Ghana will kick off their World Cup campaign in Natal tipped to beat the United States but their bid for a coveted semi-final place could prove a much harder task.
Ghana eliminated the USA in the knockout round four years ago to make it to the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual fourth-place finishers Uruguay.
Four years on and the aim of coach Kwesi Appiah, the first Ghanaian to coach the Black Stars at a World Cup, is to take the Africans astage further than before.
But with Group G rivals Germany and Portugal widely expected to grab the top two qualifying places, a healthy dose of realism may be required.
The United States, coached by former German great Jurgen Klinsmann, face a tougher task to impress their critics.
Veteran midfielder Kyle Beckerman watched Ghana in a recent 4-0 friendly win over South Korea, in which Jordan Ayew struck a hattrick and Majeed Waris picked up a knock, and was impressed.
“They looked really good. They’re strong, fast and technically good,” he said.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Ghana (4-2-3-1)
Dauda; Afful, Mensah, Boye, Asamoah; Rabiu, Muntari; Atsu, Boateng, A. Ayew; Gyan.
United States (4-4-1-1)
Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Zusi, Jones, Bradley, Davis; Dempsey; Altidore.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ghana – Asamoah Gyan
Gyan excelled at the World Cup in South Africa and remains the main goal threat for Ghana. He enjoyed another wonderful season at Al Ain and will be full of confidence as he looks to expose a weak USA defence.
USA – Clint Dempsey
While Altidore has struggled for goals in England, Dempsey was prolific from midfield for a number of years at Fulham and will have to shoulder much of the goal-scoring burden in Brazil.
PREDICTION
Ghana should have too much for their opponents, with Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan in deadly form up top. Conversely, opposite number Jozy Altidore managed one goal in the EPL. Expect to see the toothless USA lose 2-0 to the Black Stars.
