by Tom Allen
Landon Donovan's late, late winner versus Algeria saw USA advance as Group C
winners ahead of England and they certainly have momentum going into the last
16.
Bob Bradley's side now face a spirited Ghana team but one which has not
scaled the heights of their opening 1-0 win over ten-man Serbia and USA should
be backed with confidence to advance.
The majority of odds compliers cannot separate the pair in the betting but I
make USA the much more likely victors and their recent big-game experience
should stand them in good stead.
USA defeated Spain before narrowly losing to Brazil in last year's
Confederations Cup in South Africa and we probably found out Ghana's level when
they huffed and puffed against Germany before succumbing to the Group D winners
last time out.
It would have been mightily harsh on Bradley's boys were they held by their
North African opponents, USA created enough chances to win two matches, and,
although not possessing the individual talent of other sides on show, certainly
have an excellent team spirit.
While hardly lighting up the Premier League for Hull City, I've been really
impressed with Jozy Altidore in attack but it is Donovan and Clint Dempsey that
are the real stars for USA and they can continue to shine.
The fact remains that Ghana's only goals at these finals have come from the
penalty spot, they found it very hard to break down an Australia side that had
Harry Kewell dismissed late on when drawing 1-1, and this could be fairly
comfortable for a USA team that seemingly fears nobody.
Given we have now reached knockout time, it would be foolish not to take a
close look at the To Qualify market and this is where the value seems to lie on
Saturday evening.
It could, of course, take longer than 90 minutes for the two teams to be
separated and I certainly want an outcome in both extra-time and penalties on my
side.
At 4/5 with
888sport, USA are readily preferred to the 10/11 available about their
opponents and they'll now be seeking an extended stay in South Africa.
Uruguay or South Korea await the winners, and both will fancy their chances
of overcoming either of those opponents to grab an unexpected place in the last
four.
2pts Back USA To Qualify (vs. Ghana) @ 4/5 (888sport)
