Ghana Must Overcome Injury Crisis to Succeed in South Africa

Ghana will look to repeat their success at the last World Cup by progressing to the knockout stages in South Africa.

How they got here
Ghana qualified for their second consecutive World Cup the hard way. After winning three of their first four games in the opening group phase, Ghana lost on the road to Libya. This created a must-win game at home to Lesotho. Ghana won 3-0, which coupled with a defeat for Libya at Gabon guaranteed they topped the group and made it to the final group phase.

Ghana once again started in style, winning their first four games to virtually guarantee qualification before a result on the road caused some problems. This time it was Benin that tried to spoil the party and it meant Ghana needed a point from its last game to guarantee qualification. A 2-2 draw at home to Mali was enough to book a place in South Africa.

Who to watch
When it comes to World Cup betting the key players to watch are those that might not play at all. Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien and Sunderland defender John Mensah are both battling injuries. Essien has a knee injury and is by far the most well-known player on the Ghana team. Mensah is struggling with a calf problem but is confident of recovering in time for the 2010 World Cup. Kevin-Prince Boateng has a different problem to the injured duo. The Portsmouth midfielder was born in Germany and is currently awaiting clearance from FIFA to play for Ghana. A decision from FIFA is expected around two weeks before the tournament gets under way.

One player certain to play a pivotal role in the Ghana squad is captain Stephen Appiah. The midfielder has experience with Udinese, Parma, Juventus, and Bologna in Italy’s Serie A. Another player with Serie A experience is Inter’s Sulley Muntari, who would likely form a central midfield partnership with Essien if the Chelsea player is fit. Fulham defender John Paintsil will also be of significant importance to Ghana’s chances of making the knockout stages.

How they will perform
It all depends on the injury situation. If Mensah and Essien can recover then Ghana possess a side stacked with talent in midfield and defense. There are some question marks around the lack of quality up front and in goal but otherwise this is a powerful squad which can grind out results. Without Essien Ghana will likely go out early, with him they could progress. Either way, like Serbia and Australia, I expect Ghana to still be in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds going into the final round of games.

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