Germany mark Essien as main threat

Michael Essien is the man Germany has to stop if they are to take maximum points off Ghana in their first competitive meeting at senior level at next years World Cup,” Germany coach Joachim Low has said.

That game is billed for June 23 in Johannesburg but Low is in no doubt the Chelsea man is the engine room of Ghana and already plans on getting some inside information on how to derail the man nicknamed the Bison and Train from Germany captain Michael Ballack who plays alongside Essien at Chelsea.

“Ghana are going to be very difficult to play against due to their physical strength and in Michael Essien they have a real superstar,” Low said.

“I will have to ring Michael Ballack to get some inside info on Essien. The Ghanaians played well at the 2006 World Cup and have improved over the past few years.

“It’s going to be difficult but it’s an interesting draw. I don’t think we need to fear any of the sides we are up against because we’ve got a very strong squad ourselves.