Ghana Knocks Out the U.S. in Overtime

Ghana Knocks Out the U.S. in Overtime


For the second straight World Cup, Ghana eliminates the U.S. with a 2-1 victory

By Alexandra DiPalma

The exciting run of the United States team at the World Cup ended on Saturday when Ghana posted a 2-1 victory in South Africa's Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Asamoah "Little Jet" Gyan of Ghana scored during the third minute of overtime, eliminating the U.S. team in their fourth game of the tournament.

"A stinging, tough defeat," said Bob Bradley, the U.S. coach. "It's a feeling of disappointment for the team and also all our fans."

Falling Behind

While the Americans came from behind to draw England 1-1 and Slovenia 2-2 in the first round, they were unable to push through to the semifinals. The national team from Ghana eliminated the U.S. for the second straight World Cup. The last one took place at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Kevin-Prince Boateng set the tone for the match, putting Ghana ahead only five minutes into the game. The early lead proved too much for the talented U.S. team to overcome.

"We felt like we had a great opportunity," said U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. "We just gave ourselves too much of a mountain to climb. We just couldn't come back."

It took until the 62nd minute of the game for the U.S. team to catch up again. Landon Donovan, the 28-year-old star who scored the game-winning goal against Algeria, tied the match with a penalty kick.

Over in Overtime

At the end of 90 minutes with a score of 1-1, the U.S. prepared for its first-ever extra time period at the World Cup. "Little Jet" Gyan scored over goalkeeper Howard from 16 yards, sealing Ghana's victory. Despite efforts of the U.S. team, the final whistle marked their elimination.

"Soccer can be a cruel game," said Donovan. "Sometimes you're at the top and sometimes you are at the bottom of the mountain."

Ghana will advance to the quarterfinals and is scheduled to face Uruguay on July 2 in Johannesburg. Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands will also compete in the quarterfinals, along with three other teams that are yet to be determined.

Max-2010 FIFA world cup is known the entire world. 32 teams from the world compete for the champion, and it is a great honor to win the race. Fans from the entire world wish their team going all the way to win this championship, but it takes very much races, compete with other countries, and may be eliminated by just losing one race.


Still, every game is very brilliant, many people score, many people cheer, but also some are angry at the players. North Korea lost very miserable, by losing Portugal by 0-7. America got to top 16 by a “hat trick” on overtime. The coach leading South Korea got 300 million won by going to the top 16. But the worst in the championship is France, when the coach is yelling at the players by not playing well. Even there are many good and bad memories in the championship, there still may have a lots of great soccer games.


The championship is starting top 8 from today. Only Spain, Germany, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Ghana and Holland are left, and when they lose one game, they would be eliminated. A few days after, there would be the final, and we would know who would win. It’s exciting!