With elimination on the line, the U.S. desperately needed to avoid an early deficit.

But sometimes, old habits are just too hard to break.

Repeating a scenario that we’ve seen in the 2010 World Cup – the U.S. trailed early in regulation and in extra time – ending in a 2-1 loss to Ghana, which eliminated them from the tournament.

In less time than it takes to pop some popcorn and prepare an ice cold drink, the USA found itself in a 1-0 hole after a midfield turnover led to a left-footed strike from Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng at the game’s 5-minute mark.  And just like that, Bob Bradley’s squad was forced to play in the manner that it has become accustomed to – turning up the pressure in search of opportunities while playing against the clock. 

The remainder of the first half saw both teams searching for good looks at the opponent’s net, but unable to get many good quality shots on goal.  Ghana’s first goal withstanding, there was still a great bit of feeling out that needed to be done.

At 61′, Clint Dempsey made a great individual move that would have produced an excellent look at the goal.  But he was taken out by Jonathan Mensah, and Ghana was penalized for this – resulting in a penalty kick for the U.S.

Landon Donovan lined up for the free kick - one-on-one against Richard Kingson.  Kingson dived to his right, but Donovan placed the ball to his upper left (off of the post) to tie the match at 1.  The goal was Donovan’s fifth career World Cup score, which is the most by any U.S. player.

Boateng gave Ghana its early 1-0 lead over the U.S.

For the next fifteen minutes, the teams reverted to their defensive-minded play.  But at 80 minutes, Jozy Altiodore retrieve a long lob pass.  He was able to get a decent look, but his shot was off the mark.  The teams settled to keep the score at 1-1 through the close of regulation.  So, it was on to extra time.

FIFA extra time rules call for two 15-minute periods.  And mere minutes into the extra time, Asamoah Gyan controlled a long overhead lob pass – and launched a a kick on the move that rocketed above the outstretched arms of American goalkeeper Tim Howard to push Ghana ahead by one goal.

As the first half of extra time moved on, Team USA was presented with a couple of opportunities in the box but did not capitalize.  The half ended with Ghana holding their 2-1 advantage.

The second half of extra time saw the Americans play with some early aggression, and they managed a free kick from just outside the box.  Kingson defended the play well, punching the ball away.  The final minutes of the contest saw the Americans attempting numerous lob passes that Ghana was able top easily defend.  Toward the close of the match, all of the U.S. position players (including Howard) came forward in an attempt to improve Team USA’s chances of placing a tying score on the board.

But it was to no avail, as the U.S. failed to advance – once again at the hands of Ghana, who also beat the Americans in group play by an identical tally in 2006.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author