USA vs. Ghana 2010 World Cup: Preview of Round of 16 Rematch From 2006

So far during this 2010 FIFA World Cup, we have seen some incredible events happen in both Groups C and D as we have now reached the round of 16.

And of course, there are two matches that will pit the four advancing sides here, as the United States (the Group C winners) face Ghana (Group D runners-up) before the Germany vs England match on Sunday.

However, this United States and Ghana match really stands out as a match that could go down as one of the greatest matches in the 2010 World Cup.

And with that in mind, here is my official match preview of the United States and Ghana from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

What is on the line:

For both sides, this is extremely simple: win and you face the winner of Uruguay v South Korea in the quarterfinal. Lose and go home.

Key Players:

United States

For the United States, their key player here will be the man that got them into the round of 16: Landon Donovan .

So far, Donovan has been great for the Americans and has been the primary reason why the USA are in this match.

Ghana

For Ghana, their key player will be the man who has scored both goals for them so far in this World Cup: Asamoah Gyan .

Overall, Gyan is a player that could give the USA fits here, especially with a defense that has not looked at their best so far.

What each side must do to win:

United States

The United States must be able to continue to attack the Black Stars net throughout the entire match.

That means put pressure on keeper Richard Kingston as much as possible and for as long as they can.

Ghana:

For Ghana, they must be able to not only continue to be physical in the back, but to also have a strong counterattack.

By doing this, the American defense could be capitalized and the Black Stars could find themselves on some breakaways against Tim Howard.

Biggest key to victory:

United States

For the United States, their defense has to be perfect.

Ghana

For Ghana, be sure to capitalize on all of their chances.

Projected Lineups:

USA: (4-4-2)

                                                               Howard

         Cherundolo                 DeMerit                 Onyewu                  Bocanegra

           Donovan                     Edu                      Bradley                   Dempsey

                                            Altidore                  Findley

Ghana: (4-2-3-1)

                                                                    Gyan

                                  Asamoah                 Adiyiah                      Ayew

                                               Annan                        Boateng

            Pantsil                     Mensah                        Addy                   Sarpei

                                                                Kingston

X-Factor:

The x-factor in this match is the 2006 World Cup match between the two in which Ghana controversially won 2-1 to eliminate the United States from the World Cup.

Now, this will certainly be a talking point before this match, so how much of an impact will it have overall?

Prediction:

In a match such as this one, there will be some great chances from both sides and this will certainly be one of the most memorable matches of this World Cup.

In this match, I am going to choose the United States to win by a 2-1 score, as Ghana's lack of a finishing touch will cause them to get eliminated while Robbie Findley's speed will cause too much havoc for Ghana.