Good evening and welcome to live text coverage of the Group G encounter between the USA and Ghana at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal where it is humid with winds.

Jurgen Klinsmann has opted for the 4-4-2 diamond system that he was experimenting with in the build-up to the finals. Sunderland's Jozy Altidore and former Fulham star, Clint Dempsey forge the attack with Michael Bradley supporting as the most advanced 'tip' of the diamond. As expected, Everton stopper, Tim Howard is between the sticks. Speaking to reporters ahead of the contest, Klinsmann insisted the Stars and Stripes would not look to smother the game. He said: "We don't look at ourselves as underdogs. We are not. We are going to take the game to Ghana and they will take it to us and it will be an exciting game and then we go from there."

Ghana will be aiming to build upon their success of four years ago when they were a missed penalty from Asamoah Gyan away from being the first African side to reach a World Cup semi final. Everyone remembers Luis Suarez's last-gasp handball, but what most fans won't recall is that Ghana have accounted for the USA by a 2-1 scoreline at the last two tournaments (2006 group stage, 2010 second round). Will it be third time lucky for the Yanks? Or will the Black Stars order a treble?

The USA will be glad to be on the verge of their opening match in Brazil so they can focus on the task in hand after the furore surrounding the omission of Stars and Stripes hero, Landon Donovan from their World Cup squad. Donovan, who is the USA's all-time leading scorer, was hoping to feature in his fourth finals. Instead, he will be trying his hand at a bit of punditry.

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Ghana getting in the groove...

Earlier today, Germany hammered 10-man Portugal 4-0 to take a firm hold of the group. You'd fancy 'Die Mannschaft' to go on and claim top spot now - but can Ghana or the USA add to Portugal's woes and steal a march on 'A Seleccao' in what could turn into a real scrap for a place in the knockout stages?

THE USA system.

TEAMS - GHANA: Kwarasey, Opare, Atsu, A. Ayew, Muntari, J. Ayew, Rabiu, Mensah, Asamoah, Boye, Gyan. /// USA: Howard, Besler, Bedoya, Jones, Beckerman, Cameron, Beasley, Bradley, Johnson, Dempsey, Altidore.