By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Football fans in Ghana believe that the Black Stars have a strong historical advantage in maintaining their unbeaten record in second group games in previous FIFA World Cups, especially before the upcoming clash with England on Tuesday.
According to the fans, the Black Stars can leverage the impressive second group matches in their previous four World Cup tournaments to get a fair result against the Three Lions.
The West African country beat the Czech Republic 2-0 and South Korea 3-2 in their second group games in the 2006 and 2022 WCs, respectively.
Ghana drew 1-1 with Australia and 2-2 with Germany in the FIFA World Cup tournaments in South Africa (2010) and Brazil (2014), respectively.
According to 50-year-old Henry Djangmah, a die-hard fan of the Black Stars, history is on the side of Ghana to get a favorable result against their former colonial master.
“My instinct tells me Ghana will either beat England or at worst draw with them because the team has never lost a second group game in a FIFA World Cup.”
Another fan, Christian Adu-Poku, said Ghana’s win against Panama has restored some hope in him, and he believes the Black Stars will do the needful by picking at least a point in the match.
“Even though we don’t have a star-studded side like that of the English, I believe that our boys are hungry for success, and that is what will do the magic for the team against England,” said Adu-Poku.
Meanwhile, Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has said they believe in themselves and are very much ready for the England game.
“We have two important games left. We approach each game individually. We are focused on securing the three points in the next match, and thereafter, we think about the last match. It’s always difficult playing at the World Cup. There are no easy games, but we believe in ourselves and we feel that anything is possible. The next game is equally important, and we are ready for it,” said Ayew.
The Black Stars drew 1-1 with the Three Lions in an international friendly at Wembley on March 29, 2011.
Ghana will play their second game in Group L against England on June 23; a victory would move the Black Stars closer to qualification for the Round of 32, while another positive result would also extend their unbeaten record in second matches at the FIFA World Cup. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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