Scouting Ghana

Despite being Africa’s best performing team in the last two World Cups (Quarter finalists on both occasions), the Black Stars do not come into this tournament as the African team expected to do well. This is because the Ivory Coast possess a more talented and experienced roster. In addition, Ghana faces off against the United States, Germany and Portugal in arguably the toughest group in Brazil. Despite these factors, the Black Stars are a team suited to playing the role of the underdog and a shock victory and possible qualification from Group G should not be ruled out.

Predicted line-up (4-4-2)

————————————-Fatau Dauda/Adam Kwarasey ———————————————

—————- Harrison Afful, Jerry Akaminko, John Boye, Daniel Opare,—————————

—Andre Ayew, Michael Essien,Rabiu Mohammed/Sulley Muntari, Kwado Asamoah/Majeed Waris—

————–Kevin-Prince Boateng ————–Asamoah Gyan————————————

Avoid Defenders

General Overview of The Defense: Right off the bat, I strongly advice against investing in any of the defense. Coach Kwesi Appiah is yet to name his final 23-man squad but what is for certain is that the defense will comprise of relatively young players who haven’t played much together. That coupled with the fact that shutting out Portugal and Germany is a tall order means that there is better value to be found elsewhere.

The Likely Lads

Michael Essien (AC Milan): In the squad more for his experience than current form, the former Chelsea man is best utilized as a cheap midfield option. Solid defensively and likely to be tasked with making the Black Star midfield repel attacks and tick, Essien is also a versatile player and can be called upon to play in defense. He has scored some magnificent goals from midfield in his career and will look to chip in with goals for the team.

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04): Since his move to Shalke 04 this season, the 27 year old midfielder has recorded 6 goals and 2 assists for the Bundesliga outfit. For those looking for OOPs, KPB should be among your candidates as the midfielder is listed as a Striker by his national team coach. Together with Essien, Gyan & Andre Ayew, they form the core of the Ghanaian team and are more or less guaranteed full playing time barring injury or a shock decision by Coach Kwesi Appiah.

Andre Ayew (Marseille): Charged with offering penetration, inventiveness and pace down the left, Ayew has crosses, goals and corners in his lockers. With the Black Star’s first game against their favorite team to play against, the United States, Ayew if an attractive option is priced low enough to be an attractive option.

Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain): This season for his UAE club, the Black Stars captain recorded an impressive milestone, 100 goals in just 3 seasons with Al Ain [81 goals in 65 league games]. Suffice to say if you were to bet where the Black Star’s goals will come from, he is your safest best. Unfortunately, he will be vying for a spot on teams against the likes of tournaments favorites, Neymar & Messi. For those wanting to play a wildcard forward, he fits the bill. A far more mature and composed player after that missed penalty against Uruguay in the 2010 Quarter-finals (after Suarez’s hand of God moment) his finishing has improved and the 28yr old is also coming into the tournament in the best form of his career. Most likely on penalties as well.

Cheeky punts

Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem): The right sided midfielder is most likely to start games from the bench. He is an explosive talent though and in a recent warm up game against a select side, the Dream Team, he strengthens calls for his inclusion in the final 23-man squad by scoring a first half hattrick. An energetic and skillful player, he will most likely be a part of the Black Stars squad in Brazil and one of the first names of on the substitute list.

Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus): Unfortunately finds himself on this list because he might not be in the starting 11 despite his obvious quality. This is purely a coaching decision and the May 31st friendly against the Dutch should give an indication of what Kwasi Appiah considers to be his strongest (and thus starting) 11.

The Opponents

USA: The Black Star’s favorite World Cup team. They will be hoping for 3 wins out of 3 consecutive meetings in their first group game.

Germany: A win will provide one of the upsets of the tournament. A draw will represent a solid performance and a valuable point gained. The more predictable outcome is a loss, the aim will be to keep a respectable score line should qualification come down to goal difference.

Portugal: Dependent on which Portuguese team turns up, this could go either way. A Ronaldo-dependent team favors the Black Stars as they have the personnel to keep him quiet and fashion attacking opportunities for themselves.

Predictions

Third in the group stages looks a very real possibility assuming Portugal and Germany are as ruthless as most of the pre-tournament analysis seems to suggest. The World Cup is no stranger to shock wins and a second placed group stage position could be possible at the expense of an unbalanced Portugal or a disappointing World Cup showing by the USA.