Ghana isn't quite ready

Stacked with a mix of experienced players who went to the round of 16 in 2006 and kids from the squad that won the U-20 world championship last year, Ghana rightly fancied its chances to make a statement in South Africa.

But Ghana had loads of trouble breaking down Australia in the final third (most of the Black Stars' shots were from distance), which can be partially attributed to the team playing without its best midfielder, Michael Essien. But where Ghana really looked shaky was at the back.

Injuries forced Milovan Rajevac to start defenders Mensah and Lee Addy, whose combined age is less than Aussie goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's (Schwarzer is 37). Addy nearly conceded a penalty in the opening minutes and shortly thereafter he bowled over his keeper. Mensah had a terrible giveaway with 10 minutes left, conceding a dangerous free kick that ultimately came to nothing. And both of the 19-year-olds were booked. The fact that Ghana couldn't break down 10-man Australia doesn't bode well for its chances this year. But in addition to its developing defenders, who both showed potential, consider that Kevin-Prince Boateng is 23, Asamoah Gyan is 24, Sulley Muntari is 25 and Essien is only 27. Watch out in 2014.