Ghana Analysis from Marcel Desailly

[tab5g]

Don't underestimate the Africans, warns Desailly
9 January 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060108/1/5swx.html

[tab5g]

From the article:
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Even though Desailly thinks that Ghana could be a surprise package, he is more than capable of providing a sober analysis of the Black Stars' chances. "They have some real quality in the side, with Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah being the most well-known names. I think they're short of a playmaker, though, someone really outstanding like Abedi Pele or Anthony Yeboah were in their heyday. Essien and Appiah are great players, but they’re not in the side to create chances. You could have a team of 11 Desaillys but that wouldn't be enough. I think that this team is very tight at the back and won't let many goals in, but they might not create many chances either."
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There were some mentions of America and the US in the write-up:

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"The idea behind the Trophy Tour is a good one in my opinion, it builds up the enthusiasm for the World Cup. It's not just a plus in media terms, it's also a real fillip for the countries involved, particularly first-time qualifiers like Ghana. People here don't know the World Cup. They've heard about it, and this American-style hype adds to the excitement. It can only benefit football in the long run."
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Read about the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/e/ctt.html
*note the trophy tour will be making this stop: 20 February, 2006 in Los Angeles, USA

and

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At the age of 37, Desailly knows that his playing career is coming to an end, and while he still has some irons in the fire, be it in Europe or the United States, he is already looking to the future. "I would love to work on training kids here in Ghana at my academy. It's not yet fully set up, but I'll be working on it once my player career is definitely over. I'm very much looking forward to sharing my 20 years of experience at the top level. I'm a born teacher, I really enjoy it."
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[SamsArmySam]

Nice find.

I don't think Bruce Arena will underestimate anyone. Our squad will come prepared. It's great to have the African Nations Cup to scout them.

Hopefully Ghana can upset either Czech or Italy.

[tab5g]

Hopefully Ghana can upset either Czech or Italy.

ties (generally speaking) in the other group games (CZE/ITA, CZE/GHA, & GHA/ITA) help the US more than any team earning three points in a game.

[elbita]

ties (generally speaking) in the other group games (CZE/ITA, CZE/GHA, & GHA/ITA) help the US more than any team earning three points in a game.

unless, of course, the same euro team loses to the other euro and ghana. then they'd most likely be out altogether regardless of our result against them. but i agree, generally speaking.

[swilso01]

I thought this was pretty objective analysis, but what I do not like is the argument that a team is quality because it has high-quali/ty players. I have heard a lot about Appiah and Essien, but how are they as a team? Look at Real Madrid...Portugal in 02, Spain (pick a world cup). I think the US team is good proof that a quality team has a good shot at beating a team with high-quality players.

[Galaxian]

I think we will be the last to underestimate a side , which is a huge benefit to us . I really think the Ghana game will be a tough game , but I hope Ghana can do us some favors in the other matches..