Poor marking outside the box, lack of pressure on
the man on the ball and no support on the first defender were the cardinal sins
for Ghana to commit. A strong showing in terms of ball-winning and passing counted
for nought as the atrocious final ball kept Jurgen Klinsman’s boys in the game.
The Africans could have levelled the scores by half-time, had they composed
their attack and increased the speed of attack. The USA showed cracks on the
wings, and a foot on the ball with authority by Ghana could easily unlock their
defence.
The North Americans, who had to deal with three injury-forced
changes, could have wrapped up the match when Jozi Altadore’s effort was
blocked. Numerous counter attacking moves were wasted by the Americans attack.
They were matched by their careless opponents in the later stages of the first
half.
USA started the second half with a little control on
the game, restricting Ghana to long-range efforts and play outside the penalty
area as they defended with their lives. Asamoah Gyan was the chief culprit in
front of goal as he failed to convert aerial balls delivered into the box. Sully
Muntari played well in midfield, shooting from range.
Kevin Prince Boateng added some attacking firepower
when he came on for Jordan Ayew. Pressure mounted on the Africans as the match
wore on without that elusive goal. Ghana played well in midfield and passed the
ball to the left of the field. A pass to the box was back-heeled by Gyan for
the onrushing Andre Ayew to control and belt a left footer with the outside of
his boot to beat a diving Tim Howard.
With a chance to salvage a win, the Black Stars
pushed forward and got exposed at the back. The Stars and Stripes capitalised
on that offensive behaviour with counter attacks that led to a corner kick.
Brooks out jumped all around him thump a free header home. Ghana rued the
missed opportunities as the USA held on for what can be termed a 2010 South
Africa Fifa World Cup revenge.
As much as they had control of the match for the
entire match, Ghana were totally responsible for the result of the match. It
was never about how good the Americans were, but rather how poor the Africans
played. They should have never conceded the fatal corner kick. They should have
not allowed a free header in the 12-yard box. The goalkeeper should have come
out for the corner-kick. Africa teams lack the discipline of the strategy (tactical
discipline), match management abilities and the killer instincts.
