Mixed reactions on Stars' performance

(By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Hanover, Germany)

Hanover, June 13, GNA - Mixed reactions greeted Ghana Black Stars=92 performance in their World Cup Group opener against Italy in Hanover on Monday.

The Stars conceded two goals; one in each half to lose the game that many believed could determine their fate in the competition that spans a month.

Soccer fans the GNA Sports spoke to in Hanover remained divided about the team's performance.

Whilst some insisted the game was lost due to the technical incompetence of the trainers, others insisted the players failed to deliver when it mattered most.

Many claimed coach Ratomir Djukovic lost the game from the bench where his selection worked against the team. The coach, according to the fans, goofed by keeping Emmanuel Addoquaye Pappoe in the game, even though he obviously proved incapable of playing well at the lateral defence.

The Serbian's substitutions also came under a lot of criticism. Nana Kwame Frimpong, a cheer leader told the GNA Sports asked, "Why do you pull out Pappoe and bring on Shilla Illiasu at his wrong position?

To him, the substitution of Asamoah Gyan and Mathew Amoah also came so late in the match "when it was obvious they were unable to get the goals that would bring the victory."

Djukovic introduced Illiasu, Alex Techie Mensen and Razak Pimpong into the game at the later stages whilst the team trailed 1-0. A few others also believed apart from Michael Essien, Eric Addo and Sammy Osei Kuffour, the players refused to die for Ghana.

The Stars would be faced with a must win situation when they come up against Czech Republic on Saturday in Koln.

The Czechs won their game against the United States of America (USA) 3-0.