Sports enthusiasts express optimism of Black Stars success

Sunyani, (B/A) Dec. 10, GNA - Soccer enthusiasts in the Sunyani Municipality have expressed optimism about chances Ghana's Black Stars of reaching at least the semi-final stage of the World Cup 2010 football tourney.

They however indicated Ghana does not have the pedigree to reach the final stage.

Assessing the chances of the Black Stars in a random interview conducted by the GNA Sports in the Municipality most of the respondents ruled out the possibility of Ghana reaching the grand final in comparison with tournament "favourites" Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy and Germany. Ghana is paired in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia. Anthony Ansu, a carpenter, however dismissed any fear for any of the teams "since names don't play football".

"While it's true that Australia has beaten us in most friendly encounters, this is a World Cup tourney. If we are determined, we can reverse the trend, guided by the experiences at the last World Cup", he added.

Gabriel Dongi, a Sales Executive of Star Life Assurance, said he was sure the Black Stars would not experience much difficulties playing against Serbia and Australia, but that it was Germany who would pose a threat to the Stars goal.

"The Germans don't play perfect game. They pass one, two and three and the ball is in the 18". If Ghana plays in the midfield the Stars might get into trouble. The coach must read the game within the first 15 minutes and adopt the right strategy against the opponents. With the Aussies, Ghana may have a chance of defeating them because the players are familiar with their playing style due to the friendly matches between them.

I however have a problem with Ghana's attacking line up. We must use a skilful player like Asamoah Gyan to feature and not to conflict his role with Matthew Amoah", he added. Emmanuel Acheampong, an apprentice, said Ghana's first match against Serbia will be tough because first matches are difficult ones but would enjoy a ride over the rest.

Hamza Mohammed, a student of Acadex Polytechnic noted that Germany and Australia could create problems for the Black Stars and expressed the hope of Ghana getting to the semi-final stage but not sure of getting to the final.

Adams Mohammed, a driver of the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, also expressed similar sentiments, saying Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Italy were powerhouses in world football and the Stars have not developed to their level to get to the final. Seida Frimpomaa, a graduate of Sunyani Polytechnic, said Germany is a strong side but Australia and Serbia will be quite an easy side for the Stars to ride over to the quarter final stage. She put the bet on Ghana placing fourth in the grand competition. Joel Opoku Amankwah, a COCOBOD Staff, expressed no doubt at all about Ghana advancing to the semi-final stage this time but advised the players to avoid complacency.

He called on the technical bench to check inconsistency in the selection of players as that could derail plans to reach for high laurels. Alex Amofah Appiah, a driver of COCOBOD, said Ghana has the capability of beating both Germany and Australia since football is a game. He suggested that efforts be made to invite Ghanaian-born and Italy-based Barlotelli and Kevin Prince Boateng to the camp of the Black Stars to form a formidable striking force for the team towards the success of the tournament.