Team USA did not exactly draw the most favorable grouping in the World Cup. Group G has garnered the nickname "Group of Death" considering it has tournament favorites Germany and Portugal in it. If the US Men's team is getting out of group play, it will be an uphill battle to do so. To make matters worse, the US start their tournament with Ghana, a team that has knocked them out of title contention in both 2006 and 2010. Can the USA break that streak and get three much needed points?
If USA wants to stay alive in the World Cup, a win against Ghana is a necessity. They cannot afford to lose because the next two matches against Portugal and Germany will not be easy at all. They are ranked fourth and second in FIFA rankings respectively. The US is ranked 13 and Ghana comes in at 37. There is a chance, but a small one.
The US comes in hoping scoring duo Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey can hope their vast international experience carry into the World Cup. Michael Bradley will be assigned to stopping the strong Ghana midfield attack while DaMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron and Matt Besley represent the last line of defense before Tim Howard returns to the goal. This US team represents a new era of play, one without Landon Donovan. The soccer star was left off the roster just ahead of the finals.
Ghana will not be an easy play. They need a win just as badly as the US does. They will employ the same attack as before, speed, possession and creative offense. The US were fooled by it twice before, but is the third time a charm? Seven players are back from the team that beat the US in 2010 which includes captain Asamoah Gyan who is one of the fastest players in the tournament. The team will also use Jordan and Andrew Ayew to be a dual threat. In the warmup match against South Korea the team cleaned up in a 4-0 win.
Both Ghana and Team USA are aware they are the underdogs in Group G. Having to face two of the favorites to win the World Cup, a win on Monday is essentially to their respective tournament futures. Ghana has had the US's number for the past two cups, beating them with ease. Will this be the year Team USA can break the streak and contend in group play?