Appiah holds our fate not opponents — Nyaho
Former Ghana football chief, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, says Ghana’s fate at next year’s FIFA World Cup lies in the hands of Coach Kwasi Appiah and not the perceived might of group opponents.
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The Black Stars drew three-time world champions Germany, 2004 European Championship runners-up Portugal, and the United States in what is considered a very difficult group for the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists.
But Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said the chances of the Black Stars progressing from Group G during the June 12 to July 13 tournament will be determined by the coach and factors that relate to him.
“The question of discipline is an all-year-round matter, whether the team is in camp or not. It is the last thing to compromise on in any serious endeavor, and I believe (Coach) Appiah understands this very well,” he told Graphic Sports at the weekend.
“Player selection, tactics, and the ability to read opponents’ games and counter their strengths are basic requirements for coaches appearing on the big stage of the World Cup.
“If the Black Stars’ technical leadership can perfect all those factors, Ghana will have a good chance of matching the best in the world.
“At least, in terms of player quality there is not much difference between Ghana and the others, although no one can contest the individual brilliance of (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi and a few others.
“The Black Stars played Germany in South Africa (at the 2010 World Cup) and it was a difficult match for both sides although Germany won 1-0. We are very conversant with the United States after beating them at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, while Portugal is a virtual one-man team that depends largely on Ronaldo’s prowess.
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“This is why the whole plot will have to be led by the coach and his assistants.”
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe admitted though that both Germany and the United States showed consistency during the qualifying series, and acknowledged the beauty of how Portugal overpowered Sweden in their qualifying play-off.
He, however, attributed all of that to the efforts of their respective coaches.
“A coach must be able to motivate his players to execute specific tasks. If a coach fails to do this, it would not matter if he assembles the world’s best players for a single match,” Nyaho-Tamakloe concluded.