History beckons Stars

(William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Pretoria, S/A)

Pretoria (S/A), June 30, GNA - History beckons as Ghana Black Stars march onto the field on Friday to take on Uruguay in a quarter-final encounter at the FIFA 2010 World Cup at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Historically, victory for the Stars will make Ghana the first African country ever to go beyond the quarter finals of the competition and give them an opportunity to take a shot at winning the World Cup. Again, victory for Ghana will indeed set the entire Continent agog, as they represent the only hope of the Continent in the competition, following their status as the only African country in the tournament that brings the best from all over the world under one umbrella.

However, injuries in camp and suspensions could weigh heavily on the Team.

With four matches in the competition, the Stars have the likes of John Mensah; Kevin Prince Boateng; Asamoah Gyan and Hans Adu Sarpei battling with various forms of injuries, compelling them not to actively take part in training during the early parts of the week.

This coupled with the absence of Jonathan Mensah and Andre Ayew, both midfielders, who are on suspension for receiving second yellow cards in the competition, makes the task ahead a more difficult one.

But Coach Milovan Rajevac is confident of having all his injured players fit for the game, after telling the press that, the medical team has been working assiduously on them and was looking up to their recovery for action on Friday.

He is of the view that, the injury situation would improve before Friday, it must however be stated that in all circumstances Coach Rajevac has always been up to the task when it comes to shuffling his cards for the best delivery.

For this he would be counting much on the return of Isaac Vorsah in central defence, whose recovery comes as a major relief for the Team, while Sulley Muntari could be a possible option for Andre Ayew on the left side of attack.

Going past the South Americans would definitely come with a fight for the Black Stars and this the likes of John Painstil, Kwadwo Asamoah, Gyan and the entire playing body have reckoned because Diego Forlan and his charges are bent on giving the Team a fight of their life.

This is because they have a rich history behind them in the competition having won the maiden edition in 1930.

However, the Stars seem to be more motivated to deliver, following the high level of morale in camp, together with the huge continental backing, but must be on the alert as the South Americans, have what it takes to cause havoc.