... can he turn it on in South Africa?
As seasons go, Sulley Muntari ended up having a spectacular one. In winning the treble with Inter Milan, he became only the fourth Ghanaian to lift the Champions League trophy, coming on as a second half substitute for match winner Diego Milito.
Yet it wouldn’t have been a World Cup season for the one-time Portsmouth midfielder if it hadn’t been one mired in controversy between Muntari and Ghana. For the second successive tournament running, the competitive player came close to sitting out of the showpiece event.
One to let his discipline run away from him both on and off the park during his career, a statement his yellow and red card record will attest to, Muntari refused point blank to take part in a friendly match against Angola in the build-up to January’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Not helping his case by refusing to meet with manager Milovan Rajevac to explain his actions, he was subsequently dropped from the squad to play in Angola. In his absence, the Black Stars went all the way to the final before losing out to reigning champions Egypt.
Four years previously, he almost talked himself out of Ghana’s inaugural appearance at a World Cup. Having been sent home from the 2004 Olympics for yet another disciplinary problem, he threatened to retire from international football altogether. Within a month, he had been forced into an embarrassing climb down, having been threatened he would never play for his country again unless he made an “unqualified apology”.
But Muntari’s strengths, as well as his experience of playing at the top level in Europe, were probably always going to see him through whatever his behaviour. A player with a delicate touch and creative force to bring his team-mates into the game in attacking areas, he is a rare breed in also possessing the combative nature which has seen him rack up his impressively lengthy disciplinary record.
Provided he can stay out of the referee’s notebook in South Africa, Muntari undoubtedly adds a dimension to Ghana’s play which will benefit them in a tough group, which will see them play three strong opponents in Germany, Serbia and Australia.
“Of course, now we are preparing for the World Cup and I hope to continue having a great year by doing a good job at the World Cup too,” Muntari told Ghanasoccernet after his selection in the squad..
“Yeah great year, I don’t know how to say it, great season. We won three trophies which is fantastic and we are very happy.”
Perhaps Muntari’s tone was tinged with relief when he spoke ahead of the tournament. After all, he may have been watching from home, just as he had done back in January.
