2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

MatchDay 16 saw the first pair of Round of 16 matches between Uruguay and Korea Republic at Port Elizabeth and the USA take on Ghana in Rustenburg.

For some strange reason, the Koreans looked knackered early on in this match. I'm not sure if fatigue was the reason for some seriously lackadaisical defending that led to Suarez's first goal; he gleefully sidefooted the ball home after Forlan had driven a hopeful cross in front of the six-yard box that completely shredded the Korean backline to bits. Uruguay took some big risks by sitting back in their half and soaking up pressure, which eventually told when Lee Chung Young rose highest and nodded the ball home after another goalkeeping howler, this time from the Uruguay custodian. I've noticed that some mistakes in this tournament, especially when it came to high balls, occurred due to comical misunderstandings between the goalkeeper and the centerback(s). I'm no football expert but I reckon goalkeeping coaches need to think of training routines that simulate such situations and improve the goalkeeping standards which have fallen seriously in this tournament. Suarez's second of the night was due to no gaffes, however, as he powered a wickedly-swerving drive ten minutes from time. At first glance, it looked to be wide off the far post, but the torrential downpour had altered the conditions significantly and the moisture allowed the ball to spin inwards, hit the inside of the far post and lodge itself in the back of the net, much to the horror of the Koreans. A worthy candidate for the goal of the tournament, but the poor playing conditions, especially the pitch, will earn some criticism from both teams.

An extremely tight game, almost like a chess match between two schizophrenic people. Ghana's goalkeeper Richard Kingson turned in a massive performance, denying the Americans several times as the last barrier. Ghana's midfield blew hot and cold, but so did the American forward line, with Findley the biggest culprit having blown a hatful of chances. The Americans, yet again, found inner reserves to claw back into the match after being 0-1 down for almost an hour as Ghana had hit them with a goal as early as five minutes into the game. Donovan equalized from the spot, after Jonathan Mensah was adjudged to have illegally barged into Clint Dempsey when the American forward went on a rampaging run and was one-on-one with the keeper to beat. Gyan caused frequent headaches to the Stateside backline with his hyperactive running and though there was nothing to separate the sides at the end of regulation time, it was only a slick finish from Gyan in the first period of extra-time that eventually decided matters. Ghana's memorable run continues and with a spot in the quarters against two-time champions, Uruguay, the pressure of representing Africa will increase immeasurably. The Americans, though, depart with a feeling of "So near, yet so far!" for the second time in a row.