Another African side is in action today, with Ghana taking on the always-hyped USA side managed by Jurgen Kilnsmann, the man who recently came under fire for admitting that he thought his side were not going to win the tournament itself, shockingly enough. Outside of the weirder sections of the US press his view is fine, and both of these teams will be looking for qualification before anything else even if they have a degree of talent and World Cup experience to call upon.

For Ghana and their freedom-loving opponents there is another crucial factor to this game, one that is more

contextual than anything else as they both still must face Germany and Portugal before the end of the group stages, and know points will be harder to pick up in those games. If we see a pair of African wins and the Germans also victorious it will set us up for some thrilling games later in the groups, and some crazy celebration late into the night.




Clint Dempsey

After a long spell playing in London for Fulham and Tottenham, the Seattle Sounders star has proven to be a versatile attack-minded player. In Brazil, he is expected to play as a forward though he will likely drop back when needed. Dempsey’s last World Cup goal was scored against England off a horrendous goalkeeping mistake by Robert Green. But the 31-year-old will be apt to provide a more memorable snapshot of what is expected to be his final World Cup. Expect Dempsey to set up his teammates with important opportunities to score, and to be the first to pounce on any loose balls in the box.

Dempsey remains a special player, and all indications suggest he will be in top form in Brazil.

Tim Howard

Among the best goalkeepers in the World Cup, Howard brings not only experience but tremendous instincts. Howard still has fine athleticism to make difficult saves, but perhaps his most valuable attribute is how he does the little things. The 35-year-old is excellent at directing traffic, making accurate throws on counter-attacks, and choosing the right side for penalty kicks.

It’s highly improbable that Howard will let the U.S. down with a blunder. Opponents need to come up with a quality shot to beat him.




MICHAEL ESSIEN

Some Ghanaians have the feeling that Michael Essien owes them.

Often outstanding for European clubs Chelsea, Real Madrid and now AC Milan, the hard-working central midfielder has missed many of Ghana's big moments recently, including the last World Cup, because of injuries and then his sabbatical.

The 31-year-old Essien returned to the squad last year and his ability to power Ghana's World Cup challenge from the middle of the field may be crucial to the Black Stars' hopes of reaching the latter stages.


KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG

Having Kevin-Prince Boateng in the starting lineup has been a rare luxury for Ghana in the four years since the last World Cup.

Boateng made himself unavailable for selection in 2011 and only returned late last year for the end of the qualifying campaign for Brazil, when he was eased back into the team by Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah.

He scored in the last playoff match against Egypt and offers big-game experience from Europe's top leagues.

A German youth international from under-15 level, Boateng chose Ghana, his father's country, at senior level. His brother Jerome plays for Germany, which Ghana will face in the group stage at the World Cup.