Uruguay vs. Ghana

Let's be honest: If you had looked at the groups prior to this World Cup, would these be the two teams you would have expected to make it to the final eight? Oh, the color guy will no doubt mention that Uruguay is a two-time winner of the Jules Rimet Trophy, but one was a shocker in 1950 and the other came in 1930 -- that's the stone age. And yet here they are -- thanks in large part to the brilliant play of Diego Forlan -- playing for the right to advance to round of four. Ghana is the last African nation standing, which is surprising only in that the Black Stars seem to play their best at the Olympics and youth level and then struggle at the World Cup. American fans will no doubt find that hard to believe, as Ghana has ousted the USMNT from the competition in 2006 and 2010. Don't hold it against them, however. Ghana play a tough, determined game, and they're representing their continent on the big stage at last. If you're a fan of the underdog -- as an American, you naturally lean that way -- you should be pulling for Ghana in this one. Game time is 1:30 p.m. St. Louis time, and you can click here for a list of bars and restaurants that will be screening the game.
Fri., July 2, 2010