Ghana is a longshot to win Group G in the 2014 World Cup. They are playing in the so called Group of Death along with Germany, Portugal and the United States. Germany is the favorite to win the Group and Portugal is favored to finish second. Ghana and the United States are the longshots to advance to the round of 16. Let’s look at Ghana and 2014 World Cup picks.
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If Ghana was playing in almost any other group they would be a favorite to get out of the group stage. The problem is Group G which includes Germany and Portugal. And the United States is not a pushover either and the U.S. team will want revenge for losing four years ago to Ghana in the World Cup.
Key Players
Ghana has some talented players including Andre and Jordan Ayew, Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng but how far they go will likely depend upon Asamoah Gyan. He had six goals in qualifying and for Ghana to win they need him to produce. He has 39 goals in 77 appearances for Ghana.
Ghana is managed by former captain James Kwesi Appiah. He took over in 2012 after spending four years as an assistant. He is the first Ghanaian to lead the team in the World Cup. "It's nice to meet Germany, and also USA, who we beat in Round of 16 in 2010.” Appiah said, “We are a better team than in 2010 and I'm sure there will be a lot of surprises in this group. Once you are prepared to go to the World Cup, you must be prepared to face any team that comes your way. If you want to win the World Cup, you need to beat all the teams in your group."
Ghana rolled in qualifying as they won five of their six matches including a 6-1 win over Egypt. Ghana should have made the semifinals of the World Cup four years ago but they couldn’t beat Uruguay. They had what looked like a sure win but Gyan missed a penalty kick against Uruguay and the team then lost in a penalty shootout. This will be the third straight World Cup appearance for Ghana.
Schedule
16 June 2014
Ghana vs. United States, Arena das Dunas, Natal
21 June 2014
Germany vs. Ghana, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
26 June 2014
Portugal vs. Ghana, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia
Picks
Group G is very tough but Ghana has the ability to get some points and make it to the next round.