Ghana’s World Cup dreams were shattered by reigning champions Brazil, but the Black Stars played well against some top football teams and served notice of what might happen on African soil in 2010.
A three-week Cinderella run ended on Tuesday in a 3-0 second-round loss to Brazil, but victories by the Black Stars over Euro 2004 semifinalists Czech Republic and 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists United States sent a message.
”In the future, I believe the Black Stars from Ghana will show you more in this competition,” Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic said.
Ghana’s debutante World Cup team, an upstart collection that shocked the Czechs and outlasted the Americans with flair and speed as well as discipline, showed what they can accomplish ahead of the 2010 South African World Cup.
”It will be a different team but I think we can make it,” said Ghana captain Appiah, a former Juventus midfielder.
”If you want to be the best, you have to play against the best.
”We do have the quality. Anything is possible.”
No team faced a rockier four-team road than Ghana with Italy, the Czechs, the US and mighty Brazil.
To split four matches was enough to earn respect. Doing so with a physical side that led the Cup in fouls was even more impressive.
Dujkovic, a 60-year-old Serbian, might not be back for another World Cup run. He would not comment when asked about speculation he might take over Serbia’s team, looking for a new coach in the wake of a winless World Cup performance.
Until the end of 2006, Dujkovic is committed to Ghana.
”Maybe we will sit and discuss about a new contract until 2008, but at this moment, I cannot tell you anything about it,” Dujkovic said.
Finally fulfilling the promise shown by two under-17 world championship sides against the elite level, Ghana sent a message to rivals that the Black Stars are ready to challenge Cameroon and Nigeria for African supremacy.
”I’m very proud of our players,” Dujkovic said. ”They fought from the beginning of the first match to the end.”
Dujkovic went from goat to genius as fast as it took the Black Stars to bounce back from a 2-0 opening loss to Italy and claim a 2-0 shock triumph over the second-ranked Czechs, then edge the Americans 2-1 to advance.
Africa’s lone team in the final 16 surrendered a record 15th World Cup goal to Brazilian playmaker Ronaldo in the fifth minute and allowed another off a pass that deflected off a defender’s leg.
The effort against Brazil came with 25-year-old star Michael Essien, a Chelsea midfielder, suspended for a match due to yellow cards. — AFP
