Last Time I check Ghana has not lost to USA and Italy...?

[happii20]

I have been wondering what the world cup results will look like especially in Group E come Germany 2006. I also realized that USA and Italy have never beaten Ghana at the levels they have met so far(under 17 through to Olympics) . Ghana has a better head-to-head count against these teams at youth level. Most of these guys who were part of the Ghanaian youth teams have matured and may do very well at this tournament. Players like Stephen Appiah(who was in Italy and played in Juventus, Parma, Udinese among others), Sammy Kuffour who played with Torino youth team and later played for Bi Munchen for many years and now back with Roma in Italy. Essien and Derek Boateng are both power players, with Derek being more skillful. You will know about Derek in the world cup. He was part of the team which beat the Brazil youth team in the semi-finals 2001. Otto Addo and Eric Addo plays in Mainz Germany and PSV Eidhoven respectively. Muntari plays in Udinize. Ghana seems to know more about the Italians and that will be an interesting game to watch. The youth teams seem have benefitted Ghana by exporting most of its players to europe and some of the finest leagues.
The question is will these players who have matured over the years make an impact in this world cup?
The Italians are very curious about the Ghanaians whereas US funs seem to know nothing about Ghana. US has a good team and I hope they prepare adequately for Ghana so that all of us can enjoy an excellent group E matches.
Do you think the youth tournaments have any bearing in the future of soccer any way?

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

I have been wondering what the world cup results will look like especially in Group E come Germany 2006. I also realized that USA and Italy have never beaten Ghana at the levels they have met so far(under 17 through to Olympics) . Ghana has a better head-to-head count against these teams at youth level. Most of these guys who were part of the Ghanaian youth teams have matured and may do very well at this tournament. Players like Stephen Appiah(who was in Italy and played in Juventus, Parma, Udinese among others), Sammy Kuffour who played with Torino youth team and later played for Bi Munchen for many years and now back with Roma in Italy. Essien and Derek Boateng are both power players, with Derek being more skillful. You will know about Derek in the world cup. He was part of the team which beat the Brazil youth team in the semi-finals 2001. Otto Addo and Eric Addo plays in Mainz Germany and PSV Eidhoven respectively. Muntari plays in Udinize. Ghana seems to know more about the Italians and that will be an interesting game to watch. The youth teams seem have benefitted Ghana by exporting most of its players to europe and some of the finest leagues.
The question is will these players who have matured over the years make an impact in this world cup?
The Italians are very curious about the Ghanaians whereas US funs seem to know nothing about Ghana. US has a good team and I hope they prepare adequately for Ghana so that all of us can enjoy an excellent group E matches.
Do you think the youth tournaments have any bearing in the future of soccer any way?

ONE WORD: NO

[juanse_moncayo]

I have been wondering what the world cup results will look like especially in Group E come Germany 2006. I also realized that USA and Italy have never beaten Ghana at the levels they have met so far(under 17 through to Olympics) . Ghana has a better head-to-head count against these teams at youth level. Most of these guys who were part of the Ghanaian youth teams have matured and may do very well at this tournament. Players like Stephen Appiah(who was in Italy and played in Juventus, Parma, Udinese among others), Sammy Kuffour who played with Torino youth team and later played for Bi Munchen for many years and now back with Roma in Italy. Essien and Derek Boateng are both power players, with Derek being more skillful. You will know about Derek in the world cup. He was part of the team which beat the Brazil youth team in the semi-finals 2001. Otto Addo and Eric Addo plays in Mainz Germany and PSV Eidhoven respectively. Muntari plays in Udinize. Ghana seems to know more about the Italians and that will be an interesting game to watch. The youth teams seem have benefitted Ghana by exporting most of its players to europe and some of the finest leagues.
The question is will these players who have matured over the years make an impact in this world cup?
The Italians are very curious about the Ghanaians whereas US funs seem to know nothing about Ghana. US has a good team and I hope they prepare adequately for Ghana so that all of us can enjoy an excellent group E matches.
Do you think the youth tournaments have any bearing in the future of soccer any way?


I certainly hope Ghana gives a surprise. Apparently everybody else sees you as the weakest team and that could be an advantage. Honestly I think the weakest team is the US, but they have their head way too up their arses to realize they need to prepare better, hopefully is just the fans and not the team or Arena.
Anyhow, I do hope Ghana does a great WC so Africa can have a great strong representative for the next WC 2010

[juanse_moncayo]

I certainly hope Ghana gives a surprise. Apparently everybody else sees you as the weakest team and that could be an advantage. Honestly I think the weakest team is the US, but they have their head way too up their arses to realize they need to prepare better, hopefully is just the fans and not the team or Arena.
Anyhow, I do hope Ghana does a great WC so Africa can have a great strong representative for the next WC 2010

I want to apologize for my previous comment. I got too excited with all the threads last night and made this comment. I hope no american, or no one that felt affected by it for that matter, thinks thats my general view.

[Ludahai]

African teams have won tournaments all all junior levels all the way up to the U-23 level. However, they have never seriously competed for the World Cup. Some teams have made great runs (especially since Cameroon's run in 1990.) However, I don't think anyone in any of those runs actually thought the African team could win.

[happii20]

African teams have won tournaments all all junior levels all the way up to the U-23 level. However, they have never seriously competed for the World Cup. Some teams have made great runs (especially since Cameroon's run in 1990.) However, I don't think anyone in any of those runs actually thought the African team could win.

Sure the teams themselves came there just to impress. However, things seem to have changed and the African teams believe they can win the ultimate. These whole started with the Olympics in Barcelona 1992. Ghana won the Bronze for Africa for the first time, and this encouraged Nigeria to win the ultimate in 1996. This was quickly followed by Cameroun in the 2000 Olympics. Having accomplished these feet, their attention have now been focused on the world cup. Nigeria and Cameroun would have been interesting to watch at this world cup, nevertheless Ivory Coast and Ghana would love to prove a point. This is part of the West African rivalry which the world seem to have no knowledge of.
After Cameroun made it to quarter finals, Senegal repeated the feet in 2002.
You can take it to the bank, a team from west Africa will surpass all achievements made so far by any African team at the world stage. Could it be Togo, Ghana, or Ivory Coast?
I do remember when nobody gave the Senegalese a chance at 2002 edition, but went all the way to the quarter finals.

[vancity eagle]

Sure the teams themselves came there just to impress. However, things seem to have changed and the African teams believe they can win the ultimate. These whole started with the Olympics in Barcelona 1992. Ghana won the Bronze for Africa for the first time, and this encouraged Nigeria to win the ultimate in 1996. This was quickly followed by Cameroun in the 2000 Olympics. Having accomplished these feet, their attention have now been focused on the world cup. Nigeria and Cameroun would have been interesting to watch at this world cup, nevertheless Ivory Coast and Ghana would love to prove a point. This is part of the West African rivalry which the world seem to have no knowledge of.
After Cameroun made it to quarter finals, Senegal repeated the feet in 2002.
You can take it to the bank, a team from west Africa will surpass all achievements made so far by any African team at the world stage. Could it be Togo, Ghana, or Ivory Coast?
I do remember when nobody gave the Senegalese a chance at 2002 edition, but went all the way to the quarter finals.


I can gaurantee you it wont be Togo or Ghana. If Ivory Coast get out the group of death, they could make the semis.

[happii20]

I can gaurantee you it wont be Togo or Ghana. If Ivory Coast get out the group of death, they could make the semis.

Well you are on the same page with me. That a west African team might get far in this tournament. Perhaps you are underestimating the prowess of Ghana(Black Stars). Are you using the ANC to judge them? The coach did not want to play his stars any way. Then all of a sudden they started getting injured. Man you will be surprised that Ghana will come to play and you will wonder this editioin happens to be their first world cup. Mark my word.

Since you may be curious I am given you some of the names of their players who will defiinitely exploed in Germany.

Goal Keepers
Sammy Adjei(Israel)
Farouk Grusoy(Turkey)
Owu(Ghana)

Sammy Adjei

Samuel Johnson(Turkey) Kufour(Roma) Mensah(Rennes) E. Addo(PSV)


Muntari(Udinize) O. Addo(Mainz) Essien(Chelsea) Appiah(Fernebache)


Boateng(Sweden) Gyan(Modena)


For your information over 50% of this team did not play in the African Nations Cup. Let us wait and see how this paly out in the world cup.

[vancity eagle]

Well you are on the same page with me. That a west African team might get far in this tournament. Perhaps you are underestimating the prowess of Ghana(Black Stars). Are you using the ANC to judge them? The coach did not want to play his stars any way. Then all of a sudden they started getting injured. Man you will be surprised that Ghana will come to play and you will wonder this editioin happens to be their first world cup. Mark my word.

Since you may be curious I am given you some of the names of their players who will defiinitely exploed in Germany.

Goal Keepers
Sammy Adjei(Israel)
Farouk Grusoy(Turkey)
Owu(Ghana)

Sammy Adjei

Samuel Johnson(Turkey) Kufour(Roma) Mensah(Rennes) E. Addo(PSV)


Muntari(Udinize) O. Addo(Mainz) Essien(Chelsea) Appiah(Fernebache)


Boateng(Sweden) Gyan(Modena)


For your information over 50% of this team did not play in the African Nations Cup. Let us wait and see how this paly out in the world cup.

I am very familiar with ur team and I hope u do well, barring any more injuries to ur very injury prone team, u guys could surprise and get out of the group most likely with Italy. I believe that the Czechs are not the same team they were, and are aging and u guys are most certainly capable of beating the US, but in the end I don't believe u have the quality to go further than Senegal 02 or Cameroon 90. Ivory Coast is the only African team in this WC with that quality.

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

To me, this is all that matters with Ghana

Will Amoah or Gyan step up and score like Diouf did for Senegal (and he was already the "man" four years ago) or be just predestrian strikesrs

Can Stephen Appiah help Muntari and Essien control the mdifield and be creative aganist varying style?

Will Sammy Kaffour (with Mensah, who is one of the resaon why Renne still have a great shot at being in the Champions League) and Adeji in goal handle the moment, because Kaffour has made blunders in big matche swith Bayern Munich.

[sendorange]

Ghana have some very talented players and I'm looking forward to watching them, certainly their first choice midfield can give a decent match to virtually every top side in the tournament, let alone in this group.

The poor ANC display and lack of big tournament experience is worrying though.

[mfw13]

What kills the African teams at the senior level is poor off-the field organization, not poor on the field talent. Ghana certainly has more than a few very talented players, but rarely do the players have the off the field support needed to be successful.

So far Ghana has almost fired their manager, moved their training camp twice, as well as scheduling and then cancelling multiple friendlies. And the inevitable dispute over money and win bonuses that almost every team goes through hasn't even started yet.

If Ghana struggles at the WC (and I think they will), it will be because of all these off the field issues, not because of a lack of talent on the field.

[happii20]

I am very familiar with ur team and I hope u do well, barring any more injuries to ur very injury prone team, u guys could surprise and get out of the group most likely with Italy. I believe that the Czechs are not the same team they were, and are aging and u guys are most certainly capable of beating the US, but in the end I don't believe u have the quality to go further than Senegal 02 or Cameroon 90. Ivory Coast is the only African team in this WC with that quality.

I do really like your very candid analysis of the Ghanaian team. As much as I respect the Ivorian team, you will be surprised that Ghana seems to have depth than perhaps the Ivorians. The problem has always been whether they will be part of the team. From what I have seen so far, I can say many of our best players are going this time barring injuries. However there are some players who could have been considered, for example Mohammed Gargo who helped Genoa to serie A only for the team to be sent back to the third division because of allegation of bribery. He has been around and a justify your inclusion would have been great. There are other players like Don Bortey, emmanuel Osei-Kufour(Ex-Captain of the team) and Charles Taylor who are on the Local league and exceptional gifted even at the moment. Yet they are being sidelined. Can you imagine these players were so much ahead of Appiah and Essien.

With the kind of players Ghana possess it is amazing that when they are playing for the qualifying series for world cups a sizeable majority are always left out, even including this Germany 2006.

Senegalese are still a strong team, yet they could not beat Ghana's depleted side in the African cup of Nations. I am looking forward to seeing more than two African teams advancing to the 2nd round. I really do not like the fact that most Ghanaians are taking USA for granted just like what funs of USA is doing to Ghana. It is dangerous and both teams need to be very serious and prepare for each other.

[happii20]

To me, this is all that matters with Ghana

Will Amoah or Gyan step up and score like Diouf did for Senegal (and he was already the "man" four years ago) or be just predestrian strikesrs

Can Stephen Appiah help Muntari and Essien control the mdifield and be creative aganist varying style?

Will Sammy Kaffour (with Mensah, who is one of the resaon why Renne still have a great shot at being in the Champions League) and Adeji in goal handle the moment, because Kaffour has made blunders in big matche swith Bayern Munich.

I really like your questions. I want to believe that with the inclusion of Derek Boateng, Appiah should do the work very well. These two players can dribble and can shoot. They also played together in the just ended Olympics soccer in Athens. Otto Addo can really handle the ball and Baba who will come in the second half can shoot properly and dribble as well.

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

I really like your questions. I want to believe that with the inclusion of Derek Boateng, Appiah should do the work very well. These two players can dribble and can shoot. They also played together in the just ended Olympics soccer in Athens. Otto Addo can really handle the ball and Baba who will come in the second half can shoot properly and dribble as well.

Yeah, but Boateng, he didn't really impress me when they took on Mexico. I forget to mention Addo, he is a solid player for PSV, but I think 'Cherundolo is the better of the top backs.

[sherrinator]

I want to apologize for my previous comment. I got too excited with all the threads last night and made this comment. I hope no american, or no one that felt affected by it for that matter, thinks thats my general view.

you're a yellow-bellied, brown nosed kiss-ass. :rolleyes:

[happii20]

Yeah, but Boateng, he didn't really impress me when they took on Mexico. I forget to mention Addo, he is a solid player for PSV, but I think 'Cherundolo is the better of the top backs.

We have two Addos. I want to believe that you are talking about Eric Addo. He is the one playing in PSV. The other Addo plays in Germany. He is a dribbler coming out of a career threatened injury for over 2 years. He did not do that well against Mexico, but against Stuttgart he was solid for Ghana and even scored a goal, we ended the game 1:1.

Derek Boateng did not play against Mexico, and Baba Amando is the one who scored the goal that was not accepted.

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

We have two Addos. I want to believe that you are talking about Eric Addo. He is the one playing in PSV. The other Addo plays in Germany. He is a dribbler coming out of a career threatened injury for over 2 years. He did not do that well against Mexico, but against Stuttgart he was solid for Ghana and even scored a goal, we ended the game 1:1.

Derek Boateng did not play against Mexico, and Baba Amando is the one who scored the goal that was not accepted.

Yeah, Eric is the one I'm talking about. I have never seen Boateng play, is he really better than Amoah? And did besides Saudi Arabia, did Gyan look dangerous at all in the remainder of the qualifiers, because he hasn't lit it up that much for Moderna this year?

[happii20]

Yeah, Eric is the one I'm talking about. I have never seen Boateng play, is he really better than Amoah? And did besides Saudi Arabia, did Gyan look dangerous at all in the remainder of the qualifiers, because he hasn't lit it up that much for Moderna this year?

He is an defensive midfielder and actually he can be compared to Appiah. He was the man among his peers until he began having problems with his team. Within that time Appiah and Essien seem to have surpass him. He is a dribbler and unfortunately most Europeans team do not like that. He is now passiong very well and it is my hope he excel in the world cup.

[kofi86]

did Gyan look dangerous at all in the remainder of the qualifiers, because he hasn't lit it up that much for Moderna this year?

he has a terrific goal ratio for ghana