USA vs. Ghana (26.06.2010)

The Round of 16 match between the USA and Ghana on June 26, 2010, was a nail-biting encounter that had soccer fans on the edge of their seats. The game, which took place in Rustenburg, South Africa, was a high-stakes battle for a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana set the tempo early when Kevin-Prince Boateng scored an electrifying goal at just the 5-minute mark, making it clear that the African team meant business. The United States, stung by the early setback, made their first substitution at the 31st minute, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to revitalize their play.

The Americans came out invigorated in the second half, making their second substitution right at the 46-minute mark. Their persistence paid off when Landon Donovan, one of the stars of the U.S. team, converted a critical penalty in the 62nd minute, bringing the score level and reigniting hopes among American supporters.

Ghana responded to the pressure by making their own strategic moves, with their first substitution in the 73rd minute followed by their second substitution just five minutes later, as they prepared to strengthen their side for the concluding stages of the match.

In a dramatic twist of fate, just as the game was poised to enter extra time, substitute Jozy Altidore was brought on for the USA in the 91st minute. However, Ghana stunned the Americans when Asamoah Gyan, displaying remarkable skill and composure, found the back of the net with a brilliant goal in the 93rd minute.

As the match progressed into extra time, both teams fought tooth and nail, but it was Ghana who had the last say in terms of tactical changes, making their third and final substitution at the 113th minute.

Despite a valiant effort from the U.S. team, they were unable to level the score a second time, resulting in Ghana's advancement to the quarter-finals. It was a historic victory for the Black Stars, as they became the only African team to reach that stage of the competition, while the Americans were left to rue what might have been in an intensely fought World Cup clash.

Lineup USA

Lineup Ghana

Substitutes USA

Substitutes Ghana

USA

US national football team first participated in the World Cup in 1930 and achieved its best result, which was third place. They had trouble qualifying in the second half of the 20th century and have participated fairly regularly since 1990, and when they have played, they have usually advanced out of the group.

Ghana

Ghanaian national football team has dreamt of participating in the World Cup for a very long time, as they first qualified for the tournament in Germany in 2006. And on their debut, they advanced from the group stage and were knocked out by Brazil in the eighth finals. They were able to improve on this 4 years later at the following championship, where they fell in the quarterfinals to Uruguay. Ghana went on to win the Africa Cup of Nations four times plus they won five second places and one third.

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