Ghana just one victory away to World Cup history
A luxurious white Hyundai bus puttered down the street in the Kameeldrift town of Pretoria yesterday, the sound of chanting and fists banging on the sides emerging from the boisterous young men inside.
By Fred Kaweesi
& Agences
Today
Netherlands v Japan 2pm
Ghana v Australia 5pm
Cameroon v Denmark 9.30pm
A luxurious white Hyundai bus puttered down the street in the Kameeldrift town of Pretoria yesterday, the sound of chanting and fists banging on the sides emerging from the boisterous young men inside.
That was Ghana’s team on their way back from their last training before today’s match against Australia.
As the gates closed behind them a swarm of sweating journalists and photographers gathered for the daily press conference, hoping to hear the latest from the Sulley Muntari saga.
Muntari, who apparently has fully recovered from the thigh injury he suffered weeks back, was furious after being left on the bench for the opening day 1-0 victory over Serbia, and tellingly did not take part in the pre-game warm-up, emerging only as the teams came out of the tunnel with his jersey in hand.
Rajevac claims he did not play in the opening game against Serbia because he wasn’t match-fit, but he also did not provide any guarantees of his future participation.
“We’re not going to have our progress determined by public opinion,†he said.
“If we need him, we will use him.†But following Dede Ayew’s display against Serbia’s Branislav Ivanovic, it seems the need to have Muntari back will only arise if the former Under-20 captain is unavailable.
Their organisation, competitive spirit and depth of resources against Serbia made a powerful impression on fellow professionals, who see this squad as worthy heirs to the side that made the round of 16 in 2006.
A win will literally guarantee Ghana progress. None of the other African countries has won a game here.
Meanwhile Netherlands face Japan with both teams in a position to battle for top spot in Group E, which position would see them potentially avoid Italy in the second round.
The Dutch beat Denmark 2-0 in their first game while the Japanese shocked Cameroon 1-0.
Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk said the familiarity with Denmark's game made for a no-mistakes contest on Monday.
& Agences
Today
Netherlands v Japan 2pm
Ghana v Australia 5pm
Cameroon v Denmark 9.30pm
A luxurious white Hyundai bus puttered down the street in the Kameeldrift town of Pretoria yesterday, the sound of chanting and fists banging on the sides emerging from the boisterous young men inside.
That was Ghana’s team on their way back from their last training before today’s match against Australia.
As the gates closed behind them a swarm of sweating journalists and photographers gathered for the daily press conference, hoping to hear the latest from the Sulley Muntari saga.
Muntari, who apparently has fully recovered from the thigh injury he suffered weeks back, was furious after being left on the bench for the opening day 1-0 victory over Serbia, and tellingly did not take part in the pre-game warm-up, emerging only as the teams came out of the tunnel with his jersey in hand.
Rajevac claims he did not play in the opening game against Serbia because he wasn’t match-fit, but he also did not provide any guarantees of his future participation.
“We’re not going to have our progress determined by public opinion,†he said.
“If we need him, we will use him.†But following Dede Ayew’s display against Serbia’s Branislav Ivanovic, it seems the need to have Muntari back will only arise if the former Under-20 captain is unavailable.
Their organisation, competitive spirit and depth of resources against Serbia made a powerful impression on fellow professionals, who see this squad as worthy heirs to the side that made the round of 16 in 2006.
A win will literally guarantee Ghana progress. None of the other African countries has won a game here.
Meanwhile Netherlands face Japan with both teams in a position to battle for top spot in Group E, which position would see them potentially avoid Italy in the second round.
The Dutch beat Denmark 2-0 in their first game while the Japanese shocked Cameroon 1-0.
Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk said the familiarity with Denmark's game made for a no-mistakes contest on Monday.