Ghana: the hope for a big shock

They have gone to South Africa with high expectations, but they certainly aren't overawed by the occasion: "We have a difficult group, so we will take it game by game", said Tagoe, who, like many in Ghana, is dreaming of success at the World Cup. Should Ghana not win it, "then I hope another African country will". Comments like this show how much the World Cup means to Africa. The Black Continent is presenting itself as a unified force. Despite strong rivalries in the African Nations Cup, the overall goal now is for an African country to win the World Cup for the first time.

Dreaming is of course allowed- especially right now- but Ghana's chances of success have been slightly reduced by Michael Essien's absence through injury. Essien has a key role in the team- he is the leader. "His absence has hit us hard. We need to group together and the responsibility that was on his shoulders needs to be redistributed amongst the team", said Vorsah, who plays in central defence. Essien is out, captain Steven Appiah has had several injuries this season while playing for Bologna, and Sulley Muntari has had similar problems at Inter Milan. Tagoe isn't too worried though: "We don't just depend on one player", he explained, "the way the team works together is more important at a World Cup".

Four years ago, Vorsah and Tagoe were watching the World Cup from home in front of their television sets- but this year they're right in the middle of the action. "The country came to a standstill when we reached the second round", said Tagoe. "I'd love to experience that again this year." Tagoe doesn't believe though that all African teams have a home advantage. "I believe that the European teams have a small advantage in that it's currently Winter in South Africa, so the Europeans are used to it."

Above all though, they can't wait for Ghana's final group game against Germany. After Kevin-Prince Boateng's ungracious foul on Michael Ballack, which put the German captain out of the World Cup, it should be an emotionally chargeg game for Tagoe and Vorsah. "Perhaps they will underestimate us and think that the win is already in the bag", said Tagoe.