Ghana beat Americans in 2006 World Cup
The United States probably feels both relieved and exhilarated about the manner in which it survived and advanced out of the group stage of the World Cup. But now it’s time for the knockout round — and exacting a measure of revenge.
Yes, the Americans get a rematch with Ghana — and by extension a chance to make up for their dismal showing at the 2006 World Cup.
The Americans’ 2-1 loss to Ghana in Nuremberg four years ago still stings, and it has served as motivation for Landon Donovan, who will get a chance to add to his growing stature after his late game-winner against Algeria on Wednesday.
“That was not a good day for me or for the team,” Donovan told reporters, “and what I remember most personally was my tentativeness and the immediate feeling afterwards of the finality of it and how disappointing it was.”
The Ghanaians went ahead for good in that match on a disputed penalty kick after Razak Pimpong spilled in the box after harmless contact with Oguchi Onyewu.
“You talk about tough calls,” said D.C. United assistant coach Ben Olsen, who was a U.S. substitute in that match. “That one still doesn’t sit well with a lot of the American soccer public.”
The United States has surged into the round of 16 with as much momentum as any team in a tournament that appears wide open thanks to the exits of France and Italy. It’s the first time both finalists from the previous World Cup failed to get out of their groups.
The Americans landed in a fortuitous corner of the field. If the United States beats Ghana, which limped out of Group D with a loss to Germany, either Uruguay or South Korea will come next in the quarterfinals, not Argentina, one of the remaining favorites, or archrival Mexico.
“I think you’re seeing a U.S. team with more confidence than in 2002 and a team that is dangerous,” said D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius, a member of the U.S. pool.
Ghana isn’t totally unfamiliar, either. U.S. defender and team captain Carlos Bocanegra is teammates at Rennes in France with Asamoah Gyan, who has scored both of Ghana’s goals.
