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June 30, 2010
Nii Amar Isaac looks at how we can beat Uruguay. This is the team their coach has (already!) named to face us Friday: A Uruguayan historian once said: "other countries have their history, Uruguay has its football." Suppose we can say the same for Ghana. It would take some strong guts and wits to go past a Uruguayan side that has shown few or no fissures in South Africa - yet.
Keeping clean sheets gets defenders beaming with smiles. And this comes no easier defending against Luis Suarez and Diego Forlán. The pair has scored three and two goals respectively at this World Cup, so far. In them, Uruguay has arguably the most potent strike force in South Africa. Both players were top scorers for their clubs in the season just finished. A trait that must get our own Milovan Rajevac quaking. Forlán scored the two goals that won the Europa League final for Atletico Madrid, finishing the season with 28 goals. Diego Forlan’s at the peak of his footballing powers and has taken the prospect at South Africa 2010 to strengthen his position as one of the best in the game. Under the spotlight, Suarez hasn’t faded. Despite being only 23, he is already captain Ajax and scored 49 times in 48 games in last season's Dutch Erevidisie. He's also transformed his club form into the international theater, scoring 11 goals in 33 caps for his country. Now this is what you must do, sir Milo. June 27, 2010
Getting into the quarters with Uruguay next Friday is big news. But the job is only quite beginning. We are not out of the World Cup but I think we can look at what has served us well till now and build on it. We've been tactically disciplined. The lads have played very much to instruction under Milovan Rajevac than we've seen a Ghana team do in aeons. Sometimes they haven't liked what they've been told to do, but bottom line is we've been given results. Even the Ghana FA acknowledges this as the President Kwesi Nyantakyi says: “having discipline dovetails into the performance of the team.” For those who think it's a joke, Nyantakyi adds that if Sulley Muntari “misbehaves again he will be thrown out.” From the Serbia game in the beginning to the draw with the Aussies and the loss to Oezil's Germany, nobody has found us easy to break down. I think that we even should have won the Aussie game, but that's in the past. June 26, 2010
Stat of the day: Ghana has made history by improving on the last 16 finish it made in Germany four years ago. It is our first time in the quarters and we're the third AFrican team in the quarters, after Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002 As we've made it to the last eight, Accra and all other parts of Ghana are going ballistic. And you must understand why. The job is not done but the emotion here is raw, passionate and telling. Last week and throughout this week, thousands of people have been displaced by floods, people have also died and lost property and when the guys do these things, it makes us forget all our problems. My, someone pinch me! Ghana’s Black Stars once again showed why it is the hope of Africa by advancing to the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup. Ghana won 2-1. The United States was eliminated from the World Cup by Ghana for the second straight time as Asamoah Gyan scored 3 minutes into overtime, leading the Black Stars to a 2-1 second-round victory Saturday night. Kevin Prince Boateng put Ghana ahead when he stripped the ball from Ricardo Clark in the 5th minute and beat goalkeeper Tim Howard from 16 yards. Ghana did not manage a goal from open play in their group games – their four points came courtesy of two penalties – yet they lost no time in opening their account in the knockout stage. With just five minutes gone, Kevin-Prince Boateng dispossessed Ricardo Clark in the centre circle and set off on an impressive run. By the time Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra woke up to the danger, Boateng was striding into their penalty area, and though he struck the ball early, he did so with a conviction and an accuracy that surprised Howard. Once again, the U.S. came back, and Landon Donovan tied the score with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute after Jonathan Mensah pulled down Clint Dempsey streaking in. But no matter how much the Americans pressured after Gyan scored, they couldn't tie it again. In 2006, Ghana scored thrpugh goals by Haminu Draman and Stephen Appiah, but this time Appiah came from the bench and Draman, who was not a part of the team in SA, watched from Accra. “I am going to party till the break of dawn,” said Maria Asante said. Details and ratings later. Follow me on twitter @garyalsmith June 24, 2010
First of all, we're outta Group D and most of you got that right in the poll. Though we came second.
Thanks for voting. Ghana - Germany Video highlights It's a bit late, I know, but still here are the ratings for the guys in the Germany game. Again, I had egg on my face as I'd said in the preview that the Germans would try every dirty trick in the book to get past us. They were fair and deserved the win. Like I said in the preview, Ozil was the difference. Ratings follow after the jump.
June 22, 2010
Ghana - Germany Stat of the day: Germany have won their final group matches in the last four World Cup tournaments, without conceding a single goal in the last three At the moment Milovan Rajevac's side are top of Group D with four points from two matches. A draw with Germany will be enough to see us through regardless of the result between Australia and Serbia. Superior? You can feel the pressure in the German camp. A draw will not be enough for them to go through. That means we must battle this one to the death. At the back, John Mensah is said to be in good condition and will play. So is Isaac Vorsah. Mensah says he and his lads do not feel any pressure: “I don’t think there is pressure on us. “They will probably have more pressure because they are favourites. We all know Germany has a good team, but we believe we have a good team as well. We have to keep things tight, stay compact and I’m sure we can win the match." John Panstil is ok, after the bloody injury he got at the end of the last game. Their mindset of being superior in their gameplay may make them overzealous and that's where we need to be calm and levelheaded. No outbursts, no swearing and no gesticulations. Just be cool and collected. June 21, 2010
Stat of the day: Since Fifa increased the World Cup teams to 32 teams in 1998, it's been a fairly safe bet that you will qualify for the last 16 if you win your first game - this has happened 86% of the time - and go out if you lost your first - 92%. Ghana Wins the group with: Germany Wins the group with: Serbia Wins the group with: Australia Australia cannot win the group. Qualify with the following scenario: Meantime if you don't wanna forget the scores and keep track of stuff, you can download a free ESPN Wall Chart here
Or follow me personally @garyalsmith June 19, 2010
Ghana 1-1 Australia
Stats: 22 shots on goal 6 corners 50% possession Two points dropped, one point gained. That's what it was. Ghana lost a chance to potentially get out of Group D. No matter what anyone says, we should have won. Ten men in the first half for your opponent means that you go for the kill, not sit and be composed. That said, a draw is better than a loss and we go into the Germany tie with another draw or win on our minds... Now that you've seen Ghana's two games, let's ask again: See full match report here. Ratings and video highlights below: June 17, 2010
Obed Boafo tries to grasp what World Cup football does to the entire nation of Ghana. Some four years ago, in Germany, some 23 young men made Ghana proud by participating in the FIFA World Cup – their first appearance at that stage. Never in my twenty something years stay in the capital city of Accra had I ever witnessed such a colourful and splendid moment. For the first time in so many city years, I saw a Ghana united by colours, a Ghana where each person was the other’s keeper and a Ghana where, complete nonsense was made of politics (our daily bread). In fact, this was the moment where you could make too much noise on your next door neighbour and expect to be forgiven, run into another person’s car and walk away free because a goal was scored against the United States of America, go to work late and expect your boss to wince at you in a friendly manner and even cheat on your partner, get caught and not get queried! That was the magic of Germany 2006… You could imagine all those who committed one crime or the other say “we did it under the influence of football” (Not alcohol!). June 15, 2010
I've been looking to see if the Serbian media would hound Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac for, perhaps, being unpatriotic. It's happened before Although it is an issue largely ignored by other media outlets, Milovan's situation does recall the ugliness that followed the heavy defeat suffered by then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) at the hands of Yugoslavia when the two countries met in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. The 9-0 thumping in Gelsenkirchen remains a low point for African football and had life-changing ramifications for the players, who went from hero to zero, unpaid for their exploits and denied cars and properties promised them by dictator Mobutu Sese Seko as a reward for World Cup qualification. Many of the surviving members of that side today live in poverty. Serbia seething Serbia’s national newspapers, thankfully, left their 56-year old son alone. But they declared a period of mourning after the national team’s 1-0 defeat to Ghana. They must now win twice to guarantee qualification for the last 16. That seems unlikely if the mood of the Belgrade press pack is anything to go by. June 14, 2010
Stat of the day: Sunday was the first time that there have been red cards in three different games on a single day in World Cup history. Until the 84th minute of the match on Sunday night, the African teams had managed only a single goal – and no victories – in their first three World Cup matches. Nigeria and Algeria had failed to score in their losses to Argentina and Slovenia, while South Africa had been unable to beat Mexico, settling for a 1-1 draw. That explains why Asamoah Gyan could barely speak as he tried to sum up his emotions. But before we go into that, here's a question for you:
June 13, 2010
These are 11 Ghanaian professionals who worked hard and won the match with the Beli Orlovi. Enough said. Here is the goal. Stat of the day: Ghana have been awarded 3 penalties in only 5 World Cup games. Ratings Richard Kingson – 7 Isaac Vorsah - 8 Hans Adu-Sarpei – 6 John Mensah - 7 John Panstil - 5 Name has changed again from Paintsil, Pantsil, now this. Anthony Annan - 7 Andre Ayew - 8 Kwadwo Asamoah - 8 Prince Tagoe - 7 Asamoah Gyan - 8 Subs Stephen Appiah – 5 Lee Addy - na Did not come in early enough to be rated Quincy Owusu-Abeyie - n/a Was brought in to count down the clock. Milovan Rajevac - 8 Come back in a few minutes for the full explanation of the ratings. Meantime, start your own ratings.
Or follow me personally @garyalsmith June 12, 2010
Courtesy of our colleagues from the various TV and radio networks in South Africa, we'll bring you blow by blow accounts of the training session. Loftus Road, Pretoria. ERASMUS KWAW, Citi FM, Accra "Black Stars training is just about getting underway at the Loftus Road stadium in Pretoria. The President [of Ghana] J.E.A. Mills is having a word with the players and officials on the field of play. By his gestures, he seems to be encouraging the players to die for the country tomorrow. Team A: Richard Kingson, Samuel Inkoom, John Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Lee Addy, Dede Ayew, Anthony Annan, Kelvin Prince Boateng, Prince Tagoe, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan. Team B: Daniel Agyei, Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Jonathan Mensah, John Paintsil Now one set of players are practising shooting while another set is practising defending crosses. Eight defenders are involved in the defending aspect. They keep on changing posittions and roles on the field. Right back, left back, and central defensive positions as well. The players have all gathered together in the centre of the field. They are clapping and singing Seems the action is over. The song goes like this: "Remember what the Lord has done for you". In twi [a local language of Ghana]" They are now having a word of prayer. Followed by a loud shout Press conference coming up. *END*
Or follow me personally @garyalsmith June 11, 2010
Samuel Bartels examines where the match for Ghana could be won or lost for either team. Ghana vs Serbia Before anything, here is a team profile of Serbia to keep your juices flowing for the preview. Key Battles DEFENCE Zigic v Vorsah This creates space for his strike partners to utilize. He is the target of crosses swung in by Jovanovic and Krasic, but with some skill at his feet he would be a handful for the Ghana defence. Vorsah at 6.5ft is the Black Stars best bet of neutralizing Zigic. The Hoffenheim player has improved tremendously in both his skill and confidence as a stopper. Having sharpened his tackles with his feet for a man of his size he would be the Black Stars most reliable weapon at the rear especially with doubts over Mensah’s fitness. June 10, 2010
Here's all you need to know about Team Ghana. The video contains the same info as the text, so take your pick! Ghana squad Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson, Daniel Agyei, Stephen Aholu Defenders: John Paintsil, John Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Stephen Appiah, Andre Ayew, Derek Boateng Attackers: Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Dominic Adiyiah, Mathew Amoah Coach: Milovan Rajevac vs Serbia, 13 June, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Overview We were the first African team to reach the 2010 World Cup from the qualifiers. The only African side to progress past the group stage at the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany, the Black Stars are anxious to prove themselves as the cream of the continent. June 9, 2010
June 9, 2006 On this day four years ago, the 18th edition of the FIFA World Cup kicked off in Germany. The hosts started brightly by beating Costa Rica 4-2 in the highest scoring opening match in the history of the competition. Italy went on to win but in between the opening and the closing, there were abiding memories. Before we get to Ghana's team news, here's a sampling of the highlights of the last World Cup.
June 8, 2010
After getting to SA yesterday, the team have finished their second training session in Pretoria. Confidence is just at the right level, with players calm about the challenge ahead. With a $19 million commitment from the government toward the team effort, they've got to be. On the field, it seems Milovan Rajevac does not want to take any chances on his key players. He rested Kwadwo Asamoah at this evening's training session. But no fears, he'll be good to go against Serbia. Before the gaffer faces his home nation, though, he has given all of us another shot of confidence. The 56 year old was speaking to the media when the team landed yesterday. June 7, 2010
Finally, the talk is over and Ghana have landed in South Africa. The dream is within reach for the Stars. We just have to grab it. Germany, New Zealand, Algeria and Slovenia also touched down Monday, bringing the total number of teams there to 25. “Everything is under control and we are getting ready for the FIFA team brief,” Ghana FA spokesman Randy Abbey is quoted as saying. “The good news is that all of our players are in good shape and have no serious injury concerns. We are ready.” They'll be based at the Rhoode Valley Lodge Hotel in Pretoria. By this time, headshots of the players and staff for accreditation passes will have been taken. UPDATE: Monday, June 7, 2010 2130GMT: Stars wrap up first full training session at Werstferust (First Rest for you and me) in Pretoria behind closed doors. Good news is Muntari took part Essien poll results June 5, 2010
The pressure from home for the guys to win would have reached London by kickoff of this game. Latvia is not your idea of a big team. But as World Cup warm-ups go, everyone knows that a team needs a lift before the tournament proper. Substitute Quincy Owusu-Abeyie gave Ghana the lift when he scored a late goal to beat Latvia 1-0 in its final warmup match before the team leaves for SA on Sunday. Remember sometime ago I asked if Quincy should be brought back into the team in a poll? The 89th minute goal drew huge sighs of relief, I tell you. From the word go it was clear the guys wanted a win. Everyone knows that Ghana usually ends games with lots of possession, but 75% possession is a whole damn lot. Yet we managed one goal only. Video of the game's highlights + more below: International friendly It took a late goal by Quincy Owusu-Abeyie to kill the game for Ghana. Lots of possession, lots of chances not taken but most importantly, a win that will buoy the guys to the World Cup. Our own ratings coming soon but first, the highlights And after you see the highlights, why don't you start by rating the guys yourself? After all, whether it's the Head Coach or the Armchair Coach, we are all ''coaches'', right? Right? June 4, 2010
International friendly The Black Stars need a revival on several fronts as the countdown to their first Serbia game continues. A win against the northeastern Europeans will draw snide remarks in much of the home populace. But for the players themselves, it’ll be a huge fillip to record their first win in three games. Samuel Bartels gives his assessment of the Holland game. Ghana’s Black Stars must focus on a good start against Serbia despite the Dutch setback inflicted on them last Tuesday. That Ghanaians are cursed with a passion for football is obvious. Everything else must wait when their national team is in action. When the team fails to deliver: big deal. So the airwaves have been saturated with cries of despair since the flying Dutchmen pulverized the Black stars in Rotterdam on Tuesday night in Ghana’s first World Cup tune up game. The coach’s credentials have again been questioned, the likes of Sulley Muntari and Appiah are again the target of some rather unsavoury comments and the popular refrain now on radio is team no nnye!” meaning our team is not good enough! June 1, 2010
Ghana conceded the goals in both halves from Dirk Kuyt, Rafael Van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie’s spot kick. Asamoah Gyan got Ghana the consolation. Find the full match report on the mother site. The following ratings are only of the Ghana team. You can visit the Dutch blog if you are interested in theirs, however in brief, the Dutch were disciplined and affirmed coach Marwijk’s belief that he already knows his starting eleven. Ghana played the proverbial game of two halves: it seemed a more spirited Black Stars emerged from Mount Afadjato (Ghana’s highest peak) in the second half. Ghana starting lineup: Used subs: John Mensah, Dominic Adiyiah, Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan Video of the goals and ratings after the jump. Holland - Ghana After the unsuccessful Louis van Gaal, the inconsistent Dick Advocaat and the unpredictable Marco van Basten, since 2008 the dependable Bert van Marwijk has been in charge of Oranje. Since then the Dutch team hasn’t lost a match. - Why the Netherlands is going to win the World Cup. That's the kind of mentality of the Dutch team Ghana faces later Tuesday. This match is crucial from our side of things because Ghana badly needs to test the 'gellability' of Rajevac's final 23. We'll also know the players who'll be good to go when the Group D campaign starts with Serbia. The only match we've played with the Dutch at senior level was at Arnhem (October 13, 1998). The circumstances were very different at the time: we were not anywhere near a World Cup and they had just placed fourth at France '98. Still, we drew 0 - 0. Holland Last week, the Oranje played a friendly against Mexico. Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong and Robben were rested. But still, we learned 5 things about them, after the jump. |
- Gutsy Ghana gone graciously + thank you
- Looking to Uruguay(2): They've named their squad + how to beat 'em
- Looking forward to Uruguay (1)
- This is for Africa. Ghana 2 - 1 USA.
- The end justifies the means. Video hilites, POLL results.
- Ghana - Germany preview: Watch the trequartista called Ozil, team news, POLL, and Muntari (again!)
- Group D: What Ghana, Germany, Serbia, Australia need to do to qualify
- Ghana 1 –1 Australia: Player ratings + video match highlights + POLL
- Comment: When the boys go kicking - A nation’s unity in the hands of Milo’s 23
- International reaction to Serbia win + download a free ESPN World Cup Wall Chart
