ROUND OF 16: USA v GHANA (Tonight, Rustenburg, 7.30, RTÉ 2, BBC1):THE POST mortems have already begun for five of Africa's six World Cup representatives and the inevitable insults are starting to fly.

Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie last night criticised Nwankwo Kanu’s captaincy and accused Joseph Yobo of concealing an injury to play in the final game. Cameroon’s Stephane Mbia has claimed the infighting in their camp was “even worse” than France’s squabbling, while Algeria striker Rafik Saifi has been accused of slapping a female journalist.

If South Africa have so far avoided any public finger-pointing, Ivory Coast will surely be voicing their discontent soon after suffering elimination yesterday amid rumours Didier Drogba had lost the faith of other senior figures.

African teams have largely beaten themselves at this World Cup. Ivory Coast and Cameroon do not have less talent than Japan and South Korea, but chronic instability and divided camps continue to hamper all the continent’s strongest teams.

Well, all but one in fact. Ghana are the exception to the rule. Indeed, any United States supporters hoping to witness another African implosion in Rustenberg today are likely to be disappointed. The Black Stars are the one “home”nation who remain wholly united.

There are no rifts, no egos, and nobody questioning the coach’s choices. Just a group of players who enjoy each other’s company and enjoy playing together.

“We love and respect each other,” Fulham defender John Pantsil said. “Above all, we always stick together on the field. The more you work alone, the more problems you’ll have. You can have a hundred Maradonas, but if you don’t play as a team you can’t make it work.”

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac deserves credit for keeping his squad on an even keel. The Serb was furious when some players sought special treatment last November, fining Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari for skipping a friendly international with Angola. Muntari was slow in paying his debt and was subsequently left out of the Africa Cup of Nations squad. The Inter Milan midfielder remains out of favour – he has started every game on the bench so far – but does not dare make waves.

Rajevac knows he need not pander to big names because there is a fine generation of youngsters knocking on the door. According to Pantsil, the former Red Star Belgrade defender commands the respect of the dressingroom. “We listen to our coach, and we take our work very seriously,” the 29-year-old right-back said. “But when we aren’t playing we laugh and dance and have a good time.”

It looked as though Ghana would have ample opportunity to party at this tournament after an impressive opening win over Serbia. They have stuttered since, however, drawing with 10-man Australia, before missing a host of chances in the 1-0 defeat by Germany.

“We’re not happy about losing top spot to Germany,” reflected Pantsil, who is one of six current Ghana players who featured in the 2-1 group-stage win over the US four years ago. “We created so many opportunities but couldn’t score. We’ll have to tackle the problem because we’re flying the flag for the whole of Africa now.”

If Ghana are to become the third African side to reach a World Cup quarter-final they will need to be sharper in front of goal against the buoyant Americans. Rajevac’s charges may be united and tactically disciplined but they have not scored more than one goal in any of their last 13 outings.

Both their strikes in the group stage have been penalties from Asamoah Gyan, although US boss Bob Bradley is worried Ghana’s considerable attacking potential may suddenly click.

“They have talented individuals who are capable of surprising you,” Bradley said. “Their unpredictability is one of their qualities. You think they’ll pass, then at the last second they dribble. You think they’ll go left but they surprise you by going right.”

If nobody doubts the importance of this competition to Africa, the attention the US are generating back home is more surprising. Since Landon Donovan’s dramatic late goal against Algeria, the US has moved into overdrive – with Bradley even taking a call from the White House on Thursday night.

“We were all honoured to receive a call from President Obama before such a big game,” said Bradley.