Third time lucky for US against Ghana?

In a battle to the death, striking a decisive early blow gives a fighter a huge advantage. 

So when the US and Ghana clash Monday in Natal in Group G, both sides will be looking to claim three priceless points before meeting Germany and Portugal in the later stages of group play.

US coach Juergen Klinsmann has made this game against Ghana almost the sole focus of the rigorous, months-long preparation he has put his US squad through. 

The gambit seems to have paid off. In the team's final friendly before leaving for Brazil the US took on Nigeria with a new look formation which proved highly effective in taking down the Super Eagles with a high-pressing, high-energy game that saw them convincing 2-1 winners.

But whether they will be able to repeat that success against the Black Stars is a different story. Ghana has been the US' bogey-team in the past two World Cups, beating the Yanks 2-1 in the group stage in Germany in 2006, and by the same score, after extra-time, in the round of 16 in South Africa in 2010.

So it's understandable why Klinsmann, known for his meticulous preparations, has staked everything on this game. With both Portugal and Germany tipped to go far in the tournament, the US-Ghana clash offers both teams the easiest points in the group.

"I think it's a good thing that we put a lot emphasis on it, because if we can get the win, then we can refocus and go for Portugal," veteran keeper Tim Howard said. "There's no sense in looking [past] the first game.

"It's important to get three points in the bag. If we don't then we don't, and we've got two more game to navigate through the group."

Klinsmann has not divulged too many details about his game plan, but midfielder Jermaine Jones identified Ghana's physicality and speed as their main focus. The US is also focusing on three key Ghana players as the main threat. 

"We know it will be a tough game, they are a physical team, they have good players with [Michael] Essien, [Kevin-Prince] Boateng, [Kwadwo] Asamoah, but I said before we have a lot of respect for this team, but we are not scared," Jones said. "We try to go there and win this game."

The Ghana team however is filled with strong players, though experts are concerned that the defence and goalkeeper may let them down. 

In the midfield watch out for Mohammed Rabiu, 24, an energetic enforcer who has displaced Milan's Sulley Muntari in the centre.

Another key player in Ghana's swaggering qualification to the World Cup was diminutive attacker Abdul Majeed Waris, whose willingness to run at defenders and pull them out of position opened up space for team captain Asamoah Gyan. Nine goals were scored between the pair in qualification.

Veteran US midfielder Kyle Beckerman has a key role in neutralizing this threat. He will attempt to shield his defence and provide a solid platform for midfielders Jones, Graham Zusi and Michael Bradley to drive forward, with captain Clint Dempsey looking to get on the scoresheet.

The US is also hopeful that powerful striker Jozy Altadore has found form at the right time. After a barren season in which he scored only once for Sunderland in the Premier League he came alive in the US' game against Nigeria and bagged a brace.

US confidence was further boosted by Holland's demolition of Spain on Friday. After twice losing to Ghana it was a timely reminder that past results count for nothing at this year's World Cup.