Ghana

Ghana are on the march to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and everyone needs to be wary as this powerful and efficient side look to improve on their 2006 World Cup display.

After a superb tournament in Germany, their first World Cup, where they gained the scalps of the Czech Republic and the USA in the group stages, the Black Stars will be looking to send some of the worlds big guns crashing out early on again as they try and get further than the second round this time out.

Their confidence will have been boosted further by the sides performance in the African Cup of Nations where they were without several key players like Michael Essien and Steven Appiah yet they still were only narrowly beaten in the final by Egypt.

Star Man - Sulley Muntari

The Inter Milan star has had a rocky relationship with the Ghanaian side after a retirement and various disciplinary issues but with the injury to Michael Essien, Muntari will be key to any success Ghana has.

After superb performances at Portsmouth where the tough tackling midfielder won the FA Cup, Jose Mourinho took the midfielder to Inter Milan where he has won 2 Serie A titles including this season’s which was part of an incredible treble along with the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

Muntari’s fitness has been a concern ahead of the tournament but with Essien out boss Rajevac may have to risk playing Muntari in the opening games.


Coach - Milovan Rajevac

Serbian coach Miovan Rajevac's name is not well known by anyone outside of Serbia and Ghana but could find that isn't the case after the World Cup this summer.

The coach lists clubs such as Borac Cacak, Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and Sloboda Užice, however he has so far been a success as Ghanaian manager leading the team with ease through the qualifying stages of the World Cup.

All concerned will hope his success continues and with their Under-20 side winning the Under-20 World Cup he could soon have a wealth of young talent at his disposal.



One to Watch - Dominic Adiyiah

Having already joined Italian side AC Milan in January the future is apparently set to be very bright for Dominic Adiyiah.

Free scoring as a Ghanaian youth international and winning numerous youth awards for Feyenoord and scoring goals in Ghana for Heart of Lions.

His outstanding performances in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup where he scored 8 goals saw him the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball and the MVP awards as well as lifting the trophy with Ghana. Adiyiah could make a real impact in South Africa if given the chance.

Odds to win - 75/1

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