
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Viktor Kassai, who is from Hungary, if I've read the country code right.
[Comment from Don]
Who is the referee?
Chris Jones: Hopefully Timmy read my tips. They'll serve him well.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: For such, like all things worth reading, check out our World Cup Blog: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/blog/_/name/worldcup2010Blog?cc=3888&ver=us
Luke Cyphers: Hello. Going with heart here more than head. Let's call it 2-1 U.S. But I won't be shocked if Americans have some dead legs.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Luckily for you, dear reader, not to mention the U.S. players, Jones and I spent all morning elucidating on the proper way to take and stop a penalty.
Chris Jones: On the plus side, I like Howard more than Kingson.
Chris Jones: I hate it say it, but I suspect this one will go to penalties. The Ghanaians can clog up a field like few other teams.
[Comment from DJ]
Who do you all of pick to win this match?
Chris Jones: They are correct. No Edu. No Gooch.
[Comment from Mark.]
are the lineups below correct?? No Edu to start...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Also joining us tonight are Luke Cyphers and Jeff Carlisle, our trusted men on the U.S. beat, as well as Stats and Information, the man with all the answers, except for when it's a woman. Then it's a women with all the answers.
Chris Jones: Evening everybody. A beautiful night here in Rustenburg. A little chilly, but skies are clear.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: If the Americans win this Round of 16 game, they'll match their modern day high-water mark of the quarterfinals, set in 2002. If they don't they'll have merely delivered on expectations.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. will face off with Ghana, the only African team left in the competition.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They don't get a whole lot bigger than this one, everybody.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're coming to you from Rustenburg, South Africa, in Royal Bafokeng Stadium, surrounded by miles and miles and miles of platinum mining fields.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good afternoon, East Coast; good morning, West Coast; and good whatever it is there to all of the places in between!