Ghana can’t make second round - Mourinho

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has played down Ghana’s chances of progressing beyond the group stage of this month’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, predicting that Germany and his native Portugal will advance from Group G to the second round.

In his role as Yahoo’s World Cup analyst, the charismatic Portuguese tactician said he did not see how the Black Stars would survive against the two European giants and the USA, even though Kwasi Appiah’s side went past the group stage at the last two competitions in 2006 and 2010.

“Very difficult group. Germany first, Portugal runner-up, but I’m afraid of US,” he added, fearing an upset for his home country Portugal.

Despite Mourinho’s grim verdict, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, says it will be erroneous for Germany and Portugal to underestimate the strength of the Stars in Brazil as Ghana have “a good team”.

The French tactician has served notice to Germany and Portugal to be mindful of Appiah’s charges since they can pull an upset in Brazil.

“Germany and Portugal might be the favourites, but be careful of Ghana!” Wenger wrote in his Eurosport World Cup preview. “They almost reached the semi-finals in South Africa. They have a good team.”