'Over confidence cost us in Germany 2006' - John Paintsil

John Paintsil, a former player of the Black Stars has said, overconfidence cost them a defeat against Brazil in the Germany 2006 World Cup.

The Black Stars of Ghana got their maiden qualification to the World in 2006, but were eliminated from the tournament by five times champions Brazil in the round 16 of the competition, after 3-0 defeated scoreline.

Speaking at the 6th Edition of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) congress in Accra, the defender said they were relaxed and confident of beating them.

“We were confident and relaxed before the game and knowing that we can beat Brazil and we didn’t have much focus”, he said.

The formal Fulham player said, the Brazilians were not more experienced than them, having played them at the youth to senior level.

The 6th AIPS Africa Congress was also used to officially launch the 2nd AIPS Sports Media Awards, which aims at rewarding hard-working sportsmen and women across Africa in the seniors and juniors categories.