1. The Americans find a way…
It’s not the biggest win in USA soccer history, but it’s close. Unlike the Nigerians, who seemed to throw away chances at every possible opportunity, the Yanks have found a way to advance at the top of Group C despite having two legitimate goals disallowed in the past two games. The never-say-die attitude of this team can be summed up in one stat: Over the course of three games, the United States had a lead for a grand total of two minutes. The previous low for a team that won its group was 21 minutes, but this one will be impossible to top.
It is truly fitting that the goal came from Landon Donovan, who we can now say is truly the face of American soccer and the best to ever wear the colors. He (deservingly) bore the burden of the blame for the 2006 disgrace, so it’s only fair that he get the credit for two of the more important goals in America’s World Cup history. The goal against Slovenia that pulled the U.S. from the brink of elimination was pure quality, but his stoppage-time winner against Algeria is one for the ages.
Bob Bradley has been great for his players so far. With so many teams in disarray or dissension, the United States has looked remarkably poised, confident and unified. Despite a defense that can’t go 10 minutes to start a match without giving up a golden opportunity, his side has never panicked, and his substitutions in each game have been remarkably sage. Most soccer fans will admit to not always understanding or agreeing with his decisions, but he’s proved that in big tournaments he can coach against the best.
2. USA will never have an easier road to the semis…
Who would you rather face to get to the semifinals, Ghana and Uruguay or Germany and Argentina? This route is the best possible scenario to befall the Americans short of Australia advancing from Group D, which was never a true possibility after a 4-0 thrashing. Neither team will be easy to beat, as is the case this late in the tourney, but they also won’t be the powerhouses lurking elsewhere in the bracket.
Ghana is an interesting matchup. What first comes to mind is the possibility of revenge for the group stage finale in 2006 that saw Ghana defeat USA to advance and send the Americans home winless. The winning goal came on a controversial penalty kick awarded just before the half. It looks like more of the same in 2010, as Ghana’s two goals have both come from the penalty spot. While this could be good news for a shaky USA back line, keep in mind that the Yanks have already been shattered twice by incomprehensible officiating decisions. With Ghana now representing the Great African Hope, it will be up to the US players to ensure they stay clear of seeing red in this match.
3. England-Germany will be the biggest matchup so far…
This could change if Spain finishes second in Group H and has to face Brazil, but right now England-Germany looks to be the class of the knockout round. Germany demonstrated its capabilities in a convincing opening win that featured a four-goal outburst. The Three Lions, by contrast, have yet to play their best soccer. It’s no secret that there’s no love lost between the two teams and countries (something about a war?), and England’s sole World Cup win came at the expense of the Germans. As an added bonus, both squads will be near full strength as Germany avoided any knockout-round suspensions despite five players carrying yellow cards into their final group match.
4. Africa can breathe easy now…
South Africa had to suffer the indignity of becoming the first host country to bow out in the opening round. Cameroon failed to match expectations when they were the first team bounced from the tournament. Ivory Coast never recovered from a devastating injury that left superstar Didier Drogba a shell of his dominant self. Nigeria self destructed in every possible way. Algeria failed to score a goal and are currently on the second-longest goal drought in World Cup history. Egypt, the continent’s best team, suffered a nightmare stretch in qualifying that left them out of the competition entirely. But none of that matters now. Ghana rose up and snatched a spot in the final 16, ensuring that an entire continent wouldn’t be left barren in the tournament’s most meaningful stages.
5. Burnt out? Tomorrow’s the day to fix that…
Tired of watching soccer all day, every day? Stop. For one day only. It’ll be for your own good. Thursday’s matchups are a horror slate in terms of entertainment value. For one, two of the matches feature Group F teams, which means they will in no way be entertaining, or even watchable, unless New Zealand scores early and tries to hang on to advance. The afternoon matches? Denmark-Japan should be called Battle of the Bleh, and the Netherlands has no need to exert itself against already-eliminated Cameroon considering they’ve clinched advancement and essentially the group as well. My advice? If you’re feeling the affects of consuming 40 matches in 13 days, just skip ‘em all and rest up for Brazil-Portugal and Spain-Chile on Friday, followed by United States and Ghana on Saturday.
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