Brazil legend Pele believes Ghana’s World Cup opponents USA look fortified under German coach Jurgen Klinsmann but admits they face an uphill task in Group G.
Pele is in Maimi on a promotional tour paid to sell watches and move copies of his new book.
The serial World Cup winner has tipped the Stars and Stripes to reach greater heights at this year’s mundial in his native Brazil.
The USA begin their campaign against Ghana on 16 June in Natal before facing Portugal and Germany.
“Klinsmann is a great trainer and has a lot of experience,†Pelé said. “We have to respect American soccer today.
“The U.S. group if very difficult with Germany, Portugal and Ghana, but soccer is a box of surprises, so nobody knows what will happen. I think American fans should be hopeful, and I have no doubt they are good enough to advance.
“Today, the U.S. is the same level as Europe, they almost made semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, and the base is more organized than in Brazil and maybe all of South America. I am happy because I feel I was part of it.â€