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Scouting Ghana

Ghana eased to qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with six wins and two losses in the qualification phase, clocking up an impressive 25 goals while conceding six in eight games, including an emphatic 6-1 triumph over playoff opponents Egypt.

Expected Starting Lineup

———————- Dauda ———————

Sumaila — Opare — Afful — Akaminko

————- Muntari — Essien ————–

— Asamoah — Boateng — A. Ayew —-

——————- Gyan (C) ——————–

What to Expect

Ghana were rather unfortunately placed with Germany, Portugal and USA in Group G, widely regarded at the tournament’s ‘group of death’. Anything but a win in their opening match vs. USA, a repeat of the round of 16 match up in 2010, could spell an early end to Ghana’s World Cup campaign. However, I expect the last qualification spot to go down to the wire with Ghana v Portugal on 26th June to decide Ghana’s and Portugal’s fate.

The Ghanaian defence is likely to come under siege over the three games, and may fail to keep opposition strikers at bay given how little experience it has. For example, projected starting left-back, Rashid Sumaila, being selected in an international tournament squad for the first time.

With only three clean sheets being kept in World Cup qualification to minnows Lesotho twice and Sudan, real questions will be asked of the Ghana back four and goalkeeper. Furthermore, over half of the goals they conceded in qualification came from wide positions; this may provide a problem for the potential group decider vs. Portugal, who carry a formidably potent wide threat in Christiano Ronaldo.

However, Ghana has a particularly industrious and solid midfield. Muntari and Essien are likely to be sat just in front of the back four, offering their defence protection. Essien, known as ‘The Bison’ reminded us why he adopted such a name with a fantastic display v Egypt in the playoff round first leg, showing us he still has what it takes to produce at the top level. Kwadwo Asamoah’s tireless running will be vital in winning the ball back, protecting the left-back and key to getting into positions to create chances for his country. Kevin-Prince Boateng should provide the real spark in the Ghana side in a role just behind the striker, while still being aggressive and strong in the tackle. Andre Ayew, the pacey, neat dribbler will provide attacking threat down the right flank and has been in good form for his club Marseille this season.

Upfront will see, team captain, Asamoah Gyan lead the line. The vastly experienced striker will be appearing at his third World Cup this summer, after making his World Cup debut all the way back in 2006 where he scored the first ever Ghanaian World Cup goal which was also the fastest of the tournament, coming after 68 seconds vs. Czech Republic. The veteran striker is very much in the groove, coming into Brazil off the back of a season yielding 29 goals in 26 appearances for club Al Ain.

Fantasy Prospects

Ghana’s likely cheap defence and Goalkeeper – This only really applies to the McDonald’s game. Seeing as Ghana are likely going to be conceding a lot of shots and possession in their group to Germany and Portugal and to a lesser extent USA, this may present an opportunity for plenty of save points for the goalkeeper (1 point per save) and blocked shot points for the defenders (2 points per block). Added to that, a point is awarded for each time a ball is recovered which could see the Ghanaian defence and midfield further prosper. All these mentioned factors could see Ghana’s goalkeeper, defence and even midfield rack up significant points.

Sulley Muntari – The AC Milan midfielder will be involved in plenty of hard grafting for his team in trying to win the ball back and stopping shots on goal v Germany and the like. This should see him earn a good amount of recovered ball points and possibly a bonus of some blocked shot points. Muntari boasts a very respectable scoring record for his country with 20 goals in 81 appearances having an eye for a long range shot. Most importantly, Muntari appears to have spot kick duties, in the World Cup playoff first leg vs. Egypt, he took and converted a penalty even with players such as Ayew, Gyan and Essien on the field. This only further boosts an already bright fantasy prospect as a mid-priced midfielder for the upcoming McDonald’s game.

Asamoah Gyan – A natural, proven goalscorer. Gyan looks a good option as a cheap – mid priced third striker in all platforms of the World Cup games. An impressive 39 goals in 78 appearances for his country coupled with already having experience at scoring in tournaments, Gyan is certainly worth a look in for this summer’s fantasy games.

2 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    I agree that there could be some decent value in their defence.

    However, they play their second game in Fortaleza at 4pm (local time). This might be a sluggish affair, or it may suit them a little more than their German counterparts.

    I'm actually thinking Germany might struggle in this group, giving Ghana a real chance of progressing.

    Germany's fixture locations are harsh:
    v Portugal (Salvador 1pm KO)
    v Ghana (Fortaleza, 4pm KO)
    v USA (Recife, 1pm KO)

    Lose that first game, and Germany vs Ghana could be tight, and very very crucial!

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  2. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Thanks for this second scouting of Ghana HeyDude. The confidence a second view of a team can bring to your attitude is great!
    Much appreciated.

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