Lose against USA and you are out of the World Cup - Randy Abbey

Ghana FA Executive Committee member Randy Abbey has warned that a defeat to USA in the opening game at the 2014 World Cup will spell doom for the Black Stars.

Ghana is making its third successive appearance at the World Cup finals to be hosted by Brazil.

The Black Stars will kick off its campaign against America – a side Ghana has beaten twice in previous campaigns – on June 16 in Natal.

Ghana will then follow up with tough games against Germany and Portugal in Group G.

Many pundits believe three points off the board against USA is non-negotiable if the ambition of at least a semi final finish is to be achieved.

However, Randy Abbey says the result from the opening match against USA will, to a large extent, determine Ghana’s progress in Brazil.

“The key to our progress in the World Cup is the first game [against USA],” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“I think that the first game against USA is key and will go a long way to determine whether we will progress or not.

“I don’t hope for us to lose that game. It is a game we must win and I am positive minded we will win it.

“We need to win our first game, it is crucial. When we win that game it takes a lot of nerves off.

“It ensures we are a bit more relaxed and it motivates us to go out there and get good results in the other two games.”

Ghana were quarter finalists at the last World Cup in South Africa having made an impressive debut in the finals four years earlier in Germany.

The current team under the direction of coach Kwesi Appiah hold the ambition of making it to the semi finals of the upcoming edition in Brazil.