#27-Ghana

#27-Ghana
Nickname-Black Stars
CAF (Confederation of African Football)
FIFA Ranking-#37
Group G (Germany, Portugal, United States, Ghana)
Projected Results...
Loss to Germany
Loss to Portugal
Tie to United States
Manager- Akwasi Appiah
Qualified through 1st place in CAF Group D, which qualified them for a playoff vs. Egypt. Won two legged playoff 8-2 on aggregate
3rd World Cup Appearance (2006, 2010)


Ghana had a very successful World Cup in 2010, barely missing out on the semi-finals of the tournament after a heartbreaking loss to Uruguay in penalty kicks.  Ghana cruised through CAF qualifying, and continued their success in their playoff against Egypt.  However, Ghana is in a very difficult group, with top 5 teams in the world Germany and Portugal in their group.  Ghana usually performs well against the United States, but the United States has really improved since last World Cup.  Ghana has some players that play in top class leagues around the world, especially in their midfield and up front at forward.  However, I am not at all convinced by their defense and goalkeeping.  Attacking and possession is key to Ghana's success, as pressure in their defensive third of the field is going to be extremely dangerous.  I don't see Ghana doing well in this World Cup, but it is a great achievement for this country to feature for the third consecutive World Cup.


Key Players
Asamoah Gyan- American fans probably remember this guy from last World Cup, when he scored a goal in extra time that eliminated the United States and kept Ghana alive.  He has great attacking prowess and instinct, and has played in the English Premier League as well as the Serie A in Italy.  He is a dangerous player, now playing for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.  Gyan has been magnificent in his career for Ghana, scoring 39 goals in 76 career appearances.  Watch out.

Sulley Muntari- Ghana's key midfielding player.  He has a knack for scoring goals, as well as creating the buildup for Ghana's attack.  Good at distributing the ball, and shows his quality at the club level for AC Milan.  81 appearances, and he has 20 career goals.  Another dangerous player.

Michael Essien- Another AC Milan player, who will be key to Ghana's success.  He is 31, so time is not on his side.  He needs to find his form from his days at Chelsea and Real Madrid in order for Ghana to have success.  He and Muntari need to control the midfield and possess the ball well.  In 56 appearances, he's scored 9 times.

Defense is going to be Ghana's downfall, but they will certainly entertain.  I see them finishing 4th in the group, but there are definitely teams worse than Ghana in this World Cup.  Ghana suffers from a difficult group, which is why they will finish 4th.