The knockout round has arrived and the game between the U.S. and Ghana on Saturday was a really expected one at the usa sportsbook.

A suddenly very interested nation that typically does not pay much attention to soccer was backing the U.S. squad. The United States obtained a late goal from Landon Donovan to beat Algeria in their earlier game in an outstanding performance that had plenty of Americans glowing with pride. Ghana also established an advancement from Group D last week. The United States was a minor favorite in World Cup sports betting in this game, and several fans considered they would go all the way.

The United States was just 3 minutes away from not advancing from Group C when Landon Donovan scored in injury time. In fact, videos of the reactions of United States fans to Donovan’s last-minute goal circulated the Internet, ultimately reaching Donovan himself and moving him to tears. Not only did the United States defeat Algeria also they won Group C and avoided Germany in the round of 16 thanks to the 1-0 win that gave the U.S. the leading spot in Group C. Instead the US gets Ghana which, on paper, seemed as though a much easier game. England ended 2nd in Group C and they moved on to play Germany in the knockout round. Germany defeated the squad in an embarrassing 4-1 final score, and the English squad were eliminated at that point.

With a victory and two draws, the U.S. had played pretty well in the World Cup at that point. They have been struggling to score goals though and they’ve also had some poor fortune. They easily may have had two or 3 against Algeria and at least 3 in the previous competition against Slovenia. Clint Dempsey has created a lot of chances and Donovan has been solid in the World Cup. Even Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley have competed well. Defensively the United States was giving up a few chances but they have a fantastic goalkeeper in Tim Howard.

Ghana was coming off a 1-0 loss to Germany but Ghana still progressed due to the fact Australia upset Serbia in the other game. Ghana and Australia ended equal on points but Ghana won the goal differential. Ghana had the backing of the fans on Saturday since Ghana is the only African squad to make the knockout round. They were certainly reveling in being the last remaining African squad at the 2010 World Cup.

Ghana has some ability but they have truly struggled to score goals. They have just two in their 3 World Cup matches. Their goalkeeper, Richard Kingson bailed them out time and time again against Germany.

Ghana was simply a squad that the U.S. may – and probably should – have been able to beat on a regular basis. It’s not that Ghana is a poor squad. It’s that the U.S. is simply better. So when the United States squad was eliminated by Ghana with a final score of 2-1 on Saturday’s game, it was somewhat of a surprise, and almost certainly an emotional one to Americans.

Ghana will now move on to the quarterfinals, where they will be only the third African squad to make it this far. On Friday they will be competing with Uruguay.


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