Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger were enthralled by the close, tense drama in the USA v Ghana game even if the extra time threatened to keep them from their respective nightlife fun.
USA 1, Ghana 2 (AET)
Ghana were left carrying the torch for Afric and it didn’t seem to weigh heavy on them. Inkoom set the tone with a rasping shot just wide of the American net. USA’s Dempsey forced a save out of Kingson but the Americans looked slow and a bit loose on their marking. Clark made a terrible mistake at the halfway line, loosing the ball to Boateng and he raced forward and with defenders standing off him he let fly with a great effort that put Ghana ahead. USA goalie Howard opted for a punch when under pressure from a Gyan free kick and with Dempsey and Donovan deep and slow Ghana went in quite comfortable with their slender lead.
USA coach Bradley shuffled the pack at half time bringing on Feilhaber and pushing Donovan forward and it made a big difference. The new boy charged at USA in the opening minute forcing a low left hand save from Kingson. Bornstein came back for America with a cross come shot but Kingson smothered it well. Then the USA got the vital equalising goal, Dempsey ran into the area, Mensah made a loose tackle to upend him and Donovan made sure from the penalty spot. The USA got stronger after that Altidore was always dangerous, Kingson made a great feet first sliding interception as he bore down on goal. Gyan headed over on a rare Ghana attack but extra time was needed.
This time Ghana came out fired up, a loose ball was picked up by Gyan and he ran at the USA goal, Bocanegra tussled with him bu Gyan kept his feet and his head and scored a great goal. Both sides were tiring fast and chances were at a premium. America put in one last siege on the Ghana goal but the Africans stood firm with goalie Kingson punching clear as even Howard his opposite number joined in. Jonathan was also immense in defence and the African dream continues.
South Korea 1, Uruguay 2
Another hard working performance from Uruguay laced with some dazzling skills as Korea showed their defensive frailties. It took just eight minuted for the South Americans to grab a lead, Forlan put in a low cross from the left and Korea stopper Sung-Ryong failed to intercept it leaving Suarez to slot it into the net. The Koreans were still adventurous going forward with Park Chu-Young their main threat.
The Koreans had to wait until the 68th minute to get on terms, Victorino made a mess of a headed clearance and Lee Chunk-Yong headed in from close range. it looked like it would take something special to settle the game and Suarez was the man for the job. With 10 minutes to play Suarez picked up the ball on the edge of the Korea goal area and mesmerised the defence before curling in a beautiful strike.
