Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah believes his team’s opening match against the United States at the World Cup will be difficult and key to success at the competition.
The two sides are facing each other for the third time in the competition with Ghana winning on both occasions but Appiah recognises that the Americans will still be worthy opponents with Jurgen Klinsmann in charge.
“The USA has a very good team and now, their coach has brought in some new players.
They are preparing well if you look at the matches they have played so far. There is no way anyone can underrate them.
They are one of the top teams coming to Brazil and our match against them will be difficult but I believe we will give them a good game,” said Appiah to the press after the match.
Ghana lost their first pre-World Cup friendly by a lone goal to the Netherlands on the 31st of May but Appiah stated his satisfaction with the lessons drawn from the encounter.
“The match gave me the opportunity to see what the younger players could do so I used them in the first half. Some have called them a weaker side but I do not see them that way.
They are all qualified players because they made the team but all I wanted was an assurance of their skills and they helped me decide on the final 23 for the tournament.”
The Black Stars are currently in Miami preparing for their second pre-World Cup friendly against South Korea in Miami on the 9th of June before leaving for the tournament to face the USA, Germany and Portugal in Group G.
By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana