EVERY ONE ELSE'S SECOND TEAM:

U.S. soccer battles Ghana in city where World Cup journey began (Steven Goff, 6/26/10, Washington Post)

The U.S.-Ghana survivor will face Uruguay or South Korea in a quarterfinal next Friday at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Ghana's Black Stars prevented the United States from advancing to the round of 16 with a 2-1 victory in the group finale.

"You certainly have moments when you think we are capable, if we continue to build on the successes so far, we can go to the end," Bradley said.

The Americans' best finish in the modern era was eight years ago, when they reached the quarterfinals before losing to Germany, 1-0. Entering this year's tournament, they were considered the second-best team in the group (behind England) but hardly a threat to make a deep run.

Along the way, however, they have earned credibility for an unshakable spirit and ability to generate goals in the closing moments.

"During the last half-hour [of matches], they really increase the rhythm, the tempo and the speed," Ghana Coach Milovan Rajevac said. "Until the final whistle, you never know how to deal with America."

In the process, the U.S. team might have finally begun to change the perception that it is strictly a blue-collar bunch.

"We have shown in these games the ability to move the ball quickly, intelligently," Bradley said. "We have some individual players who have made the kind of special plays that you need to go far in a tournament or win championships.

"We've never, in any way, believed that all you need to do is put on your work clothes. We do think it is important to have the ability to work hard and also be smart, disciplined, creative in the right moment. We are a team that tries to put all those things together."

The ITV and Match of the Day analysts have been particularly impressed by both the character the team has shown and the nearly unique willingness to chase a win in that 3rd game. Too many other teams just play to not lose.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 26, 2010 12:13 AM