Your co-workers will bolt from work early today. Bars will make a killing. And even the most indifferent of your friends will feign a slight interest in the World Cup.

For today, the United States begins its Brazil adventure when it goes toe to toe with its nemesis, Ghana.

 The Black Stars of Ghana haven’t been kind to America’s World Cup soccer aspirations. They knocked out the U.S. from the group stage in 2006 with a 2-1 win. In 2010, the Americans gave them a run for the money. But alas, an extra-time goal from Ghana — in the 93rd minute — sent the U.S. packing once again, 2-1.

Seven players from the 2010 Ghanaian team are back Monday, including the lightning-fast Asamoah Gyan, the team captain.

They’re unpredictable. And the U.S. will have to be ready for anything.

I will be rooting for the US to send Ghana, my second favorite country, packing.