The knockout round is here and gamblers making a 2010 World Cup bet can wager on the match between the United States and Ghana on Saturday.
The U.S. got a late goal from Landon Donovan to beat Algeria and win Group C while Ghana advanced from Group D. The U.S. is a slight favorite in World Cup betting in this match.
The United States was just three minutes away from not advancing from Group C when Landon Donovan scored in injury time. The 1-0 win gave the United States the top spot in Group C so not only did the U.S. defeat Algeria but they won Group C and avoided Germany in the round of 16. Instead the U.S. gets Ghana which, on paper, looks like a much easier match. England finished second in Group C and they will play Germany in the knockout round.
The United States has played pretty well in the World Cup so far with a win and two draws. They have been struggling to score goals though and they have also had some bad luck. They easily could have had two or three against Algeria and at least three in the previous game against Slovenia. They could be due for a breakout against Ghana. Donovan has been solid in the World Cup and Clint Dempsey has created a lot of chances. Even Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley have played well. Now if head coach Bob Bradley would just bench Michael Beasley the U.S. would really be set. Defensively the U.S. is giving up a few chances but they have a great goalkeeper in Tim Howard.
Ghana is coming off a 1-0 loss to Germany but Ghana still advanced because Australia upset Serbia in the other match. Ghana and Australia finished equal on points but Ghana won the goal differential. Ghana is the only African team to make the knockout round so they will have the support of the fans on Saturday.
Ghana has some ability but they have really struggled to score goals. They have just two in their three World Cup matches. Their goalkeeper, Richard Kingson bailed them out time and time again against Germany and he will need to play well against the U.S. if Ghana is to have a chance.