Ghana

Ghana will be hoping to reproduce the form of four years ago in Germany and book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup, but it will be even harder in South Africa.

In 2006, Ghana were placed in the so called group of death with Italy, Czech Republic and USA but managed to win two games after losing to Italy in their opener. The Black Stars fell to Brazil in the second round , but despite an admirable performance, lost 3-0, in a game since regarded as being fixed.

As in the current trend in Africa, Ghana have a European head coach in Milovan Rejevac. Unlike his contemporaries however, he has been in charge for longer than a few weeks. The Serbian took over in Accra in 2008 and led an understrenght Ghanaian team to the final of this years Nations Cup in Angola, only to lose 1-0 to Egypt. 

In what is only Ghana's second World Cup finals, the four times African champions will be expecting success considering the quality of the players at their disposal, especially in midfield.   

SCHEDULE- Group D

Serbia        June 13th- Pretoria

Australia     June 19th- Rustenburg

Germany    June 23rd- Johannesburg

The draw has not been kind to Ghana for the second successive tournament. They face the best Asian team, Australia, European dark horses Serbia and three time winners Germany.

The opening game may be the most decisive. The draw has been tough for all African teams, despite playing at 'home'. Ghana remain one of the continents to progress however, despite the draw.

Defeat against Serbia is unacceptable, lose that game and the World Cup will be over before it even starts. A draw will keep them in it until the last group game.

KEY PLAYERS

Michael Essien is the lynchpin of the team. He has an even freer role than he has at Chelsea, which allows the powerful midfielder to surge forward and shoot from distance. His hunger, passion and selflessness will be needed if Ghana are to progress. If he is still suffering from injury come June 13th, then the Black Stars will find it harder to escape Group D. 

Pivotal in attack will be Asamoah Gyan. The striker carried his younger team mates to the final of the Nations Cup by scoring the winning goals in both the quarter and semi finals. The Rennes forward has scored 19 goals in 38 games for his country. An impressive record for a 24 year old.

Added to Essien's power in midfield is the strenght of Sulley Muntari. The Inter Milan player has an impressive goal return for a midfielder, scoring 15 times for Ghana. 

Added to these stars are an up and coming generation who won last years under 20 World Cup in Egypt. The Black Satellites beat Brazil in the final on penalties and Dominic Adiyah scored eight goals in the process. The Milan player has already been capped by the senior team.   

ONE TO WATCH- Asamoah Gyan

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Equalling the result of last time out would be a great achievement for Ghana, and even reaching the quarter finals isn't beyond the realm of possibility. To achieve that they'll need to start well and play to their maximum throughout. Unlike neighbours Nigeria, the Black Stars play with a team spirit that could carry them through.  

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Exiting, with all of their African counterparts, in the group stage.

PREDICTION

Despite the quality throughout the team and especially in midfield, Ghana might just miss out to on a place in the last 16 to Serbia.