Certainly, the opener versus Italy gave Ghana an understanding of World Cup pace and showed them that 90 full minutes of play were necessary for a result (and it gave them confidence, as they played strong for 80 minutes). But the surprising decision of the Czechs to hold out Baros and Koller (leading to a full scale change in strategy), probably underrating the threat that Ghana posed, in retrospect seems a questionable decision. Especially given that earning a tie versus Ghana would have earned them advancement on point differential. The Czechs will now be forced home to wonder what might have been.

And the U.S.? I guess one can’t complain at their effort. They were more hurt by disqualifications certainly than the Ghanaians were (sorry to Sulley, but Mastroeni meant more to the U.S.). And they can cry to their pillows about the supposedly shoddy foul by Nigerian strongman Onyewu. As many fans have noted, thanks to an African for getting us home. In reality, the U.S. did not have the striking talent to advance, and a draw would not have advanced them. Like the Stars, they were soft in their opening, but did not respond as forcefully in their rebound match. Maybe complaining about the refs will give them some comfort. For Ghana, we prefer the knockout rounds and a match versus Brazil.

Bring it on !!!

Man of the match? For me, propers have to be given to the Captain, for guiding the team through to history.

Ghana will be a team to be proud of this year.

The Stars have not been at their Czech peak this afternoon, but certainly have not been slacking either, with Haminu Dramani’s strike and a Stephen Appiah penalty giving the Stars a 2-1 halftime advantage. Clint Dempsey scored the lone goal for the US.

If you root for the Stars and are not watching this, then you have no heart. But for those watching, I think we can all agree that Ghana have been the dominant factor in this game.

Second half substitutions? Does Sammy Kuffour merit a trip back onto the pitch (preferably for current goat Boateng)?

Disappointments Ivory Coast finally collected a win in their group, following weak performances versus advancers Argentina and the Netherlands. It was a come from behind 3-2 win against a weakened and disgraced Serbia team, though, and hastened by the outrageous handballs of the Serbian defense. Ultimately, the lack of an organized defense did in the Elephants, who were hurt also by a lack of turnout by Didier Drogba.

Heartwarming story Angola also netted their second points of the World Cup, on a second tie versus Iran. Though they had the lead throughout the match, Iran truly was in control. With two ties versus solid competition, Angola have to be satisfied with their performance and have truly made a quantum leap that will inspire South African football. Watch out 2008 CAN!

Togo and Tunisia will both finish off tomorrow. With a matchup versus a France squad that is again on the ropes, disorganized Togo can expect a third straight defeat. While they have played more consistently and stronger than was expected, there can be no doubt that Togo was the weak sister (the Costa Rica) of the African Nations this year. Better luck next time boys! Tunisia, like Ghana, still can qualify if they beat Ukraine tomorrow. Ukraine, the Jekyll and Hyde of the tournament, could certainly be beaten by an inspired Carthage Eagle side. However, the side we have seen thus far in the tournament has been far from inspired and has tired noticeably in the second half of both games. Clearly only managing a tie versus weak Saudi Arabia is contemptible. We expected more from Tunisia.

For me, Razak Pimpong provides necessary energy up front to propel the machine and he works better with Matthew Amoah than any of the other Stars choices (and to be fair, there are few of them). Derek Boateng could work, though he is more of an attacking midfielder.

For Muntari, though, Boateng seems the perfect fit. Otto Addo will also, doubtless, be in the mix.

Remember, boppers, that a tie just might not be good enough. Certainly a tie and an Italy win would get us in. But Italy has every reason to play for the same distinguished draw that Argentina played for yesterday, even if it means risking playing Brazil in the second round. Like Portugal, they may even rest players. And the Czechs are expected to be back at full strength for the attack. So, a victory may be necessary (and who wouldn’t savor facing Croatia, or better, Australia in knockouts).

So, does/can Ghana match up? In goal, certainly Richard Kingston has been a revelation this Cup. And the U.S. has fewest shots on goal in the tournament (a measly 1!). The key will be continued solid defending by the crew that kept the Czechs in order on Saturday, especially a second fine performance from Silla.

In the midfield, the U.S. is looking tired and disorganized, and Ghana have a real opportunity to press their strength. The key will be on Eric Addo to step up on the World stage and work with Essien and Appiah to get work done.

And we will need to have some attack, as Asamoah Gyan’s appeal for reversal of his second card was denied. Matthew Amoah, wake up! We will need one from you bad today.

From my perspective, an Italy win would be disastrous. Italy would have no incentive to beat Czech Republic, who will doubtless be hungry. And the US will be needing to save serious face. (PS Italy just scored, so maybe a draw is best possibility to hope for)

An American victory might be better, but only somewhat. With all teams at 3 goals, Ghana would be in with a win. But, US would smell blood, and Ghana would be behind Czechs on goal differential.

A draw to me would be best. Italy would have the lead and Ghana would be in third, but US would have saved some face (leading them to lay off a bit versus Ghana), and Italy would not have a safe lead, meaning that the class of the group would have to play to win. In these terms, a Ghana win or draw would pass them through.

What do you think?

Ghana’s first world cup goal (an Asamoah Gyan jet in the 2d!! minute) is the earliest goal scored by an African nation in the world cup. And the truth is, they should have had 4! a penalty kick by Amoah glanced off the side cross post, and a smart pass by Essien to Gyan for a goal was declared offside on the most dubious of logic. To be fair to Ghana, the Czechs rarely even challenged. And, due to their excessive complaining, played the final 25 minutes a man down and completely disspirited.

The performance was exceptional from all comers, especially the revitalized attack of Amoah and Gyan. The Ghanaians controlled the midfield, and Richard Kingston was rock solid in goal.

Following his antics over the past two days, Sammy Kuffour was nowhere to be seen on the pitch today, and he was not missed. The defense stalled potent Czechs completely.

An amazing performance, I am also indebted to the wonderful Ghana fans for a spirited bit of partisanship. Especially those at Palace Gate Ghanaian Restaurant of Chicago, where I had the pleasure to watch history being made. If you are in the neighborhood, they also serve a mean bowl of soup.

More worries- the Stars have a real challenge ahead of them in a Czech Republic group that looked painfully efficient in dispatching the US today. With a win, Ghana could truly play the spoiler for the group, and even a draw would win some praise, but Ghana will have to think fast about amending some of their defensive weaknesses to make that happen. The World Cup demands 90 minutes of intense effort, and the 85 minutes that Ghana gave were not quite enough.

On the bright side though, hard, efficient play and an amazing effort from the solid midfield. Hoping there is more in the tank for two more matches.