You Talkin' to Me? Will Ghana spoil the U.S.soccer party?

From: Harrington, Michael

To: Fagan, Kate;

Tannenwald, Jonathan

Subject: Cowboys in Africa

With South Africa out, as well as Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, the United States on Saturday faces Ghana, the default home team for the host nation and the African continent.

The Black Stars are no cupcake - no teams are, once you get to the round of 16. The defense is solid, and Asamoah Gyan is a danger man up front.

It's been a good couple of days for the U.S. squad, but it's very possible Ghana will spoil the party again. Still, I'm going with the Americans to win - the vibe is too good to have it end now.

Who wins? Does your heart say USA! USA! USA!, while your head says Ghana?

From: Tannenwald, Jonathan

To: Fagan, Kate;

Harrington, Michael

Subject: Cowboys in Africa

You know what, both head and heart say the U.S. team. I wouldn't have said that before Wednesday, but the win over Algeria genuinely broke my cynicism about this team's ability to get the job done when it really counts.

Ghana has yet to score a goal from open play in the World Cup, and even though their defense is good, I think the United States can get at them.

I also think revenge for Ghana knocking the U.S. team out four years ago does matter, even if the players don't talk about it.

From: Fagan, Kate

To: Harrington, Michael; Tannenwald, Jonathan

Subject: Cowboys in Africa

The more I think about the path the United States has set for itself (first Ghana and then either Uruguay or South Korea), the more I feel like this World Cup could be the turning point for U.S. Soccer. Final Four.

And if I'm wrong, at least I'm going down patriotic.

From: Harrington, Michael

To: Fagan, Kate;

Tannenwald, Jonathan

Subject: Cowboys in Africa

I can't think ahead to Uruguay or South Korea yet.

By the way, Kate, are the ousted North Koreans still in South Africa? (I know, how could you tell?)

Looks like Jong Tae-Se really meant to predict he would score zero goals a game. Given the lackluster play by the tearful original so far, Jong can probably keep the "People's Rooney" moniker, though. He's got the crying part down.

From: Fagan, Kate

To: Harrington, Michael; Tannenwald, Jonathan

Subject: Cowboys in Africa

I think the North Koreans are already back in North Korea, which is sort of sad for them. While they were here, they were probably watching HBO and eating Kentucky Fried Chicken.

As for Jong, I don't think he earned himself that English Premier League contract.