Middendorp expects Stars to scale over Uruguay

From William D. Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Sandton, South Africa

Sandton (S/A), July 1, GNA - German soccer tactician, Ernst Middendorp has tipped the Black Stars to scale over La Celeste of Uruguay in Friday's quarterfinal clash at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

The Black Stars, is the only surviving African team at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup and the German trainer is upbeat the Stephen Appiah-led side can topple their South American counterparts for a historic place in the last four.

Middendorp, revered in Ghana for his tactical and technical abilities during his tenure with Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, told GNA Sports in Sandton that the Stars 'have what it takes' to beat La Celeste, because they are well organised, tactical and play with a lot of passion.

The German, who enjoyed a successful but trophy-less stint with Asante Kotoko from 1999 to 2002, acknowledged that the Stars deserved to be amongst the last eight whilst reckoning a tough outing against the Uruguayans. "The Black Stars deserve to be where they are now as they have played very well. It won't be an easy game because Uruguay has a strong team. But I believe the Stars can scale over," he said.

The 52-year old famed for his no-nonsense attitude on and off the pitch remains optimistic that the Stars rearguard can halt the Diego Forlan attacking machinery of the South Americans.

"The Black Stars defence is very strong and I trust them to stop Forlan, who is Uruguay's most dangerous player. I believe John Mensah and his charges can put the brakes on him."

Currently in charge of South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Maritzburg United, Middendorp said Stars' efficiency in front of goal will serve the difference in the crucial encounter.

"If the Black Stars can take the chances they create, then they will be closer to victory."

The German also lauded the youth plus experience composition of the Black Stars as the secret to the Team's success.

"The mixture of youth and experience is working for the Team. The youngsters from the U-20 team have also proved their mark and it is good for the future.

"They have blended very well and the Team is moving on. It is the best system and Coach Milovan Rajevac must be lauded for that decision," said. Middendorp is also an analyst for the state-owned South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for the duration of the World Cup. During his last spell in Ghana, he was in charge of Accra Hearts of Oak in 2004, guiding them to the group phase of the maiden CAF Confederations Cup, when the Phobians beat archrivals Asante Kotoko 8-7 on penalties to lift the cup. 1 July 10