Ghana Defy Expectations, Eye Knockout Spot After England Stalemate

For a team which had gone 7 games without a win, losing 6 times with a draw on one occasion before the World Cup. Expectation had Ghana to be one of the underdogs.

Grouped in group L, alongside 1966 champions, the Three Lions of England, two times semi finalists, Croatia, and Panama to seal the group.

Being the least FIFA ranked team in the group, Ghana’ best finish was expected to be in the 3rd position, just above Panama. But the Black Stars seem to have a different template from what football lovers all over the world have.

Ghana opened her campaign with a late 1:0 win over Panama, a strike from Nordsjaelland’ Caleb Yirenkyi at the odd minutes of the game, did the magic. The second game against England ended a barren draw.

Ghana sits on the 2nd spot in the group, with only goal difference separating them from group leaders England. A win or draw against Croatia in the final group game will seal a spot for the African side in the round of 32 knockout phase.

What makes Carlos Queiroz boys standout is the discipline in defence. Against England, they were faced with premier league proven stars and couple of others, from elite leagues around Europe, yet did not succumb to threats. The Black Stars are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Ghana has shown that, they did not leave Africa to just compete, but to contend, this has been seen against top European sides, and they maintain an unbeaten run in the campaign, going into the final group game.