United States against Ghana

Howard is up! The corner causes pandemonium in the box, but once again Richard Kingson punches clear. DeMerit volleys back in spetacularly, it goes high and wide of the goal.

<b>THREE MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

Chance from a deep ball into the box. Gomez nods down for Feilhaber, his goalbound effort is blocked. Corner USA.

Ghana breaking up play fantastically well, USA look absolutely dead on their feet.

Three minutes left. USA need to get their kitchen sink out...

Refreshingly Muntari puts the corner into the box rather than time wasting, unfortunately for him no one can get on the end of it. Throw in USA.

Corner Ghana after a seemingly needless header behind by Cherundolo. Valuable seconds being eaten up for the Black Stars...

Taken short to Cherundolo, his cross is cleared. He gets a second chance, which is wasted in the same fashion.

Muntari's first involvement is a challenge on Donovan. Corner USA...

It would seem that Inkoom is more hurt than I suggested. Can Muntari keep Ghana calm in these closing stages?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Inkoom is withdrawn for Sulley Muntari</b>

USA play on while Inkoom is down. Not quite sure what's wrong with Inkoom, he seems to have winded himself. The stretcher seems a bit excessive...

Kingson again deals with the cross excellently, punching out for a throw.

Bornstein brought down right on the edge of the penalty area. Chance for Donovan...

USA need to lift themselves, they seem consigned to their fate.

A soft foul given against Edu for a high foot. It looked the ball was there to be won.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Ghana start the second half of extra time.

Gyan showed incredible strength to hold off Bocanegra for the goal, not to mention a fantastic finish. A truly wonderful goal.

<b>HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME</b> Ghana have the slimmest of advantages.

<b>ONE MINUTE ADDED TIME</b>

USA take it short, the eventual ball in isn't attacked with much conviction by any of them. Where's the passion USA?

A chance for USA to flood the box with a free kick...

All of a sudden it's USA looking leggy. They finished normal time much the stronger, now they look slightly clueless.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The last team to tie the game after allowing an extra-time goal was Sweden in the 1994 quarterfinals. Romania scored in the 101st minute, and Sweden equalized in the 115th and won 5-4 on penalties.</i>

The confidence is back in the Ghana team since the goal. Their passing has been better, they've looked quicker and far more interested since taking the lead.

Stat Attack: <i>The USA have led for only 206 seconds at the 2010 World Cup.</i>

John Brewin is hailing the impact of substitute Stephen Appiah: <i>Stephen Appiah has changed the midfield dynamic back in Ghanaian favour. </i>

Bradley slices the clearance, Donovan is composed enough to get the ball away.

Ghana have worked their own corner after a burst from Appiah, can they put it to bed?

Ayew is off the field at the moment for Ghana. It looks like he should be able to continue.

Nearly an immediate response from USA! A free kick is worked well, the ball is put up to the back post, it eventually falls to Feilhaber, who whacks the ball into a ruck of bodies. Corner USA.

An impressed John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>What a goal from Gyan. he simply blew past Carlos Bocanegra to seize on it. Pandemonium in the American defence, chaos in the stands too. The Ghanaians were so happy they even messed up their dance moves.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Asamoah Gyan puts Ghana back in front!</b> Ayew loops the ball over the top. Gyan shows fantastic desire to beat DeMerit to the ball and fire an unstoppable effort past Tim Howard. What have USA got now?

Has Gomez got the goal that the USA are looking for? Ghana have started to look very tired, will they cope with extra-time?

<b>KICK OFF</b> USA start extra time.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Herculez Gomez on for Altidore</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Neither Ghana nor the United States have ever played extra-time at the World Cup. Also, no African side has ever been in a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup.</i>

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan5x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan's penalty has taken the match into extra-time.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>So, extra-time and the announcer feels the need to explain the rules to the crowd. I feel insulted.</i>

<b>FULL TIME</b> Extra time will seperate these two.

The corner is a good one, but the header is wide.

A last minute corner for Ghana. Is this their moment...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Ayew</b> booked for a clear trip on Altidore. He'll miss the next game, if Ghana have one. It seemed a little harsh.

<b>THREE MINUTES OF ADDED TIME</b>

Asamoah Gyan is down and looks in some pain. He's quickly back on his feet though and play continues.

A goal now would surely be a winning one. Both teams seem to have settled for extra time though.

Considering USA have Altidore up front, Ghana are playing a dangerously high defensive line. Can USA exploit it?

Nearly for Ghana, Ayew thought he was through on goal, only to see linesman's flag raised. Correctly I must add.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan4x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan celebrates with Michael Bradley.

Extra-time is looming large in Rustenburg. Is anyone going to clinch this late on?

Dempsey stands over a free kick 30 yards out. He has a menacing look in his eyes. His shot however, is far from menacing as it clatters against the wall.

Altidore wastes another one-on-one chance for USA! Mensah does well to put him under pressure, but Altidore was through on goal and hooked it wide. USA may live to regret these missed opportunities.

Gyan involved again, his low crossed is scrambled clear by USA. The game has gone a little flat in Rustenburg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Stephen Appiah on for Kevin Prince Boateng</b>

A wonderful passing move from USA. Bradley is really involved now, and he's played through on goal. He rushes the shot and wastes a golden opportunity to put USA in the quarter-finals.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_a_donovan2x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan's penalty hits the back of the net.

Gyan gets a lot of power on his headed effort, but from 20 yards out it was never going to trouble Howard.

<img src="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0626/kingsongoal20100626_275x155.jpg"> <br>Richard Kingson watches Landon Donovan's penalty go in off the post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Lee Addy on for Hans Sarpei</b>

Mensah catches Dempsey with his elbow, accidental but still a foul. The free kick is poor and the ball is cleared.

USA starting to look dangerous now, Ghana are losing their shape and you can see USA getting another one before the final whistle.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>That was Landon Donovan's third goal of the tournament, tying him for the lead in the World Cup with David Villa, Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Vittek and Luis Suarez.</i>

Asamoah bends in an effort from a free kick. On target, but straight at Howard.

More fantastic goalkeeping from Kingson. Altidore is racing clear, only for Kingson to dash out and claim the ball. It's the best I've seen the Wigan man play, though as a back up keeper at club level he rarely plays.

Have Ghana got the mental strength to turn the tide once more? It's a big challenge for such a young side.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>Ghana had begun to look ragged. Bradley's magic has paid off once again. Very cool penalty from Donovan, truly the man for the occasion.</i>

Yet again USA come from behind. The mind boggles as to what Bob Bradley does in that dressing room...

Donovan gets it right in the corner, a nervy moment as it clips the post, but a very cool penalty from the LA Galaxy man.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Donovan converts the spot kick!</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The USA and Italy are the only two teams to have come from behind to draw more than once at this World Cup.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jonathan Mensah</b> for bringing down Dempsey.

<b>PENALTY USA!</b> Mensah brings down Dempsey, what a chance!

Stat Attack: <i>No team has been behind at half-time in this World Cup and won the game.</i>

More from our man in Rustenburg, John Brewin: <i>A note of oddity: There are more German flags here than American. Perhaps they erred on the side of caution and believed they would come second in their group. Seems rather out of character.</i>

Ghana have adopted a far more defensive approach. Gone are the attacking tactics of the first half. As I type, though, Ayew breaks, tries to feed Gyana, only a smart block denies Ghana a second.

The corner is headed clear. USA need to make more of their set piece opportunities.

Mensah with some very smart defending. He executes a perfect sliding tackle with Dempsey racing clear. Corner USA.

Donovan with an excellent ball in. Kingson was rooted to his goal line and Altidore was inches away from converting. Feilhaber's introduction has enabled Donovan to get himself involved in the game.

I'm not sure what Milovan Rajevac tells his players, but they cannot stop shooting from distance. Gyan the latest to give into the urge and lash one wide.

Bradley is looking to get forward a lot more at the start of the second half. USA having their first sustained spell of possession in the game.

A powerful run from Bradley junior looks promising, until his final ball is misplaced. A lot better from USA.

A positive start from USA, Bob Bradley will be hoping for more of the same.

Feilhaber, making his customary second half appearance, is denied by an excellent Kingson save! The defending isn't too clever from Mensah, the ball runs to Altidore. Feilhaber arrives and tries to clip it over Kingson who gets a hand to it. Fantastic goalkeeping.

<b>KICK OFF</b> USA start the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Feilhaber on for Findley</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The United States have a +3 goal difference in the second half at this tournament (-3 in the first).</i>

USA have already shown they posses the character to come from behind in this tournament, they're still right in this. I can feel extra-time coming on...

Ghana will be brimming with confidence after that first half. Ayew, Gyan and Boateng have looked quick and dangerous. Kingson and co at the back haven't been overly tested either.

Surely USA will show more in the second half? Their better than their first half performance.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>Bob Bradley now has to repeat his half-time magic of the Slovenia match. A huddle between the Ghanaians reflects their sense of purpose.</i>

<b>HALF TIME</b> African hopes are looking in safe hands, USA will need to go up several gears to change this one.

More from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>Ghana have pegged back their attacking stuff a bit and may well be happy to sit on their lead. Nevertheless, their pace poses a considerable threat to the Americans should breaks happen.</i>

<b>ONE MINUTE ADDED TIME</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The 31st-minute substitution is the earliest for the USA in the last six World Cups. The previous fastest was DaMarcus Beasley for Jeff Agoos vs Poland in 2002 (36').</i>

From the corner, the ball comes to Bornstein who has possibly the worst shot of South Africa 2010. Just not good enough.

USA have their first corner. Can Donovan get a good ball in the Ghana box?

USA are being really sloppy in possession. More lose passing in midfield, Ghana break and shoot from distance yet again. The effort clears the crossbar by yards.

A nice idea from Bradley, trying to find Donovan round the back of the Ghana defence. His chip through is slightly over hit and it's a goal kick.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_thoward1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Tim Howard looks dejected after the goal.

Mensah heads clear the cross and Asamoah rejoins the action.

Asamoah is down and receiving treatment off the field. Free kick at the other end for USA. Donovan over it...

Howard has to make a smart save to deny Asamoah! A long punt up field, a fick on from Gyan, Asamoah puts his foot through it, but Howard is equal to the effort.

Donovan plays Findley through on Kingson. One on one with the keeper, he can only find Kingson's left foot. A really poor effort.

USA try to take a free kick quickly. Bradley spots a run from Altidore, Annan does well to read the danger and head clear.

Will that change for USA offer them more solidarity in midfield? Boateng has got the freedom of Rustenburg at the moment.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan gestures as Ghana celebrate.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Maurice Edu on for Ricardo Clark</b>

USA are looking to make a change already. Clearly someone hasn't impressed. Actually, none of them have impressed. Boateng has another effort, but it's weak and straight at Howard. Ghana being really positive here.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The United States have never conceded the first goal and won at the World Cup (15 losses, four draws).</i>

A wasted opportunity from Inkoom. Boateng charges down a through ball, Cherundolo's clearance hits the Ghana man and breaks for Inkoom, who just needs to lay off to Boateng for a tap-in. His ball is awful and the chance is gone.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Kevin-Prince Boateng's goal was the second fastest at the World Cup after Steven Gerrard's 4th minute goal - also against the US.</i>

Howard gathers after Bradley got his head on the corner at the near post.

A dangerous delivery from Samuel Inkoom, Bradley forced to head behind for a corner.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_boateng1x_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana striker Kevin-Prince Boateng celebrates his goal.

Ghana, today playing in Bradford City's home kit, have just dropped off a little in the last few minutes. USA slowly growing into the game.

Asamoah heads away Donovan's delivery. USA come again, Dempsey plays in Bradley, his low cross looks dangerous until Kingson gathers. First real attack for USA.

Free kick USA for a Boateng challenge on Cherundolo. A chance to put some pressure on Ghana...

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_inkoom_bornstein1x_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom tackles Jonathan Bornstein.

Altidore tries to run at the Ghana defence, it's easily dealt with and Ghana have possession again. Where is the USA team that impressed earlier in the competition?

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_findley1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>US striker Robbie Findley takes on Hans Sarpei.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The USA have allowed goals in the first 15 minutes in eight of their last 22 World Cup matches, including three of the four played in South Africa.</i>

Gyan hits the resulting free kick well, Howard reacting sharply to turn it away and USA clear. The Americans haven't got going yet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Cherundolo</b> first in the book for a horrible challenge. He'll miss the quarter-final should USA make it...

The Mensahs' get themselves in a tangle, both leaping to head clear with Findley ready to pounce. Their lucky to get away with that.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_asamoah_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah is challenged by Ricardo Clark.

Annan with a crunching tackle on Donovan, he got the ball, in addition to a large amount of the USA midfielder.

USA have hardly had a kick, they need to get the ball and have a sustained spell of possession. Mensah clears a through ball for a USA throw deep in Ghana territory.

First shot from the USA. Findley lays the ball off for Altidore, the big striker lets fly, but it's way off target.

Boateng is in the mood and tries his luck again. He makes an absolute hash of this one as it blazes over the crossbar.

What a lift that goal will give Ghana, and the whole of Africa.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Ghana's last five wins in international games have all ended 1-0.</i>

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>A telling burst from Kevin-Prince Boateng. A player of his ability cannot be allowed to run that far with the ball. Good finish but Tim Howard was slow to get down. It was struck at a time to leave the keeper flat-footed. The roars from the crowd tell me, that Africa is happy.</i>

USA have to come from behind once again, now we'll find out what Bob Bradley's men are made of.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Kevin Prince Boateng with a fantastic goal for Ghana!</b> Clark loses the ball on the half-way line, Boateng picks up the ball and runs on and on, before drilling a well-placed shot to Tim Howards right. What a start!

Dempsey tries his luck from a similar distance. His shot is far better and Kingson saves.

A rash effort from the young Inkoom. Gyan holds the ball and lays off to Inkoom, whose 30 yard effort is dreadful and trickles wide of the goal.

Ghana, the last remaining African country, can they keep the continent's hopes alive and progress tonight?

A lively start in Rustenburg, Ayew and Findley both try runs into the opposition half. Donovan does well to gain possession deep in the Ghana half, his ball across the box evades everyone and goes out for a throw.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Ghana get us under way.

The teams are out for the national anthems, almost time to get this one started.

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>I had forgotten just how loud the PA is at Rustenberg. They must be able to hear it in Lesotho. That FIFA anthem is pumping and so to the national anthems.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Ghana are only the second African team to reach the knockout stages in two consecutive World Cups. Nigeria were the first team to achieve that feat in 1998.</i>

Ghana make one change from the team that lost to Germany in their last game, Inkoom comes in for Tagoe.

Team news for the USA, Clark replaces Maurice Edu in the starting eleven, with Findley replacing Herculez Gomez up front.

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>Royal Bafokeng is by no means full as Team USA take on the whole of Africa - Ghana. A few English flags indicate that there are a few fans that were unable to change their travel plans. Your correspondent is one of them.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The only previous meeting between these two sides was won 2-1 by Ghana in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>With today's start, Landon Donovan will beat the USA's all-time record of 11 World Cup finals appearances, previously held by Cobi Jones and Earnie Stewart.</i>

Ghana carry the hopes of a continent tonight in Rustenburg, as the only African team left in the competition. For USA, they will feel they now stand an excellent chance of reaching the quarter-finals, perhaps even the semis.

Join us from 18.30 GMT for live coverage of the second game in the second round of the World Cup.

<A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=264108&cc=5739 target=new>USA are seeking revenge for elimination in 2006, can they defeat Ghana and reach the last eight of the World Cup?</A>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0625/bobbradley20100624_350x197.jpg">

A soft foul given against Edu for a high foot. It looked the ball was there to be won.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Ghana start the second half of extra time.

Gyan showed incredible strength to hold off Bocanegra for the goal, not to mention a fantastic finish. A truly wonderful goal.

<b>HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME</b> Ghana have the slimmest of advantages.

<b>ONE MINUTE ADDED TIME</b>

USA take it short, the eventual ball in isn't attacked with much conviction by any of them. Where's the passion USA?

A chance for USA to flood the box with a free kick...

All of a sudden it's USA looking leggy. They finished normal time much the stronger, now they look slightly clueless.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The last team to tie the game after allowing an extra-time goal was Sweden in the 1994 quarterfinals. Romania scored in the 101st minute, and Sweden equalized in the 115th and won 5-4 on penalties.</i>

The confidence is back in the Ghana team since the goal. Their passing has been better, they've looked quicker and far more interested since taking the lead.

Stat Attack: <i>The USA have led for only 206 seconds at the 2010 World Cup.</i>

John Brewin is hailing the impact of substitute Stephen Appiah: <i>Stephen Appiah has changed the midfield dynamic back in Ghanaian favour. </i>

Bradley slices the clearance, Donovan is composed enough to get the ball away.

Ghana have worked their own corner after a burst from Appiah, can they put it to bed?

Ayew is off the field at the moment for Ghana. It looks like he should be able to continue.

Nearly an immediate response from USA! A free kick is worked well, the ball is put up to the back post, it eventually falls to Feilhaber, who whacks the ball into a ruck of bodies. Corner USA.

An impressed John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>What a goal from Gyan. he simply blew past Carlos Bocanegra to seize on it. Pandemonium in the American defence, chaos in the stands too. The Ghanaians were so happy they even messed up their dance moves.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Asamoah Gyan puts Ghana back in front!</b> Ayew loops the ball over the top. Gyan shows fantastic desire to beat DeMerit to the ball and fire an unstoppable effort past Tim Howard. What have USA got now?

Has Gomez got the goal that the USA are looking for? Ghana have started to look very tired, will they cope with extra-time?

<b>KICK OFF</b> USA start extra time.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Herculez Gomez on for Altidore</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Neither Ghana nor the United States have ever played extra-time at the World Cup. Also, no African side has ever been in a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup.</i>

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan5x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan's penalty has taken the match into extra-time.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>So, extra-time and the announcer feels the need to explain the rules to the crowd. I feel insulted.</i>

<b>FULL TIME</b> Extra time will seperate these two.

The corner is a good one, but the header is wide.

A last minute corner for Ghana. Is this their moment...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Ayew</b> booked for a clear trip on Altidore. He'll miss the next game, if Ghana have one. It seemed a little harsh.

<b>THREE MINUTES OF ADDED TIME</b>

Asamoah Gyan is down and looks in some pain. He's quickly back on his feet though and play continues.

A goal now would surely be a winning one. Both teams seem to have settled for extra time though.

Considering USA have Altidore up front, Ghana are playing a dangerously high defensive line. Can USA exploit it?

Nearly for Ghana, Ayew thought he was through on goal, only to see linesman's flag raised. Correctly I must add.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan4x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan celebrates with Michael Bradley.

Extra-time is looming large in Rustenburg. Is anyone going to clinch this late on?

Dempsey stands over a free kick 30 yards out. He has a menacing look in his eyes. His shot however, is far from menacing as it clatters against the wall.

Altidore wastes another one-on-one chance for USA! Mensah does well to put him under pressure, but Altidore was through on goal and hooked it wide. USA may live to regret these missed opportunities.

Gyan involved again, his low crossed is scrambled clear by USA. The game has gone a little flat in Rustenburg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Stephen Appiah on for Kevin Prince Boateng</b>

A wonderful passing move from USA. Bradley is really involved now, and he's played through on goal. He rushes the shot and wastes a golden opportunity to put USA in the quarter-finals.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_a_donovan2x_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan's penalty hits the back of the net.

Gyan gets a lot of power on his headed effort, but from 20 yards out it was never going to trouble Howard.

<img src="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0626/kingsongoal20100626_275x155.jpg"> <br>Richard Kingson watches Landon Donovan's penalty go in off the post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Lee Addy on for Hans Sarpei</b>

Mensah catches Dempsey with his elbow, accidental but still a foul. The free kick is poor and the ball is cleared.

USA starting to look dangerous now, Ghana are losing their shape and you can see USA getting another one before the final whistle.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>That was Landon Donovan's third goal of the tournament, tying him for the lead in the World Cup with David Villa, Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Vittek and Luis Suarez.</i>

Asamoah bends in an effort from a free kick. On target, but straight at Howard.

More fantastic goalkeeping from Kingson. Altidore is racing clear, only for Kingson to dash out and claim the ball. It's the best I've seen the Wigan man play, though as a back up keeper at club level he rarely plays.

Have Ghana got the mental strength to turn the tide once more? It's a big challenge for such a young side.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>Ghana had begun to look ragged. Bradley's magic has paid off once again. Very cool penalty from Donovan, truly the man for the occasion.</i>

Yet again USA come from behind. The mind boggles as to what Bob Bradley does in that dressing room...

Donovan gets it right in the corner, a nervy moment as it clips the post, but a very cool penalty from the LA Galaxy man.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Donovan converts the spot kick!</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The USA and Italy are the only two teams to have come from behind to draw more than once at this World Cup.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jonathan Mensah</b> for bringing down Dempsey.

<b>PENALTY USA!</b> Mensah brings down Dempsey, what a chance!

Stat Attack: <i>No team has been behind at half-time in this World Cup and won the game.</i>

More from our man in Rustenburg, John Brewin: <i>A note of oddity: There are more German flags here than American. Perhaps they erred on the side of caution and believed they would come second in their group. Seems rather out of character.</i>

Ghana have adopted a far more defensive approach. Gone are the attacking tactics of the first half. As I type, though, Ayew breaks, tries to feed Gyana, only a smart block denies Ghana a second.

The corner is headed clear. USA need to make more of their set piece opportunities.

Mensah with some very smart defending. He executes a perfect sliding tackle with Dempsey racing clear. Corner USA.

Donovan with an excellent ball in. Kingson was rooted to his goal line and Altidore was inches away from converting. Feilhaber's introduction has enabled Donovan to get himself involved in the game.

I'm not sure what Milovan Rajevac tells his players, but they cannot stop shooting from distance. Gyan the latest to give into the urge and lash one wide.

Bradley is looking to get forward a lot more at the start of the second half. USA having their first sustained spell of possession in the game.

A powerful run from Bradley junior looks promising, until his final ball is misplaced. A lot better from USA.

A positive start from USA, Bob Bradley will be hoping for more of the same.

Feilhaber, making his customary second half appearance, is denied by an excellent Kingson save! The defending isn't too clever from Mensah, the ball runs to Altidore. Feilhaber arrives and tries to clip it over Kingson who gets a hand to it. Fantastic goalkeeping.

<b>KICK OFF</b> USA start the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Feilhaber on for Findley</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The United States have a +3 goal difference in the second half at this tournament (-3 in the first).</i>

USA have already shown they posses the character to come from behind in this tournament, they're still right in this. I can feel extra-time coming on...

Ghana will be brimming with confidence after that first half. Ayew, Gyan and Boateng have looked quick and dangerous. Kingson and co at the back haven't been overly tested either.

Surely USA will show more in the second half? Their better than their first half performance.

Comment from John Brewin: <i>Bob Bradley now has to repeat his half-time magic of the Slovenia match. A huddle between the Ghanaians reflects their sense of purpose.</i>

<b>HALF TIME</b> African hopes are looking in safe hands, USA will need to go up several gears to change this one.

More from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>Ghana have pegged back their attacking stuff a bit and may well be happy to sit on their lead. Nevertheless, their pace poses a considerable threat to the Americans should breaks happen.</i>

<b>ONE MINUTE ADDED TIME</b>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The 31st-minute substitution is the earliest for the USA in the last six World Cups. The previous fastest was DaMarcus Beasley for Jeff Agoos vs Poland in 2002 (36').</i>

From the corner, the ball comes to Bornstein who has possibly the worst shot of South Africa 2010. Just not good enough.

USA have their first corner. Can Donovan get a good ball in the Ghana box?

USA are being really sloppy in possession. More lose passing in midfield, Ghana break and shoot from distance yet again. The effort clears the crossbar by yards.

A nice idea from Bradley, trying to find Donovan round the back of the Ghana defence. His chip through is slightly over hit and it's a goal kick.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_thoward1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Tim Howard looks dejected after the goal.

Mensah heads clear the cross and Asamoah rejoins the action.

Asamoah is down and receiving treatment off the field. Free kick at the other end for USA. Donovan over it...

Howard has to make a smart save to deny Asamoah! A long punt up field, a fick on from Gyan, Asamoah puts his foot through it, but Howard is equal to the effort.

Donovan plays Findley through on Kingson. One on one with the keeper, he can only find Kingson's left foot. A really poor effort.

USA try to take a free kick quickly. Bradley spots a run from Altidore, Annan does well to read the danger and head clear.

Will that change for USA offer them more solidarity in midfield? Boateng has got the freedom of Rustenburg at the moment.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_donovan1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan gestures as Ghana celebrate.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Maurice Edu on for Ricardo Clark</b>

USA are looking to make a change already. Clearly someone hasn't impressed. Actually, none of them have impressed. Boateng has another effort, but it's weak and straight at Howard. Ghana being really positive here.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The United States have never conceded the first goal and won at the World Cup (15 losses, four draws).</i>

A wasted opportunity from Inkoom. Boateng charges down a through ball, Cherundolo's clearance hits the Ghana man and breaks for Inkoom, who just needs to lay off to Boateng for a tap-in. His ball is awful and the chance is gone.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Kevin-Prince Boateng's goal was the second fastest at the World Cup after Steven Gerrard's 4th minute goal - also against the US.</i>

Howard gathers after Bradley got his head on the corner at the near post.

A dangerous delivery from Samuel Inkoom, Bradley forced to head behind for a corner.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_boateng1x_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana striker Kevin-Prince Boateng celebrates his goal.

Ghana, today playing in Bradford City's home kit, have just dropped off a little in the last few minutes. USA slowly growing into the game.

Asamoah heads away Donovan's delivery. USA come again, Dempsey plays in Bradley, his low cross looks dangerous until Kingson gathers. First real attack for USA.

Free kick USA for a Boateng challenge on Cherundolo. A chance to put some pressure on Ghana...

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_inkoom_bornstein1x_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom tackles Jonathan Bornstein.

Altidore tries to run at the Ghana defence, it's easily dealt with and Ghana have possession again. Where is the USA team that impressed earlier in the competition?

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_findley1_sy_288.jpg"> <br>US striker Robbie Findley takes on Hans Sarpei.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The USA have allowed goals in the first 15 minutes in eight of their last 22 World Cup matches, including three of the four played in South Africa.</i>

Gyan hits the resulting free kick well, Howard reacting sharply to turn it away and USA clear. The Americans haven't got going yet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Cherundolo</b> first in the book for a horrible challenge. He'll miss the quarter-final should USA make it...

The Mensahs' get themselves in a tangle, both leaping to head clear with Findley ready to pounce. Their lucky to get away with that.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0626/soc_g_asamoah_sy_288.jpg"> <br>Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah is challenged by Ricardo Clark.

Annan with a crunching tackle on Donovan, he got the ball, in addition to a large amount of the USA midfielder.

USA have hardly had a kick, they need to get the ball and have a sustained spell of possession. Mensah clears a through ball for a USA throw deep in Ghana territory.

First shot from the USA. Findley lays the ball off for Altidore, the big striker lets fly, but it's way off target.

Boateng is in the mood and tries his luck again. He makes an absolute hash of this one as it blazes over the crossbar.

What a lift that goal will give Ghana, and the whole of Africa.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Ghana's last five wins in international games have all ended 1-0.</i>

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>A telling burst from Kevin-Prince Boateng. A player of his ability cannot be allowed to run that far with the ball. Good finish but Tim Howard was slow to get down. It was struck at a time to leave the keeper flat-footed. The roars from the crowd tell me, that Africa is happy.</i>

USA have to come from behind once again, now we'll find out what Bob Bradley's men are made of.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Kevin Prince Boateng with a fantastic goal for Ghana!</b> Clark loses the ball on the half-way line, Boateng picks up the ball and runs on and on, before drilling a well-placed shot to Tim Howards right. What a start!

Dempsey tries his luck from a similar distance. His shot is far better and Kingson saves.

A rash effort from the young Inkoom. Gyan holds the ball and lays off to Inkoom, whose 30 yard effort is dreadful and trickles wide of the goal.

Ghana, the last remaining African country, can they keep the continent's hopes alive and progress tonight?

A lively start in Rustenburg, Ayew and Findley both try runs into the opposition half. Donovan does well to gain possession deep in the Ghana half, his ball across the box evades everyone and goes out for a throw.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Ghana get us under way.

The teams are out for the national anthems, almost time to get this one started.

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>I had forgotten just how loud the PA is at Rustenberg. They must be able to hear it in Lesotho. That FIFA anthem is pumping and so to the national anthems.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Ghana are only the second African team to reach the knockout stages in two consecutive World Cups. Nigeria were the first team to achieve that feat in 1998.</i>

Ghana make one change from the team that lost to Germany in their last game, Inkoom comes in for Tagoe.

Team news for the USA, Clark replaces Maurice Edu in the starting eleven, with Findley replacing Herculez Gomez up front.

Comment from John Brewin in Rustenburg: <i>Royal Bafokeng is by no means full as Team USA take on the whole of Africa - Ghana. A few English flags indicate that there are a few fans that were unable to change their travel plans. Your correspondent is one of them.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The only previous meeting between these two sides was won 2-1 by Ghana in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup.</i>

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>With today's start, Landon Donovan will beat the USA's all-time record of 11 World Cup finals appearances, previously held by Cobi Jones and Earnie Stewart.</i>

Ghana carry the hopes of a continent tonight in Rustenburg, as the only African team left in the competition. For USA, they will feel they now stand an excellent chance of reaching the quarter-finals, perhaps even the semis.

Join us from 18.30 GMT for live coverage of the second game in the second round of the World Cup.

<A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=264108&cc=5739 target=new>USA are seeking revenge for elimination in 2006, can they defeat Ghana and reach the last eight of the World Cup?</A>

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