The team
Four-time winners of the African Cup of Nations, The Black Stars are the second most successful team in the tournament’s history. They qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in 2006, where they progressed to the second round, only to be halted by Brazil. We’re not convinced they’ll even get past group stages this time round, though.
The coach
Milovan Rajevac
Rajevac was appointed in August 2008 to lead this powerful team to the finals of the African Cup of Nations, and he did just this, though lost out in the final against Egypt. The World Cup is a great place for managers and players to make a name for themselves and, at 55, this could be Rajevac’s last chance to showcase his managerial abilities on the world stage.
Player to watch
Michael Essien
The midfielder is the beating heart of the Ghana team. A versatile player, Essien can effortlessly switch from defensive midfielder to playmaker. He’s currently recovering from injury, but should be ready for the finals.
We’re on the ball
World Cup appearances: 1
Previous best: Last 16, 2006
Odds of winning: 30/1
Strange but true: Ghana’s coach is Serbian and will face his countrymen in the Group D opener on June 13
Fixtures: Serbia, June 13, 6pm, Pretoria Australia, June 19, 6pm, Rustenburg Germany, June 23, 10.30pm, Johannesburg
