World Cup has taken over the attention and passions of people around the globe.  The US a perennial underdog has fielded a team of veterans with unproven youth and a defense that is somewhat unsteady entering the knockout phase in the Round of 16.  Who starts in the US central defense will be a key component in coach Bill Bradley’s choices today.

Today’s opponent Ghanna is a dangerous, physical and talented foe.  Their defense has proven to be formidable but their finishing on opportunities leaves something to be desired.  The US will look to run a disciplined tight game and force counters leaving the Ghanna defense flat footed and out of position wherever possible.

This is a rematch of two teams who faced each other four years ago.  In that match Ghanna advanced defeating the US 2-1.  This time the US looks to avenge that defeat and advance to the Quarterfinal.

Uruguay will await the winner having defeated South Korea earlier today 2-1.

If the US gets through this one, the intensity will only ratchet up.  Also keep an eye out for Clint Dempsey, a Texan who backs down to no one.  There will be some physical collisions in this game.  The US may at times appear overmatched.  It will be the fight to come back and execute determining the outcome, for either side.

The US will generate opportunities and so will Ghanna.  Big huge opportunities that will leave you breathless, yelling, crying and screaming.  Scoring a goal in the World Cup is similar to a nation striving to put a man on the moon.  Except it’s more emotional.

There’s no ties now in the knockout phase.  One team advances and one goes home.  Today and everyday a match is played now.

2:30 kickoff on ABC in high definition.