World Cup 2010: Ghana Finishes Second in Group D, This Hurts the Black Stars

Going into the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hopes were high for the African nations in what was supposed to be "Africa's World Cup."

But with the group stage almost over, it has become apparent that only one side (Ghana) will be able to advance to the next round.

Overall, Ghana finished second in Group D, but they were still able to have a solid first round with a great win over Serbia, a disappointing draw with Australia, because the Black Stars were up a man for almost the entire match, and a loss to Germany.

In group stage, Ghana had only two goals, both of which were from Asamoah Gyan off the penalty marker. This no longer matters as Ghana have advanced.

Now, Ghana will have to travel to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg to take on the United States, who finished first overall in Group C.

The United States were able to play with a ton of heart during the first round, gaining ties against England (at Rustenburg) and Slovenia, before Landon Donovan's stoppage-time goal propelled the USA into the round of 16.

Of course, these two sides met back in the 2006 World Cup where Ghana got a controversial penalty at the end of the first half, which led to the Black Stars winning 2-1. This allowed them to reach the round of 16 in their first World Cup.

Now, the USA are back and ready to face Ghana. The Americans believe they can reach the quarterfinal against either Uruguay or South Korea on July 2 at Soccer City.

And with that, Ghana have really gotten the short end of the deal here, as they face a hot and united American side instead of an English side that is not playing as a team.

At this stage, the United States might finally be able to take advantage of this Ghanaian defense and score some goals, something that no one in Group D was really able to do.

Meanwhile, Ghana will face a disciplined American defense, and a goalkeeper in Tim Howard who is among the top 10 goalkeepers in this World Cup.

Right now, Ghana's backs are against the wall, and it will be interesting to see if the Black Stars will have a chance of beating the United States on Saturday in Rustenburg.