New AC Milan signing Ghana's Michael Essien believes a historic World Cup semi-final feat is achievable in Brazil this year for the Black Stars.

Essien, who missed Ghana’s quarter-final berth at the last tournament in 2010 inSouth Africa, due to injury is available to make his second World Cup appearance.

The hard tackling and creative midfielder believes the current players in the team are capable of going far in the tournament.

“Our initial aim will be to get out of the group into the second round and then take it from there, game by game,” Essien said.

“Who knows we will go one better and make it to the semi-finals or even finals. Any thing can happen but we are realistic enough to know we cannot aim that high from the start.

"Get the first objective of making the second round out of the way and we will see how far we can go. It will be a journey without a doubt and one we are looking forward to.”

The Black Stars face a tough challenge after being drawn in a very tough group alongside USA, Germany, rated 2nd by FIFA and Portugal rated 4th in the world rankings.

Most experts in football say Ghana has a herculean task and if they are able to qualify from the group, they can reach the medal zone.

Ghanaians believe in the Black Stars as the hope of Africa and will shine even brighter than the last two experiences in 2006 and 2010.