Soccer News of Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Source: goal.com

Appiah backs Juventus to beat Bayern

Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has tipped his old club Juventus to qualify to the semi-final of the Uefa Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich, although he admits it will be a cagey encounter.

The Old Lady will lock horns with the Bavarian side in the first-leg of their last eight clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, and Appiah, who made 48 appearances for the Turin side, believes they will edge the tie over the two legs.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, with two big clubs who are doing well, but I think each of them would use their home game as an advantage," Appiah told Goal.com. "I will go for Juventus to win 2-1, although Bayern are looking scary, but they are an odd team and I believe strongly that Juventus will go through over two legs.”

Appiah, who made his Bianconeri debut in Europe's elite club competition, has stressed the importance of concentration for the players involved as they prepare to compete on one of football's grandest stages.

“At this stage, if you are a player and you know there is a Champions League game ahead, nothing goes through your mind. All you do is lie on your bed and think about the pass that can make a difference in the game," he continued.

"Players will be hoping to win at the same time, although they are scared, and it's true players will play with panic so it is the concentration that makes the difference," he added.