Soccer News of Thursday, 15 May 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

2014 World Cup: Ghana will not be intimidated - Kwesi Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says his team will not be intimidated by super star names within the ranks of opponents at the 2014 World Cup.

The Black Stars are drawn against Germany, Portugal and USA in Group G of June’s finals in Brazil.

Germany and Portugal in particular will be bringing along a host of world class players, making them favourites to win the World Cup alongside hosts Brazil.

The Germans, three time winners of the World Cup will be parading the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Marcos Reus, Mario Goetze, Manuel Neuer amongst others, who are regular performers with top European clubs.

Portugal, on the other hand, will be unleashing the reigning best player Cristiano Ronaldo alongside the supporting cast of; Fabio Contrao, Nani, Hugo Almeida, Helder Postiga amongst others.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, however, chooses to focus on the collective strength of his team as he faces these top sides at the World Cup in Brazil.

“We have to play as a team and not be intimidated by the names within the opposition,” he told Accra-based Montie FM.

“If football was played with names then perhaps we shouldn’t even be at the World Cup.

“But we are at the World Cup and, therefore, must be prepared to face any team and not be daunted by the names.”

Ghana will open its campaign at the 2014 World Cup against the USA before taking on Germany and Portugal in the subsequent group games.

The Black Stars aspire to better their quarter final finish at the last World Cup four years ago in South Africa.