On paper, this looks like a tight match destined for extra time. The United States were heading for a disappointing exit against Algeria before captain Landon Donovan popped up with a last gasp winner which made up for his dismal personal performance. Now they face Ghana in what could prove to be a bridge too far. You can get the USA at $2.75 to make the quarter finals in normal time but man for man, they are not as good as Ghana. Yet they bridge the gap by having amazing team spirit and will to win. Players like Jozy Altidore and Benny Feilhaber really shouldn’t be at this level but genuine quality like Donovan and Clint Dempsey makes up for this.
Ghana look really disciplined and it took a stunning goal from Mesut Ozil to defeat them in their last group match against Germany. This meant that they had a nervous wait while Serbia tried and narrowly failed to get the goal that would have sent the Africans home. Instead, they march on but will need other players in the side to help Asamoah Gyan with the goalscoring duties. So far, he is the only player to score for them with both of his goals coming from the penalty spot.
If you feel that the African nation can find some goals in normal time they are $2.87 to do so and win but the $12 on them winning in extra time looks like the value bet. Those who believe that team USA’s spirit will drag them through again can back them at $11 to win after 120 minutes. The extra time odds are the same as the dreaded penalty shootout odds. Although the USA will die for the cause, the superior defensive qualities of Ghana will see the through in the end, but only just.
Verdict: Ghana to squeeze through after extra time