Ghana hit quarter-finals

Posted: Jun 26 2010

Ghana beat the USA 2-1 after extra-time to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night.

The Ghana goals were scored by Kevin-Prince Boateng and Asamoah Gyan while Landon Donovan got the USA goal.

Unfortunately for the USA, their habit of starting badly in games continued. A poor giveaway in the midfield by Ricardo Clark and questionable positioning by Tim Howard allowed a goal by Ghana in the opening five minutes of play through Kevin-Prince Boateng.

From then on, the Americans had an uphill road to climb.

Ghana was playing well, and dominating the midfield play, forcing Howard to save on multiple attempts.

However, the USA did find some chances on the counterattack, notably when Robbie Findley had a breakaway in the box. However, Kingston saved the shot with a ‘kick save’.

In the second half, however, the USA came out more brightly and began to dominate play. Their improved performance paid off when Clint Dempsey earned a penalty that was put away with confidence by Landon Donovan.

From there on, it was a hard-fought, open game with chances on both sides that couldn't be resolved in 90 minutes of regulation.

The game went into extra-time.

Both teams were clearly weary in the second period. However, as the USA pushed forward, Ghana struck on the counterattack. A long pass found Asamoah Gyan, and despite the marking of Carlos Bocanegra, he got off a cross-body shot that flew past Howard for the go-ahead goal.

At that point, Ghana began to waste time, and the USA seemed befuddled as how to counter the tactic.

Tired legs were evident among the Americans as play after play lacked the final pass to set up a viable finish.

Finally, time ran out on the American dream, and the last African team in the World Cup marched on.

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Okocha : 2010-06-26 23:15

Truely we're de hope of Africa. The supper chickens shld see wht we call determination.

jermain wistara : 2010-06-26 23:34

Ghana proundly african thank u

Denny: 2010-06-26 23:37

One black star against 50 white stars - Black one emerged victorious. Africa is proud of you Ghana!

mthizen : 2010-06-26 23:38

we a very proud of Ghana

utuhmaster: 2010-06-26 23:45

O man,see commitment,dedication,die hard & fighting spirit of these Black Stars,of a truth the Africa Best Representative are flying very high.You guys have proved to USA that they are under-developed country,so far football is concern,i'm proud of that,infact Ghana is the only African country remaining,but they are having the support of Nigeria,other countries that has left the tournament & Africa at large,we're all behind you till July 11th,2010.

utuhmaster: 2010-06-26 23:59

Ghana says"We Africans must retain & defend our pride".Egypt hosted the world in 2009(u-20),Ghana retained our pride with 10 men against Brazil's 11 men,now South Africa host the World again & Ghana are also ready again to defend our pride.up Black Stars,up Super Eagles,up Bafana Bafana,up Elephants,up Indomitable Lions,up Atlas Lions.

peter ghanaman : 2010-06-27 00:36

Africa is proud of you guys. Go ahead is not over yet.

mike: 2010-06-27 01:34

Ghana is showing the rest of Africa how to do it. Thanks to coach Tatteh for discovering these under 20 players that have taken the whole world by storm and taken over from the supposed big boys. Imagine Muntari is a substitute. Thank you again Ghana for wiping away the tears from our eyes.Proudly African Nigerian.
Akpobome

Sechaba: 2010-06-27 02:38

I am proud of you my African brothers. Ghana make Africa proud.

victor: 2010-06-27 03:00

My people did so called Yakubu Aiyegbeni see what it takes to be a real striker today give it the Asamoah Gyan of black stars

victor: 2010-06-27 03:02

I am Victor a Nigerian, I must say that I ma very happy for Ghana the black stars are now the proud of Africa, Asamoah Gyan you are really striker not our so called Yakubu Aiyegbeni. We Nigerians are very proud black stars of Ghana.

victor: 2010-06-27 03:03

I am Victor a Nigerian, I must say that we are very happy for Ghana the black stars are now the proud of Africa, Asamoah Gyan you are really striker not our so called Yakubu Aiyegbeni. We Nigerians are very proud black stars of Ghana.

stan'Lee: 2010-06-27 07:58

Congratulations, The Black stars of Ghana!!!
Thank you for making Africa proud.

We are so glad you did to UAS, what they did to our beloved Algeria.
Thanks for paying them back this time flesh for flesh!!!
Even in the midst of Bill Clinton, Micky Jagger and their penalty so converted to level up, you still soak-up the pressure and treat them to their game!!!

Your next game is against Uruguay, who broke the hearts of Africans most especially the South Africans, during their second group match win against the Bafana bafana.
Please, it is time to pay back not just for the Bafana bafana, but for the Entire African states!!!

Please don't be overjoy becos the path to the Final is getting clearer.
However, don't under-rate Uruguay but just go out full strength for victory.

The Entire African counties and the black race; home and abroad support you!!!
Please don't stop the flow...keep us smiling.

You are the African Host right now and please always play to win ...as usual!!!

We are behind you in prayers and in best wishes!!!!
You says you cannot stroll straight to the final....!!!

VIVA Black stars!!!
VIVA Ghana!!!
VIVA Africa!!!

God no dey sleep!!!!

Danny : 2010-06-27 09:48

I am proud of Ghana & would be way ecstatic if they can finaly break the Quater finals jinx 4 once & for all.Granted Dede Ayew & Jonathan Mensah are not there 4 the Uruagay match but this is their time 2 shine 4 futbol is a team sport & Rejevac can call equaly able under 20 top goal scorer in Egypt & the other equaly hungry playas in his squad.In Ghana I Trust.

tk.: 2010-06-27 10:22

super black stars, the REAL BIG BROTHERS OF AFRICA. go on guys make africa proud. we are all behind you. today it feels good to be an african, thanks to ghana.hope teko was watching