Two appearances, two impressive World Cup campaigns
Although they have enjoyed success on the continent and to some extent, at the Olympics, Ghana did not make their World Cup debut until 2006. It was a highly respectable outing for the Black Stars, as they successfully navigated through their group, finished just one point behind eventual winners Italy, but were dispatched, not surprisingly by five-time winners Brazil during the round of 16.
Returning to Africa for the 2010 tournament, Ghana were excruciatingly close to making history in South Africa as the first African side to reach the semi-finals. Unfortunately, a certain Liverpool striker's actions set in motion a sequence of events that saw Asamoah Gyan miss a penalty, the game forced into spot kicks, and subsequently the Black Stars bowing out.
Nonetheless, despite the obvious disappointment, they joined an elite group of African sides to make it to the quarter-finals, something that indeed is quite impressive for a second appearance.
Currently, Ghana are listed as fourth within the CAF and 38th in the world as per FIFA, which makes them the third-ranked African side heading to Brazil behind the Ivory Coast and Algeria.
Preparing for Brazil and a tough group ahead
Two friendlies, two losses. That represents Kwesi Appiah's men's record so far in their friendlies against Montenegro and, most recently, the Netherlands. Yet, after winning their qualifying group and powering past Egypt 7-3 on aggregate over two legs, there is still another opportunity for them to get on track in a friendly with Korea on June 9th.
Every World Cup has a group best known as the "Group of Death" due to the quality of teams making up the quartet. This year's by far is Group G, which unfortunately the Black Stars find themselves in and have to contend with European heavyweights Germany and Portugal. There is, of course, familiar opponent the United States, whom they have beaten twice in their last two meetings, but more worryingly will be facing off against the no. 2 and no. 3 sides in the world.
Still, given the fact that they are not exactly strangers to the strongest teams in Europe, having gone up against Italy in 2006 and Germany in 2010, it is not entirely impossible for Appiah's squad to pull off an upset and get through to the next round.
Tough task: This will be the most difficult group for Ghana in their third World Cup appearance
Who will be on the plane and the man behind their success
In selecting his final 23, Appiah called on the experience of players like Milan duo Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, and of course, all-time leading scorer and captain Asamoah Gyan. For 28-year-old Gyan, this tournament will definitely put a lot of pressure on his shoulders following disappointing spot-kick misses during the aforementioned World Cup 2010 match with Uruguay and again during the 2012 African Cup of Nations against Zambia.
The Accra native is the holder of several records in Ghana, including being the youngest ever to debut and score (at just 17 years of age), and netting the first ever World Cup goal for the Black Stars in 2006. Yet, he remains a divisive figure within the country, with some questioning his motives at shunning teams in Europe's top leagues for UAE side Al Ain; however, should he have a good World Cup it would certainly go a long way to silencing some of his biggest critics...for the time being.
Asamoah enjoyed success with the Bianconeri as they went on to claim their third straight Scudetto, the second of the ex-Udinese man's career and is another player Appiah will count on to bring his A-game in Brazil. As for Essien, who serves as the vice-captain and Muntari, they had by far less stellar seasons with the Rossoneri due to form and fitness problems, so this tournament will represent a good chance to put Milan's dismal season behind them.
Kwesi Appiah is the first ever Ghanaian-born coach to guide the team during the World Cup, as the Black Stars were previously managed by Eastern European duo Ratomir Dujkovic and
Milovan Rajevac. The former defender, who played with Asante Kotoko for ten years in the 1980's and 1990's, also featured for the national team from 1987-1992 and served as, at one point, their skipper.
After a stint with Ghana's U-23 team, he assumed control of the senior squad in 2012 and was rewarded for his efforts by receiving a new two-year contract this past May.
Where to catch them in action
Want to stay on top of all Ghana's matches this summer? Visit their match page to find out times and channels for your specific country.
