The Black Stars will face a tough challenge in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup as he has been named in the European country’s 30-man provisional squad for the competition.
The reigning World Player Of The Year captained his country through the European play-offs against Sweden in November 2013 to book their place in the World Cup and his pace, skill, aerial ability and free-kick taking talents will be the subject of intense study by the technical team of the Black Stars as Ghana and Portugal are scheduled to face each other on the 26th of June at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia in the final round of Group G matches.
Joining Ronaldo in the squad are his Real Madrid team-mates Fabio Coentrao and Pepe, Manchester United’s Luis Nani, Joao Moutinho of AS Monaco and Dinamo Kiev midfielder Miguel Veloso.
Ricardo Quaresma made a surprise entry after returning to FC Porto this season while Varela of Porto and Hugo Almeida of Besiktas were also handed call-ups.
Here is the full squad named by coach Paolo Bento
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit St Petersburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Inter)
Midfielders: Andre Gomes (Benfica), Joao Mario (Vitoria), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Quaresma (Porto), Varela (Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).
By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana