The Americans have watched no old tapes, have been given no pep talks about payback. It’s as if the discussion topic is forbidden inside the U.S. national team camp, as if the U.S. never lost those last two World Cup matches to Ghana.
There are only four players on the American team now who were on the field when the Americans lost to Ghana in South Africa, 2-1, in overtime — only two who played when they were eliminated by Ghana, 2-1, eight years ago in Germany. Maybe that’s good, because most U.S. players won’t lug bad memories of the green uniforms onto the field for their opener on Monday. Maybe it’s bad, because those who fail to learn from history are doomed to World Cup disappointments.
GHANA!