Hamburg: US coach Bruce Arena said Ghana's change of fortune was "miraculous" and expected Thursday's pivotal World Cup Group E final game against the West Africans to be a huge challenge.
"As well as we turned our team around from game one to game two, Ghana has been miraculous," Arena said on Tuesday at the US team hotel.
The US were rocked by the Czech Republic 3-0 in their opening fixture and Italy made short work of Ghana, 2-0.
Both nations responded in their second games, the US gaining a gritty, 1-1 draw with Italy but Ghana turned heads even more by dominating the highly regarded Czechs 2-0.
"Their (Ghana's) scoreline against the Czechs was deceptive," said Arena.
"They could have won going away by three, four or five goals. They got things right in game two -- they've got the momentum going."
To advance, the US need a victory against Ghana and Italy to defeat the Czechs.
One key aspect of the match, said Arena, would be dealing with Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.
"Their athleticism is one of their significant strengths," said Arena. "(Michael) Essien's one of the top players in the tournament. I think this will be a heck of a game."
Forward Brian McBride, bidding to score in three straight finals, stressed the need for the US to home in on Essien and be solid as a group.
"The only thing that will neutralise him is us keeping the ball," McBride said. "He's equally good in offence and defensively."
"The only way we are going to do well is if we do it together," he said.
"Regardless of how good Essien is, they're very good at finding space. We have to defend together and attack together if we want to win this game."
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