Ghana against United States

Ghana have been very clever in the second half; they have had a lot of players go down with minor injuries, so that they can waste valuable time.

USA win a late corner as Keller's huge clearance is flicked behind by Mensah. Meanwhile, Pimpong is down on the ground, holding his chest. Play is stopped whilst he is stretchered from the field.

WIDE! A free-kick is worked wide to Convey; he sends a good cross to the near post, but Bocanegra's header flies wide of the target.

Ghana are content to look for long balls over the top for the runs of Pimpong - the USA are playing a very high defensive line, and Pimpong is very quick.

GOOD CHANCE! Pimpong is fed by a good pass in to the area, but Conrad's pressure forces him to lose the ball before he can get his shot away.

WOEFUL! Donovan takes the set-piece, but chips it high out of play without giving any of his strikers a chance to get a head on it.

Mensah clatters Convey on the left-corner of the penalty area; the Ghana defender is booked for the challenge, and the USA have a free-kick in a dangerous spot...

GHANA SUB: Dramani is replaced by Tachie-Mensah.

Dempsey's cross from the right is well claimed under pressure by Kingston; he lands heavily and spends some time on the grass before the referee urges him to continue.

The referee has been quite picky this afternoon; he hasn't really allowed the play to flow as much as he might - it has been a very stop-start match.

Dramini is tripped by Olsen, but the referee doesn't deem the offence a foul; the Ghana midfielder wastes a little time as he rolls around needlessly on the turf.

Time is definitely a factor now; it is asking a lot for the USA to score twice in the final quarter-of-an-hour.

USA SUB: Lewis is replaced by Convey; a final, attacking change from Bruce Arena.

Ghana are starting to look a little more threatening on the break now, as the USA commit more and more men forward in search of the equaliser.

GREAT BLOCK! Conrad gets back to block Appiah's shot after Ghana had launched a swift counter through Pimpong.

Johnson has certainly added a bit of pace to the USA front-line; McBride is excellent in the air, but he isn't the quickest striker.

A couple of very tight off-side calls have gone against the USA; Ghana's defensive line is very high, and there is a lot of space in behind for Johnson to exploit.

Ghana will be doing their best to slow the pace of the game down and try to take the sting out of the match - by whatever means possible.

Italy remain on top in the group's other game - that should give the USA heart.

The USA are being roared on by 'Sam's Army' - the massive following of fans they have in Germany; they are doing their best to lift their side in these final stages.

GOOD HEADER! Onyewu meets the corner from the right, but plants his header a foot over the crossbar.

JUST OVER! Bocanegra collects a loose ball on the edge of the area, but his left-foot shot just dips over the crossbar; it got a deflection on the way - corner.

That was so unlucky for the USA; they are really pushing for this equaliser now - and if they get it, we are set for a pulsating finish to this game.

OFF THE POST! Lewis does brilliantly to get to the by-line; he fires a cross to the near post, but McBride's header cannons back off the upright and back in to play.

The USA are at least trying to up the tempo and force the pace here, but Ghana just look too organised and determined to let this one slip.

DREADFUL! Dramani springs the off-side trap down the left-hand side; he tries to fire a cross over to a team-mate, but Conrad intercepts.

Only a good header back to his goalkeeper from Shilla prevents McBride getting in behind the very high Ghana defence.

USA SUB: Eddie Johnson comes on to replace Cherundolo; it's an attacking change from Arena, who knows that the USA need more poke up front.

GHANA SUB: Eric Addo comes on to replace Amoah; it's a change up front for Ghana, as they look to close out this match.

Donovan has been completely anonymous in this game; he has contributed absolutely nothing.

Dempsey does well to get around the outside of the full-back down the USA left, but his cross to the near post is easily claimed by Kingston.

Appiah sends another deep free-kick in to the penalty area, but it is just too high for Mensah at the far post.

Arena looks to be most unhappy on the sidelines; he doesn't seem to be able to find a way to inspire his men to this equaliser.

GREAT SAVE! Keller dives full-length to tip Amoah's 25-yard drive around the post for a corner.

Dramani is off the field at the moment, taking treatment on a chest injury.

...Donovan whips the free-kick in to the near post, but Pantsil manages to scramble the ball out for a corner.

Pantsil is penalised for attempting a bicycle kick as he tries to clear the ball; free-kick to the USA, out on the left touchline...

The USA don't seem to be playing with a great deal of urgency, despite the fact that they need two goals to stand any chance of going through.

No signs of any substitutes warming up for the USA; Arena seems happy to let the men out on the field take charge of this tricky situation.

Donovan tries to send Beasley through the middle, but the midfielder has to check his run to stay on-side and the ball runs through to Kingston.

Olsen sends a high cross in to the box; USA have got three men forward, but Mensah heads clear.

Bocanegra wins the ball in a challenge with Essien, who stays down after the challenge; he needs some treatment from the Ghana physio.

Kingston comes out and claims a cross from Beasley from the right.

The USA hev 45 minutes to score twice - they are out of the tournament unless they manage to win this match.

GHANA SUB: Addo comes on at the start of the second half.

HALF-TIME: Appiah's late penalty puts Ghana in the driving seat after USA had got themselves back in the match with Dempsey's equaliser.

GOAL! Appiah slots the penalty in to the top corner to put Ghana back in front.

PENALTY GHANA! Pimpong is pushed by Onyewu as the two challenged for a ball inside the penalty area. The referee points to the spot...

Lewis' cross tempts Kingston out of his goal, but Mensah heads clear before the ball can reach his goalkeeper.

That goal will really lift the USA - they will go in to half time knowing that if they can squeeze out one more in the second half, they could be in the second round.

GOAL! USA EQUALISE! Dempsey smashes home from close range after he had been found by an excellent low cross from Dempsey.

Reyna cuts a very forlorn figure on the sidelines; he is holding his head in his hands as the USA physio works on his injured ankle.

Olsen tugs the shirt of Essien as the Ghana midfielder burst through the middle; Appiah works the ball to Pantsil, but his low shot skids well wide.

Substitute Olsen will had some energy and dynamism to the USA midfield; he is well-known for his shooting from outside the penalty area - USA could do with one of his thunderbolts before half time.

USA SUB: Reyna is replaced by Olsen; the USA captain tried to continue after suffering that injury, but it became too painful.

USA have certainly upped the tempo in the last few minutes or so; they have Ghana under a little pressure at the moment.

ALMOST! Eddie Lewis sprints down the left wing; he sends over a low cross, but it is just behind the runs of McBride and Dempsey, and Ghana clear.

USA launch a very promising counter-attack through Dempsey, Donovan and McBride, but Ghana flood back and snuff out the threat.

...Lewis curls the ball in to the middle, aiming for Dempsey at the far post, but Kingston comes through a crowd to punch out for a corner.

Dramani fouls Cherundolo on the right-edge of the penalty area; this is a great chance to put the Ghanaian defence under pressure...

AWFUL! A long pass up-field is headed down wonderfully by McBride; he finds Donovan, but the forward slices his shot over the crossbar from 12 yards out.

Remember, the USA were forced to play 45 minutes with just nine men in their last match following the two red cards - the extra running their midfield were forced to do will surely take its toll eventually.

Dempsey takes a big hit from Shilla, who is booked for the challenge; replays show that the Ghana defender did jump with his arms raised and catch Dempsey in the face.

According to the official stats, USA haven't even managed a single shot on goal during this tournament so far - it seems unlikely they are going to manage two goals in the remainding hour of this match.

Essien robs Donovan in midfield; he clips the ball over to Boateng, but his cross is cut out on the edge of the penalty area.

It took Ghana a little time to find their feet in this game, but they look to have settled now; Essien is starting to get hold of the ball and drive his side forward.

JUST WIDE! Pimpong breaks through the middle after being played in by an excellent pass from Essien; he flies past Conrad, but then drags his shot just wide of the far post.

The USA now have a mountain to climb if they are to progress from this group - although there has been some good news from the group's other game, where Italy have taken the lead against Czech Republic.

Play is back underway now after Kingston's treatment - he looks to be moving freely enough.

A good sign for USA as Reyna walks gingerly back on to the field - he still looks in a bit of pain, but is prepared to play on to help out his team.

Amazingly, Ghana goalkeeper Kingston is now down after a collision with Bocanegra; he receives treatment on what appears to be a back injury.

Reyna is being stretchered from the field; it seems like he twisted his knee as he was being tackled by Dramani - he looks in a lot of pain, and it looks doubtful he will return to the action.

A mistake by USA captain Reyna led to the Ghana goal - Reyna was caught in possession by Dramani, just outside his own penalty area and the striker then kept his head to put Ghana in a great position.

GOAL! Dramani benefits from a defensive slip by the USA defence; he cuts in from the left wing and slots a great finish past Keller.

It would represent a remarkable achievement for either of these sides to progress from the group stage.

FINALLY! Ghana have a little spell of pressure; a good cross is directed in to the middle, but Cherundolo heads out for a corner at the near post.

A draw will be enough for Ghana to progress to the knockout stages - if the Czech Republic are beaten by Italy in the group's other game this afternoon.

The USA are trying to keep the tempo high in this massive match; they know that they can't allow the game to drift - they need to keep Ghana under pressure.

Eddie Lewis is back on the field after having a small cut to the eye patched up by the USA doctors.

...The corner is sent in to the middle, where an unmarked Dempsey meets it, but he plants his header straight at the goalkeeper.

USA win a corner; Onyewu heads forward from the back...

Lewis takes a blow on the top of the head after a clash with Pantsil; he is forced to the sidelines to have a cut treated.

Bruce Arena looks a little tense on the sidelines; he is shaking his head and muttering to himself.

Ghana haven't had the opportunity to really show their strength up front; they have really been pushed back by the USA.

Lewis is caught by Appiah; we have already had two bookings in these early minutes - Reyna and Essien.

ALMOST! McBride makes a good run in to the area as he tries to get on the end of Lewis' ball, but the linesman rules he has gone too early and flags for off-side.

There have been no chances yet for either side, but USA have certainly had more of the ball and are getting plenty players forward to support McBride.

USA have made an impressive start in Nuremburg in a match they need to win.

Sorry for the technical difficulties at the start of the game; we're up to date now.

Cherundolo comes inside and tries to chip a ball over the top for McBride, but Mensah jumps to head clear.

OOH! Appiah rolls the ball to edge of the area where Essien meets it, but the Ghana star smashes his shot well wide of the post.

...Keller organises his defensive wall...

Boateng is blocked on the edge of the penalty area by Conrad; free-kick to Ghana, in a very dangerous spot...

USA have certainly made the stronger start; they are getting plenty of players forward, and are looking very sharp.

Lewis is booked for a handball on Shilla; referee Merk has certainly set his stall out here - he is going to be very strict on any indiscretion.

USA will need to remain patient as they press for this victory; they can't afford to get hit on the break by Ghana.

Essien is booked for a late challenge on Reyna; it is his second yellow of the tournament, meaning he will miss Ghana's next game, should they progress.

There is a tremendous atmosphere inside the Frankenstadion; most of the fans seem to be backing the USA.

In the pre-match build-up, the USA have talked a lot about the speed of the Ghanaians; they are very wary about being hit on the counter-attack.

Cherundolo swings a deep cross in to the far post; Lewis wins the header, but Mensah is fouled as Dempsey tried to turn his effort goalwards.

Despite the fact they need a victory, Arena has gone for a 4-5-1 formation, with just McBride up front on his own - he will need a lot of support from the midfield.

All four teams can still qualify from this group, but the USA need a win to stand any chance of progressing - they also need Italy to beat Czech Republic in the group's other game.

The USA kick off on a mild, humid afternoon.

Hi there, readers; welcome to our coverage of Team USA's final and decisive Group E match of the 2006 World Cup - against Ghana, in Nuremburg.

GREAT BLOCK! Conrad gets back to block Appiah's shot after Ghana had launched a swift counter through Pimpong.

Johnson has certainly added a bit of pace to the USA front-line; McBride is excellent in the air, but he isn't the quickest striker.

A couple of very tight off-side calls have gone against the USA; Ghana's defensive line is very high, and there is a lot of space in behind for Johnson to exploit.

Ghana will be doing their best to slow the pace of the game down and try to take the sting out of the match - by whatever means possible.

Italy remain on top in the group's other game - that should give the USA heart.

The USA are being roared on by 'Sam's Army' - the massive following of fans they have in Germany; they are doing their best to lift their side in these final stages.

GOOD HEADER! Onyewu meets the corner from the right, but plants his header a foot over the crossbar.

JUST OVER! Bocanegra collects a loose ball on the edge of the area, but his left-foot shot just dips over the crossbar; it got a deflection on the way - corner.

That was so unlucky for the USA; they are really pushing for this equaliser now - and if they get it, we are set for a pulsating finish to this game.

OFF THE POST! Lewis does brilliantly to get to the by-line; he fires a cross to the near post, but McBride's header cannons back off the upright and back in to play.

The USA are at least trying to up the tempo and force the pace here, but Ghana just look too organised and determined to let this one slip.

DREADFUL! Dramani springs the off-side trap down the left-hand side; he tries to fire a cross over to a team-mate, but Conrad intercepts.

Only a good header back to his goalkeeper from Shilla prevents McBride getting in behind the very high Ghana defence.

USA SUB: Eddie Johnson comes on to replace Cherundolo; it's an attacking change from Arena, who knows that the USA need more poke up front.

GHANA SUB: Eric Addo comes on to replace Amoah; it's a change up front for Ghana, as they look to close out this match.

Donovan has been completely anonymous in this game; he has contributed absolutely nothing.

Dempsey does well to get around the outside of the full-back down the USA left, but his cross to the near post is easily claimed by Kingston.

Appiah sends another deep free-kick in to the penalty area, but it is just too high for Mensah at the far post.

Arena looks to be most unhappy on the sidelines; he doesn't seem to be able to find a way to inspire his men to this equaliser.

GREAT SAVE! Keller dives full-length to tip Amoah's 25-yard drive around the post for a corner.

Dramani is off the field at the moment, taking treatment on a chest injury.

...Donovan whips the free-kick in to the near post, but Pantsil manages to scramble the ball out for a corner.

Pantsil is penalised for attempting a bicycle kick as he tries to clear the ball; free-kick to the USA, out on the left touchline...

The USA don't seem to be playing with a great deal of urgency, despite the fact that they need two goals to stand any chance of going through.

No signs of any substitutes warming up for the USA; Arena seems happy to let the men out on the field take charge of this tricky situation.

Donovan tries to send Beasley through the middle, but the midfielder has to check his run to stay on-side and the ball runs through to Kingston.

Olsen sends a high cross in to the box; USA have got three men forward, but Mensah heads clear.

Bocanegra wins the ball in a challenge with Essien, who stays down after the challenge; he needs some treatment from the Ghana physio.

Kingston comes out and claims a cross from Beasley from the right.

The USA hev 45 minutes to score twice - they are out of the tournament unless they manage to win this match.

GHANA SUB: Addo comes on at the start of the second half.

HALF-TIME: Appiah's late penalty puts Ghana in the driving seat after USA had got themselves back in the match with Dempsey's equaliser.

GOAL! Appiah slots the penalty in to the top corner to put Ghana back in front.

PENALTY GHANA! Pimpong is pushed by Onyewu as the two challenged for a ball inside the penalty area. The referee points to the spot...

Lewis' cross tempts Kingston out of his goal, but Mensah heads clear before the ball can reach his goalkeeper.

That goal will really lift the USA - they will go in to half time knowing that if they can squeeze out one more in the second half, they could be in the second round.

GOAL! USA EQUALISE! Dempsey smashes home from close range after he had been found by an excellent low cross from Dempsey.

Reyna cuts a very forlorn figure on the sidelines; he is holding his head in his hands as the USA physio works on his injured ankle.

Olsen tugs the shirt of Essien as the Ghana midfielder burst through the middle; Appiah works the ball to Pantsil, but his low shot skids well wide.

Substitute Olsen will had some energy and dynamism to the USA midfield; he is well-known for his shooting from outside the penalty area - USA could do with one of his thunderbolts before half time.

USA SUB: Reyna is replaced by Olsen; the USA captain tried to continue after suffering that injury, but it became too painful.

USA have certainly upped the tempo in the last few minutes or so; they have Ghana under a little pressure at the moment.

ALMOST! Eddie Lewis sprints down the left wing; he sends over a low cross, but it is just behind the runs of McBride and Dempsey, and Ghana clear.

USA launch a very promising counter-attack through Dempsey, Donovan and McBride, but Ghana flood back and snuff out the threat.

...Lewis curls the ball in to the middle, aiming for Dempsey at the far post, but Kingston comes through a crowd to punch out for a corner.

Dramani fouls Cherundolo on the right-edge of the penalty area; this is a great chance to put the Ghanaian defence under pressure...

AWFUL! A long pass up-field is headed down wonderfully by McBride; he finds Donovan, but the forward slices his shot over the crossbar from 12 yards out.

Remember, the USA were forced to play 45 minutes with just nine men in their last match following the two red cards - the extra running their midfield were forced to do will surely take its toll eventually.

Dempsey takes a big hit from Shilla, who is booked for the challenge; replays show that the Ghana defender did jump with his arms raised and catch Dempsey in the face.

According to the official stats, USA haven't even managed a single shot on goal during this tournament so far - it seems unlikely they are going to manage two goals in the remainding hour of this match.

Essien robs Donovan in midfield; he clips the ball over to Boateng, but his cross is cut out on the edge of the penalty area.

It took Ghana a little time to find their feet in this game, but they look to have settled now; Essien is starting to get hold of the ball and drive his side forward.

JUST WIDE! Pimpong breaks through the middle after being played in by an excellent pass from Essien; he flies past Conrad, but then drags his shot just wide of the far post.

The USA now have a mountain to climb if they are to progress from this group - although there has been some good news from the group's other game, where Italy have taken the lead against Czech Republic.

Play is back underway now after Kingston's treatment - he looks to be moving freely enough.

A good sign for USA as Reyna walks gingerly back on to the field - he still looks in a bit of pain, but is prepared to play on to help out his team.

Amazingly, Ghana goalkeeper Kingston is now down after a collision with Bocanegra; he receives treatment on what appears to be a back injury.

Reyna is being stretchered from the field; it seems like he twisted his knee as he was being tackled by Dramani - he looks in a lot of pain, and it looks doubtful he will return to the action.

A mistake by USA captain Reyna led to the Ghana goal - Reyna was caught in possession by Dramani, just outside his own penalty area and the striker then kept his head to put Ghana in a great position.

GOAL! Dramani benefits from a defensive slip by the USA defence; he cuts in from the left wing and slots a great finish past Keller.

It would represent a remarkable achievement for either of these sides to progress from the group stage.

FINALLY! Ghana have a little spell of pressure; a good cross is directed in to the middle, but Cherundolo heads out for a corner at the near post.

A draw will be enough for Ghana to progress to the knockout stages - if the Czech Republic are beaten by Italy in the group's other game this afternoon.

The USA are trying to keep the tempo high in this massive match; they know that they can't allow the game to drift - they need to keep Ghana under pressure.

Eddie Lewis is back on the field after having a small cut to the eye patched up by the USA doctors.

...The corner is sent in to the middle, where an unmarked Dempsey meets it, but he plants his header straight at the goalkeeper.

USA win a corner; Onyewu heads forward from the back...

Lewis takes a blow on the top of the head after a clash with Pantsil; he is forced to the sidelines to have a cut treated.

Bruce Arena looks a little tense on the sidelines; he is shaking his head and muttering to himself.

Ghana haven't had the opportunity to really show their strength up front; they have really been pushed back by the USA.

Lewis is caught by Appiah; we have already had two bookings in these early minutes - Reyna and Essien.

ALMOST! McBride makes a good run in to the area as he tries to get on the end of Lewis' ball, but the linesman rules he has gone too early and flags for off-side.

There have been no chances yet for either side, but USA have certainly had more of the ball and are getting plenty players forward to support McBride.

USA have made an impressive start in Nuremburg in a match they need to win.

Sorry for the technical difficulties at the start of the game; we're up to date now.

Cherundolo comes inside and tries to chip a ball over the top for McBride, but Mensah jumps to head clear.

OOH! Appiah rolls the ball to edge of the area where Essien meets it, but the Ghana star smashes his shot well wide of the post.

...Keller organises his defensive wall...

Boateng is blocked on the edge of the penalty area by Conrad; free-kick to Ghana, in a very dangerous spot...

USA have certainly made the stronger start; they are getting plenty of players forward, and are looking very sharp.

Lewis is booked for a handball on Shilla; referee Merk has certainly set his stall out here - he is going to be very strict on any indiscretion.

USA will need to remain patient as they press for this victory; they can't afford to get hit on the break by Ghana.

Essien is booked for a late challenge on Reyna; it is his second yellow of the tournament, meaning he will miss Ghana's next game, should they progress.

There is a tremendous atmosphere inside the Frankenstadion; most of the fans seem to be backing the USA.

In the pre-match build-up, the USA have talked a lot about the speed of the Ghanaians; they are very wary about being hit on the counter-attack.

Cherundolo swings a deep cross in to the far post; Lewis wins the header, but Mensah is fouled as Dempsey tried to turn his effort goalwards.

Despite the fact they need a victory, Arena has gone for a 4-5-1 formation, with just McBride up front on his own - he will need a lot of support from the midfield.

All four teams can still qualify from this group, but the USA need a win to stand any chance of progressing - they also need Italy to beat Czech Republic in the group's other game.

The USA kick off on a mild, humid afternoon.

Hi there, readers; welcome to our coverage of Team USA's final and decisive Group E match of the 2006 World Cup - against Ghana, in Nuremburg.