GHANA
Kingson: 7.5 - Is widely regarded as Africa’s top shot-stopper and did his reputation no harm with a great stop on Findley in the first half. He made a series of good saves in the second half but had no chance on Donovan’s penalty.
Pantsil: 6.5 - Nicknamed the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, he was strong and steady in defense, keeping a close eye on Demspey and company. He made a great sliding tackle to deny Feilharber in the 53rd minute.
John Mensah: 7 - Made a heroic sliding tackle on Dempsey and kept his defense corps calm, cool and collected after they were on the back foot for much of the second half.
Jonathan Mensah: 5.5 - The teenager was dominant in the air for the first 45 minutes although his poor pass to Dempsey almost led to a goal for the USA. He made a bigger error when he failed to get a piece of the ball and conceded a penalty.
Sarpei: 6 - Figured to be in for a long night going up against Donovan but the full-back held his own against the American talisman for one half at least before he was overrun and limped off the field in the 72nd minute.
Inkoom: 6 - Did well to get forward in the second half but was caught offside one time too many for his coach’s liking.
Annan: 6.5 - He has played every minute of the World Cup so far for Ghana and bossed around the American midfield for the first 45 minutes until the U.S. woke up in the second half.
Kevin Prince Boateng: 7.5 – He was the most dangerous player on the pitch for the Black Stars and he was rewarded with his first goal for his country and what a strike it was. Pulled up lame in the 77th minute and was forced off.
Ayew: 7 - Roasted Cherundolo at will in the first half and posed a threat to the USA’s back line whenever he had the ball at his feet. Faded away in the second period but still can hold his head high.
Asamoah: 6 - A solid outing from the Udinese midfielder although he provided a weak cross in the 27th minute when a good ball could have doubled Ghana’s lead at the time.
Gyan: 8 - Ghana’s hero tonight often cut a lonely figure up front but he linked up extremely well with Boateng and powered his way past both U.S. center-backs to smash home the game winner in extra-time. Won’t ever have to pay for a beer in Accra again.
Substitutes:
Lee Addy 6 – The 24-year-old will have pleased his coach with his tidy, polished performance.
Appiah: 6 - Added a veteran presence to the side when the Black Stars looked vulnerable.
Muntari: NA - Replaced the injured Inkoom
GHANA
Kingson: 7.5 - Is widely regarded as Africa’s top shot-stopper and did his reputation no harm with a great stop on Findley in the first half. He made a series of good saves in the second half but had no chance on Donovan’s penalty.
Pantsil: 6.5 - Nicknamed the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, he was strong and steady in defense, keeping a close eye on Demspey and company. He made a great sliding tackle to deny Feilharber in the 53rd minute.
John Mensah: 7 - Made a heroic sliding tackle on Dempsey and kept his defense corps calm, cool and collected after they were on the back foot for much of the second half.
Jonathan Mensah: 5.5 - The teenager was dominant in the air for the first 45 minutes although his poor pass to Dempsey almost led to a goal for the USA. He made a bigger error when he failed to get a piece of the ball and conceded a penalty.
Sarpei: 6 - Figured to be in for a long night going up against Donovan but the full-back held his own against the American talisman for one half at least before he was overrun and limped off the field in the 72nd minute.
Inkoom: 6 - Did well to get forward in the second half but was caught offside one time too many for his coach’s liking.
Annan: 6.5 - He has played every minute of the World Cup so far for Ghana and bossed around the American midfield for the first 45 minutes until the U.S. woke up in the second half.
Kevin Prince Boateng: 7.5 – He was the most dangerous player on the pitch for the Black Stars and he was rewarded with his first goal for his country and what a strike it was. Pulled up lame in the 77th minute and was forced off.
Ayew: 7 - Roasted Cherundolo at will in the first half and posed a threat to the USA’s back line whenever he had the ball at his feet. Faded away in the second period but still can hold his head high.
Asamoah: 6 - A solid outing from the Udinese midfielder although he provided a weak cross in the 27th minute when a good ball could have doubled Ghana’s lead at the time.
Gyan: 8 - Ghana’s hero tonight often cut a lonely figure up front but he linked up extremely well with Boateng and powered his way past both U.S. center-backs to smash home the game winner in extra-time. Won’t ever have to pay for a beer in Accra again.
Substitutes:
Lee Addy 6 – The 24-year-old will have pleased his coach with his tidy, polished performance.
Appiah: 6 - Added a veteran presence to the side when the Black Stars looked vulnerable.
Muntari: NA - Replaced the injured Inkoom
