U.S. can pay back Ghana

Revenge. Redemption. Retribution.

That pretty much sums up what the United States' motivation should be entering Saturday's game against Ghana in the World Cup's round of 16.

Four years ago, the Black Stars dealt the U.S. a 2-1 loss in group play that ended its World Cup. The 2006 tournament in Germany was deemed a failure for the Americans, meaning this is a golden opportunity for payback.

Now, the Americans have a chance to settle the score against Ghana and advance to the quarterfinals.

Here's a look at what to expect entering Saturday's match:

KEYS TO U.S. VICTORY

■ Clint Dempsey. The veteran American midfielder had multiple opportunities to find the back of the net against Algeria but was unlucky with his chances.

Sure, his shot set up midfielder Landon Donovan's winner, but Dempsey could have done better with his attempts on goal.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley should keep Dempsey in the midfield, where he's most dangerous, and let him control the point of attack with Donovan on the offensive side of things.

■ Dominate defensively. Notorious for its shaky play early and allowing the opposition to get decent looks on goal, the U.S. must shore things up in front of goalkeeper Tim Howard if it's to advance.

The Americans again came out flat against Algeria and almost paid for the sloppiness by conceding an early goal.

This can't happen in the knockout stage, so it is important for the likes of Jay DeMerit and his backline teammates to put Ghana on lockdown by not allowing any open looks on goal.

With Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan announcing his dominance on the international scene, it is pertinent the U.S. keep things tidy in the defensive third.

■ Robbie Findley. The U.S. striker must return to the starting lineup after missing the Algeria match with a one-game suspension following the accumulation of two yellow cards before the one of the World Cup's best games.

Findley will be fresh and has tremendous speed. An assist or a goal aren't out of the question, and it would be disappointing if he doesn't find himself on the score sheet.

OUTLOOK AND PREDICTION

This is a classic matchup of a more physical, faster, stronger side in Ghana facing a gritty, veteran-laden, more experienced squad in the U.S. in what should be a memorable battle featuring teams with contrasting styles.

American or not, I tend to lean toward backing the latter at this stage of World Cup competition. Experience is so critical at this juncture of the tournament, and that gives the Americans a slight advantage in advancing to the next round.

Prediction: United States 2, Ghana 1. A Donovan penalty kick and a goal from striker Jozy Altidore lift the Americans, who hold off a late barrage from the Black Stars to advance to the quarterfinals.

Jeremy Pond is a former sports copy editor at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He can be reached at sports@reviewjournal.com.