It's a moment of destiny for the Stars

(A Pre-match analysis by William D. Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Pretoria, South Africa)

Pretoria, June 17, GNA - The Black Stars of Ghana will have their destiny in their own hands as they take on Australia in the second Group D game at the Rustenburg Stadium on Saturday, June 20.

Unlike the last world cup, in which they had to come back from a defeat in their opening game against Italy, the Stars handed themselves a perfect platform to a qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition, with a lone goal victory over Serbia in the opening game last Sunday.

With this, they share the top spot with Germany with goal difference. Thus the Stars now have a responsibility to beat troubled Australia if they are to progress to the next stage, possibly by a bigger margin if they are to topple Germany from the top of the Group's table.


Even though Australia seems to have much advantage over the Stars with regards to the number of victories already recorded between them, the World Cup seems to be a different platform for the two sides, hence a different battle all together.


The Stars currently have form, determination, concentration and are well focused with morale on the higher level, contrary to the Aussies, who are reportedly battling with internal wrangling in their camp coupled with injuries and suspensions.


The Aussies will be coming into the game without their inspirational offensive midfielder Cahill, who was red-carded in their game against Germany, together with three players on the yellow cards list, and will, therefore, have to be cautious in the game.


Though they have Harry Kewel available for selection, there are doubts as to his ability to make the final Team for the game as the Coach had downplayed his usefulness, giving clear indications of a troubled camp, as compared to the Ghanaians, who have all their arsenals available and focused for the task.


In addition, each player seems to be aware of the difficult nature of the match, and have all hinted at it in separate interviews. For Kwadwo Asamoah and John Painstil it is a game for Ghana and the Continent, whilst Isaac Vorsah believes the qualification to the next stage will be based on their performance and victory in the game against Australia.

Indeed, the high level of morale runs through every single player in camp, and one can expect nothing but another excellent performance from the Black Stars if they are to translate their words into action.


Taking into consideration the performance of the Team in the last game, master tactician Milovan Rajevac could stick to his defensive set up of John Painstil; Isaac Vorsah; John Mensah and Hans Adu Sarpei. Though Painstil struggled in the first game and an Inkoom option would have been ideal, experience would counsel that the Fulham Defender should remain on the right back of defence.


There is no doubt that, diminutive Anthony Annan, will remain the link man between the defence and midfield, with Kevin Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah who has seen massive improvement on his fitness since the last game, partnering Annan in the heart of the pitch alongside workaholic Andre Ayew.


Should the Coach decide to stick to the same pair of midfield and attack; then the more experienced Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah would have to remain on the bench possibly for the second half.


But what could be the bother of the Team is the attacking line up headed by Asamoah Gyan and Prince Tagoe, as they were not very sharp in the last game, which if they had could have seen Ghana, win with a wider margin. However, observations made at the training grounds give a signal of the duo leading the search for the most important commodity in the game - GOALS - come Saturday. They have to be more aggressive and take their chances in the game.


Perhaps, Ayew would have to deliver more incisive crosses this time around to make it easier for the Strikers to take their chances. All other factors also look good for the Stars to scale over the Aussies. However, they must bear in mind that there is no logic in football, hence must take their destiny into their own hands and go for the kill.