GHANA v USA - MATCH PREVIEW

The other Group E game sees the USA taking on Ghana with both teams knowing that they are dependent on the other result in the group. The USA need to win whilst Ghana can get by with just a draw, depending on happenings in Hamburg.

Ghana are missing both Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari through suspension. These will be big misses, particularly Gyan who's goalscoring record of seven in ten before going into this Tournament is nothing short of prolific. These players scored one goal each in their 2-0 win against the Czech Republic and so if they are to qualify from this group they will need a new player to break their World Cup duck.

Muntari's space is likely to be filled by either Derek Boateng or Eric Addo. Muntari's goalscoring record from midfield of one every four games is impressive and it is Boateng with three in ten that is likely to be the better replacement from this perspective. Eric Addo however plays for PSV and has more big-match experience than the AIK Stockholm man, plus at thirty years old is seven years older than Boateng, so Ghana's tactics will be pivotal to which one of the two they will pick. But with a potential clash against Brazil for the qualifiers, one that Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic is relishing, the Ghanians have no intention to play for the draw, citing offensive football as their strong point. Expect Boateng therefore to start ahead of Addo.

Despite this however Muntari is the archetypal all-round player who can create, attack and defend. He will be difficult to replace and balance will be the key for the Ghana coach to conisder. Experience may be the best midfield key as Dujkovic may be fored to go with the inexperienced Razak Pimpong up-front. The Fc Copenhagen frontman has come off the bench in both previous games and has been on the pitch for a total of twenty-seven minutes so far. This will be his big chance to shine on the World Stage for the twenty-three year old with only one pre-World Cup cap to his name.

The USA are without Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope who both got sent off in three farcical minutes against Italy. Carlos Bocanegra is likely to move to left-back from the centre of defence that leaves a chasm to be filled by ether Greg Berhalter or Jimmy Conrad. Pace is the important factor in this game according to US coach Bruce Arena as he is aware of his opponent's embarrassment of riches with that skill. He is also aware of their never-say-die spirit but also knows that the way his side held on against Italy after being limited to nine-men will stand them in good stead.

They have singled out Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as their opponents' main threat and feel if they can snuff out the creativity in the centre of the midfield they have a chance of winning the game. Despite their heroics against Italy however, it looks like an African triumph here.

SELECTION OF ODDS FOR GHANA v USA. MANY MORE ON THE MATCH COUPON

Ghana 11/10
Draw 5/2
USA 23/10

Ghana 1-0 11/2
Ghana 2-0 7/1
Ghana 2-1 15/2
Ghana 3-0 20/1

USA 1-0 7/1
USA 2-0 12/1
USA 2-1 10/1
USA 3-0 40/1

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