Accra, May 31, GNA - Stephen Appiah, skipper of Ghana's 'Team A' team, Black Stars believes the team would blossom on quality and hunger to travel far when they commence their first World Cup appearance on Monday June 12, in Hanover, Germany.

"We have quality players and a team that is hungry to do well at the World Cup - something am sure will do our campaign a lot of good". The West Africans are housed alongside Italy, Czech Republic and the United States of America (USA) in Group E.

The inspirational Captain told the GNA Sports in Leicester that, "we are being called underdogs by everyone but I am convinced that will not stop us from causing upset in Germany".

He is buoyed that the quality in players like Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari, Sammy Osei Kuffour, Asamoah Gyan, among others would prove decisive in the team's quest, which commences with an opener against Italy.

"We have a great quality in the team that can march the rest of the World any day.

" And we are absolutely better off with our hunger for glory in the competition".

The former Juventus midfielder told GNA Sports the Stars would shine at the tourney, rated soccer's single biggest event that pulls the creamiest together.

The player grabbed a brace in their 4-1 trial against Jamaica, played in Leicester on Monday and believed the team would keep their confidence for the month-long fiesta.

The Stars, he said, are targeting the second round where they are likely to meet defending champions, Brazil.

"It is our aim to advance to the second round and we will do whatever it takes to reach there". 31 May 06