After Monday night's thrilling 2-1 win over
Ghana, the Americans have a chance to advance to the knockout round with
a win Sunday over Portugal. They are also poised to suck up some of the
U.S. sports oxygen for which they've waited four years in a country
still trying to figure out the intricacies of the offside rule.
This
version of the U.S. World Cup squad hasn't been a natural sell. They
don't look anything like the world-beating U.S. women, with the bright
cheeks, ponytails, and headbands made of pre-wrap that make them look
like everyone's daughter's travel soccer team.
"This team has a lot of movement with all their short passes, then they
play the long ball and are very good in the flanks," said Asamoah Gyan,
Ghana's captain, whose goal sent the U.S. home in 2010. "This U.S. team,
they are a very tough side."
