The 2014 world cup in Brazil makes it the third time Ghana is appearing at a world cup, the world cup draw brought some ‘’oohs’’ and ‘’aahs’...
The 2014 world cup in Brazil makes it the third time Ghana is appearing at a world cup, the world cup draw brought some ‘’oohs’’ and ‘’aahs’’.
Ghana were paired in group G alongside three-time champions Germany, a Portuguese side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and a Jurgen Klinsmann led U.S.A. the group is dubbed ‘the group of death’ by analysts.
THE BLACK STARS
The Ghanaian team on the continent of Africa is a power house; they are four times continental champions. This side has produced world beaters like; Sammy Kuffor, Abedi Pele and the likes.
On the world scene, Ghana shares an African record of one of the two sides to ever reach a World Cup quarter-final from Africa. Ghana is ranked 38th in the world and 4th in Africa, asserting their quality and ever growing football brand
THE JOURNEY
Ghana qualified for the World Cup in a confidence building manner, they won five out of their six qualifying group games and they impacted a heavy defeat on seven time continental champions Egypt in the playoffs round with a 7-3 score line.
STRENGTH
Ghana has a big credit for being the most youthful side at the 2014 World Cup, the bulk of the side have been together since the Under-20s, which means there is a togetherness and cohesion in the side.
The Ghanaian team is one which draws attention. They play a fast-paced freelance football. The team manager James Kwesi Appiah, seems like the man for the job, it’s the first time an African Coach is leading Ghana to the World showdown. It’s also interesting to know that he was the coach of the Under-23s before being promoted to the National side, which means things fall into place because he knows a larger fulcrum of the side very well.
He allows the players to express themselves freely, which is synonymous to the African skill-based style of football. Looking at Ghana take on the Netherlands in their last friendly, it might sound out of place but I saw juggernauts in the making.
Fast, pacey, intelligent and diminutive wingers in the attack line, bulky tall central defenders, a superstar to watch out for in Rabiu Mohammed who serves as a huge protection for the defence was enough to convince me that the team was going places.
A quick overlook at the side shows some balance. The team is captained by experienced striker, Asamoah Gyan who boasts of 78 caps and 39 goals for the black stars. The coach carefully picked some experienced players to serve as guides to the younger talents.
The duo of Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari will make the plane to Brazil. The team is a mix of foreign based and continental based players. If things go well for the black stars, they might as well match or surpass South Africa 2010 feat.
WEAKNESS
In the wake of the black stars qualification for the World Cup, questions arose about the Ghanaian backline.
Given a back four where pursuit is often more prominent than providence, the doubt is affirmative though the centre-backs look tall and solid, the back four is still very young and inexperienced at the world level.
Adopting a 4-4-2 system at the World Cup by Kwesi Appiah has limited the use of the flanks with his forward players best suited with a three man attack. Lastly, Ghana greatest weapon could turn out to be their biggest flaw at the World Cup.
Kwesi Appiah allowing his players to express themselves freely could have a negative effect on the side. Big teams at the World Cup with group co-ordination could restrict and expose the Black Stars.
VERDICT
Ghana has done all that has to be done, preparation has been top notch.
They have even paid attention to little details, like clamouring for large turnout at their World Cup matches and their jersey has traditional Ghanaian prints on the neck and sleeves in the spirit of the Africans uniqueness.
Just like the U.S., Ghana is capable of both making the knockout round or finishing at the bottom of its group.
