Preview: United States – Ghana

(GSM) – Days after battling their way to the round of sixteen, the United States face their next challenge against Ghana, the only African side to make it through the group phase.

The US began their World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Group C favorites England, followed by a 2-2 draw with Slovenia. In the final group game against Algeria, things were beginning to look very grim for Bob Bradley’s side but an injury-time goal from Landon Donovan prevented an early elimination.

That late goal was not only enough for the US to qualify for the second round, but it also took them to the top spot in their group and allows them to avoid Germany in their next game.

The US have no injury worries but are without Robbie Findley, who is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in the previous games. Jay DeMerit, Steven Cherundolo, Jozy Altidore and DaMarcus Beasley would all miss a potential quarter final if they are booked against Ghana.

Ghana only scored two goals in the group phase – and condeded the same amount – but it was good enough for the side to be the only African team to make it to the round of sixteen.

After the 1-0 win over Serbia, Ghana were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by Australia. But even after losing the final group game 1-0 to Germany, the Ghanaians had still done well enough to finish in second place in Group D.

Isaac Vorsah is out injured but Ghana have no one suspended. Prince Tagoe, Jonathan Mensah, Lee Addy, Anthony Annan and Andrew Ayew are all just one yellow card away from suspension.

These two sides also met in the group phase of the 2006 World Cup, Ghana winning that encounter 2-1. That result was good enough for the Africans to advance from the group phase, while it left the Americans eliminated. As such, the US have something to settle when they meet again this Saturday.

This round of sixteen encounter will take place at Phokeng’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium with kick-off at 20:30 (8:30 pm) local time. The referee appointed for this game is Hungarian Viktor Kassai.