Football Focus Highlight

Ghana stepped into 2010 World Cup quarter-final. "The Black Stars," won round eight of the ticket's most prestigious event after conquering the United States 2-1 in the Stadium Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg, on Saturday (26/6/10).

Striker Asamoah Gyan who became the hero of Ghana, thanks to his goal in the second minute extra period. Thus, Ghana would face Uruguay in the quarter finals at the Stadium, Soccer City, Johannesburg, 3 July.

This result also ashed hopes once the U.S. to avenge its failure four years ago. World Cup 2006 in Germany, the U.S. is also excluded because the 1-2 defeat of Ghana in the final group stage match.

Ghana, the only country from the continent of Africa that qualify for the round of 16 large, aggressive since the kick-off whistle sounded. "The Black Stars" did not wait long to achieve excellence, because in the fifth minute Kevin Prince Boateng has been hacking into goalkeeper Tim Howard.



Starting from a fairly quick counterattack, Boateng dribbling toward the heart of defense. Before penetrating the penalty box, this midfielder fired hard, using his left foot. Ball along the ground could not be reached Howard, and lodged in the lower right corner of the net. 1-0 to Ghana.

This rapid superior spirit of the players making increasingly impassioned Ghana. They continue to launch attacks, which forced the U.S. rear guard offense. From here, Ghana, almost doubling the advantage on 17 minutes when the referee gave a free kick from the right of the U.S. defense sector. Asamoah Gyan, who became the executor, fired hard into the left side of goal, but Howard punched out the round leather.

As the match entered the half hour, the U.S. began to get out of pressure. "The Yanks" to play more patiently to take control of the midfield, seeking opportunities to penetrate the defense of Ghana. This strategy gives a pretty good result because in the 34th minute, they almost equalized.

Robbie Findley escaped the offside trap, bait when menerim breakthrough from midfield. Honey, Findley hard kick right foot, which was already in the goal mouth, can still be driven goalkeeper Richard Kingson. One of this golden opportunity passed.

Entering the second half, immediately took the initiative to attack the U.S.. Golden opportunity was directly obtained by this country, "Uncle Sam", was passed substitute Benny Feilhaber. But, again Kingson appear quite brilliant, because he can hold the ball cocoran Feilhaber, who lived opposite him. Congratulations again wicket Ghana.

U.S. insistent Serangab eventually make them the best chance in the 60th minute, when Clint Dempsey violated Jonathan Mensah in the penalty box. Referee: Viktor Kassai right-back reward was a yellow card, while providing penalty was executed perfectly by Landon Donovan. Score 1-1.

U.S., which during the group stage of mental and passion always showed high, the more excited after scoring equalizing goal. They continue to confine the defense of Ghana, and almost added another goal in the 75th minute, when Michael Bradly escaped the offside trap to receive feedback breakthrough. But, right midfield kick was too weak so the ball easily captured Kingson.

Although still in control of the game, the U.S. could not add another goal until 45 minutes after the second round. This makes the duel a draw score followed by a round of extended time for 2x15 minutes.

In the round that requires physical stamina and endurance strength of these players, Ghana managed to steal the opportunity. At minute 92, Asamoah Gyan escaped from two U.S. defenders when chase bait ball hull of the defense sector of Ghana. Did not wait long, after controlling a ball with his chest and made it into the penalty box, Gyan hits the ball with his left foot driven away without being able to Howard. 2-1 to Ghana.

In the remaining time, up to 15 minutes of the second extension of time, the U.S. was unable to score a goal in return. Launched attacks can not penetrate the defense again Ghana, which was built very rapidly after reaching excellence.

Composition of the player

The United States: 1-Tim Howard; 3-Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, 15, 12-Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, 6; 13th-Ricardo Clark (19-Maurice Edu 30 '), 4-Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey-8 , 10-Landon Donovan; 20-Robbie Findley (22-Benny Feilhaber 46 '), 17-Jozy Altidore (9-Herculez Gomez 91').

Ghana: 22-Richard Kingson; 5-John Mensah, 8-Jonathan Mensah, 2-Hans Sarpei (19-Lee Addy 71 '), 4-John Pantsil, 23-Kevin-Prince Boateng (10-Stephen Appiah), 6 - Annan Anthony, 13-Andre Ayew, 7-Samuel Inkoom (11-Sulley Muntari 112 '); 3-Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah-21.