How they qualified Ghana survived one of the continents toughest qualifying groups by winning five of their six matches against 2012 African champions Zambia, Lesotho and Sudan. 1-0 defeat in Zambia was their only set-back in a campaign that saw them outscore their opponents by 15 goals to three. That sent them into the final play-off round, where again the Black Stars were done no favours by the draw, which set them up against seven-time African champions Egypt. However, a resounding 6-1 win the home first leg basically settled the tie and sent them into their third FIFA World Cup in succession even before a meaningless 2-1 defeat in Cairo. World Cup history An impressive FIFA World Cup finals in 2006 saw the Black Stars beat the Czech Republic and the USA before being eliminated by Brazil in the second round, but they were the only African team to escape their group. In 2010, they were again the only side from the continent in the knockout rounds, and they equalled Africa’s best-ever performance by beating the USA to reach the quarter-finals. Ghana’s loss in a penalty kick shoot-out to Uruguay in the last eight was perhaps the most dramatic of the tournament, and they may well consider themselves as having unfinished business after Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty kick denied them from becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup. Key players There are few better midfields in the world than Ghanas as the Black Stars can call on veterans Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, as well as players hitting their prime like Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Upfront, the athletic Asamoah Gyan will be a vital focal point and no doubt anxious to prove that Ghana can be the undisputed class of Africa. - See more at: graphic.gh/sports/football/24523-team-profile-ghana.html#sthash.8kUYaTxi.dpuf
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 18:07:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015