Outright Odds: 250/1
Group E Winners: 12/1
After successful 4 African Cup of Nations titles and producing gamers of the calibre of Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, the Black Stars have certified for the World Cup finals for the primary time in 10 makes an attempt, stretching again to 1962.
Regardless of being a drive in African soccer between the Nineteen Sixties and Nineteen Eighties, qualification for the World Cup was by no means a critical train and extra not too long ago the nation suffered from poor administration each on and off the pitch to scupper their makes an attempt to achieve the 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals.
Nonetheless, this drawback was eradicated underneath new supervisor Ratomir Dujkovic. The Serbian took over in December 2004 after Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto give up 4 months earlier. Dujkovic loved success with Rwanda, main a crew dubbed as no hopers to their first African Cup of Nations finals in 2004.
His affect was clear as Ghana received 4 of their 5 remaining qualifying fixtures, together with a 2-0 away victory over South Africa and ultimately topping their group by 5 factors on the expense of the Bafana Bafana.
The place Ghana excel is in midfield. Chelsea’s Michael Essien is a key participant for his nation and has additionally shone at membership degree, regardless of criticism of his £24.4 million price ticket imposed by former membership Lyon. They’re captained by left-footed Stephen Appiah who now plys his commerce at Turkish outfit Fenerbahce following eight seasons in Italy with Udinese, Parma, Brescia and Juventus. Sulley Muntari additionally brings with him Serie A expertise as he’s at present on the books at Udinese.
Ghana have been boosted in defence by the return of Roma centre half Samuel Kuffor. The previous Bayern Munich defender was out of favour following a dispute with the coach however since apologising he’s again in competition. Even with out him Ghana boasted a imply defence, conceding simply 4 objectives in 10 qualifying matches, the least of any African nation.
Regardless of a powerful setup, Ghana go into their World Cup group because the unfancied outsiders which may work to their benefit. They’re pitted towards one of many event favourites in Italy on their opening match so there isn’t any actual strain for them. The crew have gelled effectively underneath Dujkovic and are able to inflicting a gap match upset.
Past that they might wrestle as they lack gamers with a real leading edge in assault. The accountability shall be on Vitesse’s Matthew Amoah and Modena’s 20-12 months outdated striker Gyan Asamoah.
Really helpful Wager:
Ghana are able to catching out gradual-starters Italy of their first match and qualifying from the group can be a significant success. Additional powerful video games towards the Czech Republic and USA may see the Black Stars narrowly miss out.
Ghana to beat Italy @ 5/1
