We ignored criticism over ‘one-goal project’ at 2010 World Cup - Prince Tagoe

Former Ghana striker Prince Tagoe has opened up about the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, stating that the team paid little attention to criticism over their cautious style of play under coach Milovan Rajevac.

Ghana reached the quarter-finals in South Africa, marking the country’s best performance at the global tournament. However, the team faced scrutiny for their conservative approach, often winning by a single goal.

Reflecting on that period during an interview with Sporty FM, Tagoe said results and bonuses mattered more to the players than outside opinions.

"We didn’t really care about the criticisms of the one-goal project under Milovan Rajevac. At the end of the day, we were winning and taking our bonuses. The winning bonus was $10,000 at the time," he said.

Ghana scored more than once in only one match at the tournament, the Round of 16 clash against the USA. That game ended 2-1 after extra time, with the Black Stars advancing to set up a historic quarter-final meeting with Uruguay.

In the group stage, Ghana secured a 1-0 victory against Serbia, drew with Australia, and lost narrowly to Germany, relying on discipline and defensive organisation to progress.

The run eventually ended in the last eight after a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Uruguay, a match remembered for its late controversy and missed spot-kick that denied Ghana a place in the semi-finals.