2010 FIFA World Cup: Ghana Gives U.S. Chance To Refine Approach

By Ben Triana
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 25, 2010

A good number of fans, analysts and casual observers expect the United States to win against Ghana on Saturday.

This group also believed that the team would make quick work of Slovenia and Algeria.

Not only can the U.S. avenge their 2-1 group-stage defeat at the 2006 World Cup against the Black Stars, but they have an opportunity to work on areas of their game that has let them down so far, in particular, their possession, their focus, and their finishing.

Ghana is probably the most organized African team in this World Cup. They have a defensive plan and formation (4-5-1), and they'll be looking to push forward when they can keep hold of the ball for an extended period of time in the U.S. half of the field.

However, this is not much different than Slovenia or Algeria.

But, how they go about it will be a little different, of course. Slovenia was an organized team, but the players knew their positions and roles, and they could break out of their shell in numbers on a quick and incisive counter.

Algeria chose to use their midfield speed and individual skill to get glimpses of the goal. Two very different styles, but both relinquish the control, pace, and rhythm of the game to their opponent.

Ghana's strategy could be similar. Their midfield will look for a breakdown in passing as the U.S. enters the attacking third of the pitch. They will have numbers and there will be limited space, so they will look to win the ball and attack with midfield numbers.

The U.S. better get used to this style of play.

Since 2002, American players have proven adept at the counter attack. Their combination of speed, technique, passing, and execution in small bursts (see Donovan's now infamous goal against Algeria for an example) is well documented. The world knows better than to let America sit back and wait for a counter attack.

So both elite and not as accomplished t...

Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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