Stephen Appiah of Ghana was named Man of the Match by FIFA's Technical Study Group after his performance in the 2-1 win over United States in the World Cup Group E match in Nuremberg on Thursday.

Appiah becomes the second Ghanaian player after Michael Essien to win the award in the competition.

Ghana clinched a place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over the United States in Nuremberg before a packed stadium.

The Black Stars who started their tournament debut on a 2-0 losing note to Italy rallied back in Group E to beat the Czech Republic 2-0 before breaking down the Americans 2-1.

Even before playing Ghana, the United States believed it was in the toughest World Cup group.

The United States always trailed Ghana in the game as both sides settled the result as at halftime.

The Americans fell behind twice in the opening half as Ghana got goals from Haminu Dramani and Stephen Appiah, the latter on a penalty kick.

Clint Dempsey scored the first goal the Americans actually put into the net on a pass from DaMarcus Beasley before Appiah's goal.

Haminu Dramani in the 22nd minute fired Ghana ahead after robbing Claudio Reyna off the ball and hitting it past U.S goalkeeper, Kersey Keller.

But the Americans fought back and deservedly equalized through Clint Dempsey's first-time shot.

On the stroke of halftime, Stephen Appiah restored Ghana's lead from a penalty awarded against USA defender Oguchi Onyewu.

After the game, the Black Stars players took off their shirts and celebrated with the thousands of fans who had turned up in the stadium in Nuremberg.

Ghana thus qualify alongside leaders, Italy from Group E.