Ghana Eliminates U.S.

The American adventure in South Africa came to a heartbreaking end Saturday after a 2-1 loss to Ghana in extra time. It was the second time in two World Cups that Ghana, the lone African side left in the tournament, knocked out the U.S. Ghana opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Kevin Prince-Boateng, but the Americans equalized when Landon Donovan put away a penalty kick in the 63rd minute. The score was still tied at the end of regulation, so the game went to extra time. And, yet again, Ghana scored early as Asamoah Gyan outmuscled two defenders to volley home and dash American hopes. “We were a little naïve tonight, and at this level you can’t do that,” Donovan said. “It was frustrating after all the work we’ve put in. It just sucks.”