The American dream is over in Africa. The Star-Spangled Banner will not be played at the 19th edition of the World Cup anymore, as the US lost to Ghana 1-2 in the round of 16 after a valiant fight here on Saturday. In a group stage meeting of the two teams at the 2006 World Cup, the Black Stars had prevailed by the same score line.
Asamoah Gyan delivered the knockout blow with a stunning left-footer early in extra-time. He converted a speculative long punt into one of the goals of the tournament with his strength and will power. Gyan brushed aside the meek challenges of US central defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Jay DeMerit to crash the ball into the net with a sweet strike.
For once, the comeback kings of the tournament failed to mount a rally. But the Stars and Stripes can head home proudly because they fought until the final whistle at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, besides topping Group C ahead of England earlier. The US endeared themselves to all here with their tireless running and positive approach.
Ghana have become the only third African team, after Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002), to progress to the World Cup quarterfinals.
They will face Uruguay at Soccer City on July 2 for a historic place in the semifinals.