大象传媒

I agree a great day for Ghana and a tragic day for English officials

Ghana vs. USA - what a match - what a great victory for Ghana! They will have won a lot of neutrals over as they are now the African team of the World Cup.

They display such energy and are not afraid to take the game to the opposition as we have seen in each of the group matches.

The only tragedy for them is that influential midfielder Michael Essien will be missing for their match against Brazil. He and Stephen Appiah have been fantastic in midfield.

I would encourage Ghana to continue their free attacking style of play against Brazil. They are blessed with some tremendous athletes and could shock the Brazilians with their approach.

No Essien is a big loss, but I'm sure the other Ghanians will make it up through sheer enthusiasm. Go Ghana Go.

Paul:

Let's hope that Ghana can give Brazil a run for the money and to truly put African soccer on the world map.

You have to admit, though, that Ghana were fortunate during today's match against the USA. How Markus Merk thought Pimpong's fall in the box in the 46th minute was a penalty, I do not know.

However, Ghana deserves to go through simply because of their emphatic 2-0 win against Czech Republic.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

I agree about the penalty. But 1-1 would have led to the same result.

Yes, Ghana only added a point to qualify for the second esp. with Italy winning against the Czech Republic.
Against Brazil I think it will be a totally different with Brazil looking better with every game but Ghana has nothing to lose so they should just go for it.

Yes, Ghana only needed a point to qualify for the second round esp. with Italy winning against the Czech Republic.
Against Brazil I think it will be a totally different game with Brazil looking better with every game but Ghana has nothing to lose so they should just go for it.

Bruce Arena's comments smacks of arrogance. A draw would have been enough. So even if the penalty was not awarded, it would not have made a difference

I predict that Ghana will beat Brazil on penalties.

I also predicted that England would be Sweden!

JimmyZim in case you have not realised, this dose of unfairness plus tricks is what makes football so interesting and fun to watch. No one wants a game without controversy(sp) and talking points. Think of Rugby and Cricket do you think reply will realy help football... No ways. Already, football fans drink a lot of beer and all other sorts of concoctions before games begin imagine if there where long stopages to review footage. I bet half of the Alianz Arena will be asleep when the decision is made.

Long live football, Hand of God, diving, thats football for you.

JimmyZim - it's 'football' not 'soccer'!

An ongoing saga at this world cup seems to be the 2 yellow card and you miss a game rule. TV pundits, journalists and even pub landlords keep changing their mind! During the England v Sweden match it was stated that if Lampard got another yellow he would miss the next game and then towards the end of the game the same person stated that all yellows would be 'reset' after the group stage!!! Essien got his second yellow yesterday and even he seems unsure as to the rules...Anyone got the definitive answer? If so, maybe also tell the 大象传媒 and ITV and all the newspaper editors...AND PERHAPS GRAHAM POLL TOO! ;@)

We were rob during the Italian match.
We beat no. 2,5 and now set to meet no.1.
Our God reigns and he will not let us down this time too.
we will let the whole world know that Jesus is Lord.

Have you accepted Him?

I am still living the sweet memory of Ghana playing Brazil.We beat them th win the junior world cup some years back lets see what the seniors who were the winners then can do.

We have our sheilds and spears and we know thier guns are better
we wont beg for a slutter
we will defend boldly to be the winner even if we lose.

Ghana have preformed brilliantly so far, and I felt they were unlucky against the Italians too. Not many people appreciate that They have won the African cup of Nations 4 times and The FIFA World under-17's 3 times. They have had the beating of Brazil at youth level, who's to say they can't do it at senior level too....?

Yes, Ghana deserve to win that game. The referee decides and once he say it is penalty we got to play it. At the end of it Ghana is the winner. The boys have done well.

Jimmy - It's fairly simple.

If you pick up 2 yellow cards in the group stages you are suspended for the next match - end of.
If however you only have 1 yellow card in the group stages this is taken away once you get to the knockout stages and you start afresh.

Hope that's clear ;o)

Hi Paul, just reading your piece this morning "Ghana legend hails cup progress"
Just couple of mistakes, you say that Ghana are the first African team to go to the second round, hmm, i think the 1990 squad of Cameroon would disagree with that and also it says the first African team to score two goals in a world cup match, Cameroon scored 2 goals against Colombia and also 2 against another country called England

I've been supporting Ghana from Day 1, and was thrilled when they pulled together after the Italy game and showed what a force they could be on the field. Essien's been one of the most dynamic players in the World Cup. Being sidelined on a technicality is a real shame.

I agree with most of the comments above; Ghana should just go all out and I believe an early goal would underline the statement they're making in 2006.

In the long term, I hope Ghana, amongst other African teams, will become a greater presence in future World Cups. This team's performance can only inspire young players. 2010 - who knows?

Onward, Black Stars!

Great day for Africa!! Not going to be easy against Brazil though. But who cares, Ghana should go for it and just maybe something unusual like an unexpected result may come their way. Go Ghana!! Africa and a lot of the neutrals are behind ur "Brazilian flavoured" football!!

Who says without Michael Essien Ghana cant make it ?This is the time others will proove their capabilities,there is no doubt that Ghana will beat Bazil.

The success of Ghana in world football has long been overdue. Thanks to the boys for the wonderful performance. Essien out of the next match is a blow but we will give it our best shot.

Its not just Cameroon that made it to the knockout stage. 4 years ago Senegal made it to the quarters.
Africans have been here before. What i'd love is for Ghana to go all the way to the semis...Brazil and others are not invinsible.

I am happy that black stars are realy shining among a thousand white stars. We in Ghana are ready and set for Brazil. Go black stars, make africa proud.

Stephen Appiah's dream of playing Italy in the group stage and qualifying for the next stage to play Brazil has really come true after he wished for that before the world cup draws.Lets hope he makes all the difference in that match.

Congratulations Black Stars,africa is proud of you.Ghana the gateway to africa is proud of your efforts.Go all out on Tuesday to beat the noising Brazil to make the world a better place for african soccer.We love you!

Fantastic day for Ghana. I went there myself last year and the people are great. The beeping car horns will be louder than ever in Accra now! Good luck to the Black Stars for the rest of the tournament, go for it against Brazil. (Just wish I could find a shirt to wear for the match!).

i am quite shock and proude with Ghana's perfomance. They are still flying the flag of African football. i believe we will be victorious against the Brazilians. A man one said, the first time Ghana takes part in the world cup they will win it. is'n it kind of strange how 4 times African champions has never been to the world cup finals?

I love mother Ghana so much so that am fasting and praying for them to succeed. God is with you Ghana, go Ghana go for Brazil. you have nothing to lose just believe in the Lord and go for it. If God be for Ghana, who can be against them not even Brazil.

Yesterday was different in Ghana!! Can t compare it to any event that ever happened!! I was part of that on the streets. Good Lord, I am still nursing a hang-over.

We ll have a better one on Tues!!!!!

At the start of the tournament people were picking their suprise team of the tournament and Ghana weren麓t getting a mention, perhaps because they were expected to do quite well? I always thought they would be the team upset a few other麓s ambitions. And so it has proved.

Ecuador are another side who may not have been attracting too much cash at the bookies but, if my geography serves me at all, I believe them to be south american and south americans have progressed well before.

Also, my impression is that Ghanaians are very nice people with a nice attitude and if anyone deserves a little success to crow about ....

Against Brazil? Well, if I was Ghanaian I麓d just be damn happy to be there. Brazil were showing nothing except reputation coming into the toutnament but with every game they麓re waking up a little more. Nobody麓s ever going to bet on Brazil getting beat.

So, should Ghana play a canny tactical match in the hope of maybe squeezing another suprise victory? ... No way! This is the festival match of the tournament. Brazil will respect and will ease into thir special footballing way. Ghana will respect but still be going for all out football as that is their only hope. I wish this would be the match of the tournament for hope and excitement representing the true spirit of what the world cup is all about.

I imagine that Ghana will win huge respect and admiration and end up with lots of pride, as they should, even though Brazil may progress to the next round.

Of course, if Ghana give them a good hiding? .........

Come on Ghana, show us what you can do :)

comment approved

I love mother Ghana so much so that am fasting and praying for them to succeed. God is with you Ghana, go Ghana go for Brazil. you have nothing to lose just believe in the Lord and go for it. If God be for Ghana, who can be against them not even Brazil.

Fair play to Ghana. They played some good football and they wanted it more so in my eyes they deserved to go through.

This is what's worying me about Ecuador on Sunday, the desire these so called "lesser" teams have to win seems to significantly outweigh Englands'.

When is FIFA going to come out and bench these officials. That ref changed the game by making that dreadful pk call at the end of the first half. Say all you want about the score would have been tied if you take the goal away but you are wrong. US goes into the half tied with an emotional advantage and would have come out inspired. Instead they go in dejected and feeling screwed once again by the bloody refs. And only 5 minutes of stoppage time for all the dives and fake injuries that Ghana performed. What a shame. I will continue to watch but these officials have to stop ruining these games.

Ghana has really done a great job. Against Brazil is going to be an uphill task for the stars. But with determination from the boys, lead by Stephen Apphia the black stars will leave no stone unturn in their way to the ultimate.
This is African Brazil vrs American Brazil. It is really going to be a cracker.

Its time for Africa to shine and Ghana, the torch-bearers are in the postion to do that. Go Ghana. The penalty was a little close but who cares right now. Too late, too bad. Just like the yellow card flashed in the face of the Ghanaian player who thought he heard a whistle and kicked the ball. Strange things happen but I believe its destiny for Africa to be champions for once. After all, why not Africa? Brazil is going down come snow in this time of the year.

*** Three cheers to my galant Black Stars. You realy deserve to be in the K.O. stage. However, the battle has not ended.
World No.5 gone,World No.2 down, it's now the turn of the world No.1. Hope you complete the task because we believe in you.
The same kind of spirit can do it again. Ayekoo!(Congratulations)

Ghana has really done a great job. Against Brazil is going to be an uphill task for the stars. But with determination from the boys, lead by Stephen Apphia the black stars will leave no stone unturn in their way to the ultimate.
This is African Brazil vrs American Brazil. It is really going to be a cracker.

A great day for African football, and given that the majority of the Brazilians are only in Brazil because their ancestors were kidnapped from West Africa, the next match will be poignant.
As for the controversial refereeing, I can't remember a World of European Cup where commentators DIDN'T say that the refereeing was controversial, but who knows. Perhaps, just perhaps, Michael Essien hasn't played his last game in Germany yet. I'll explain why.
The world of international soccer is nowadays dominated by the interception and the sliding tackle. But Ghanaian footballers stay on their feet and try to steal the ball from their opponents. For many players this will be the first time they have faced this old fashioned but highly honourable tactic. The surprise factor alone was enough to lead to many Ghanaian goals and goal opportunities.
Brazil will have learned this, but it is too late to start training against such a tactic now. I say:
Go on you Black Stars! Nothing to lose and the world to win!
Until you meet England, of course...

*** Three cheers to my galant Black Stars. You realy deserve to be in the K.O. stage. However, the battle has not ended.
World No.5 gone,World No.2 down, it's now the turn of the world No.1. Hope you complete the task because we believe in you.
The same kind of spirit can do it again. Ayekoo!(Congratulations)

Well, i think it was a remarkable victory for Ghana and Africa in a whole. The level dedication demonstrated by the Players in their match against Chech was outstanding. Its not going to be a tea party against Brazil, especially as Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are beginning to strike a useful understanding upfront. I expect ghana to continue their robust african style in the middle, with occassional counters. I see carlos committing fatal mistakes which will give africa the day.

"* Brendan wrote:

Bruce Arena's comments smacks of arrogance. A draw would have been enough. So even if the penalty was not awarded, it would not have made a difference"

PK NOT AWARDED IN INJURY TIME WOULDN'T HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE?? That is retarded, how can a PK that lets a team go up a goal in injury time not matter?? Ghana could sit back in the second half and just defend, remember they didn't know that a draw would get them through until Italy won against the czechs. That call changed the game dramatically and to say it didn't matter is ludicrous.

Brendan:

How can you say the PK did not matter. It was called in injury time and let Ghana just defend in the second half. Remember they didn't know the draw would get them through until Italy beat the Czechs. The riduclous call changed the game dramatically and to say it didn't matter is ludicrous.

As an American who grew up in Africa, Ghana's win was bittersweet. The bitter part comes mainly from Ghana's excessive fouls (40), diving and faking injury (they deserve an oscar), not to mention the poor officiating. The US played a better game. I'm thrilled that a sub-saharan African nation is going to the next round, and Ghana certainly earned it with their performance against the Czechs, but the end does not justify the means.

Brazil will win 3-0, to think that Ghana is even close to Brazil is laughable. You can call yourselves the Brazil of Africa all you want but outside of Accra people know better.

Ghana is at their best when they play risky, high -pressure, high backline football. They need to take it directly to the Brazilians - if they play as well as they did against the Czechs, they'll shock them and the rest of the football world. And even if it's not enough, it will be fun to watch.

What a great achievement for a wonderful side, the appropriate representative of one of the world's most wonderful nations. Go Black Stars! Go Ghana!

Oseeeeee Ghana!! The boys are good, team no aye yie (the team's become good!). The boyz made ma day! We have met and beaten Brazil at the youth stages, and remember that these same players at those stages have grown and are now playing each other at the world cup; re: Essien and Adriano met at the youth stage! So, yeah, the game cld go either way and who says we fear anyone. In the words of a ecstatic fan back home in Ghana, "Brazil? Who is Brazil?!" Bring them on...

Black Stars,
Kept the Czechs in check
Made the U S A
Weep all day
Now we want Brazil
With all our zeal!!

Go Ghana, Go!

When the World Cup started, everyone was gossoping about the top team's performances but no one knew about Ghana including me. Now after 2 weeks of the Group Stage, majority of football fans are enjoying the exciting football being played by Ghana team. I hope they will perform really good against Brazil. No wonder they can beat them too. My heartiest wishes are with them...

When the World Cup started, everyone was gossoping about the top team's performances but no one knew about Ghana including me. Now after 2 weeks of the Group Stage, majority of football fans are enjoying the exciting football being played by Ghana team. I hope they will perform really good against Brazil. No wonder they can beat them too. My heartiest wishes are with them...

I am tesfu from Eritrea.Yesterday I am very happy when Ghana playing football against USA.I can't control my happiness.I am the supporter of ghana 20 years ago. I wish good luck in the next match with the famouse and lovely Brazil team in the world.I will watch the game with high attention in my lovely city Asmara.

it has been said that Ghana is one of the greatest footballing nations in the world and we are proving it to the world right now. we are the little David and we will be the toast of every lover of football soon. GHANAAAAAA! NEVER SAY DIE!

No words can describe how marvelous Ghana played so far. It will be interesting to see how they will fair against Brazil. It's not over until it's over, keep the good work guys.

Ghana has done well in their maiden turnout for the World Cup.Even though beating Brazil looks virtually impossible it can be done.
As the saying goes,"He who dares wins"

ghana was wonderful in the last two games.brazil should watchout it is 0;i against brazil.ghana for the semis

Absolutely fantastic soccer displayed in the first round by Ghana. Ghana is a great football giant but we've been sleeping.We have shocked number 2 nation in the world, shocked number 5 and number 8 in the world...WHO WOKE THE SLEEPING GIANTS?
Everything is possible in soccer and we are going to shock Brazil world number one..Our aim is to make nonsense of FIFA rankings.
We have nothing to loose and we will go all out against Brazil. they will be under pressure and thats when we are going to pin them to the wall.
Remember we beat the same team in Under 17..1999 and we both have the nucleus of the team.What prevents us this time
tts like breaking a 17 year olds virginity.the mark will forever remain. they mere sight of GHANA will send shivers down their spine. ALL THE BEST GHANA...

Absolutely fantastic soccer displayed in the first round by Ghana. Ghana is a great football giant but we've been sleeping.We have shocked number 2 nation in the world, shocked number 5 and number 8 in the world...WHO WOKE THE SLEEPING GIANTS?
Everything is possible in soccer and we are going to shock Brazil world number one..Our aim is to make nonsense of FIFA rankings.
We have nothing to loose and we will go all out against Brazil. they will be under pressure and thats when we are going to pin them to the wall.
Remember we beat the same team in Under 17..1999 and we both have the nucleus of the team.What prevents us this time
Its like breaking a 17 year olds virginity.the mark will forever remain. they mere sight of GHANA will send shivers down their spine. ALL THE BEST GHANA...

GHANAAAA! NEVER SAY DIE!

What is abusive in what i sent. You are just bias and you down want AFRICA to cause a stir. Damn you

What is abusive in what i sent. You are just bias and you down want AFRICA to cause a stir.

Im a Ghanaian and i bet u im so proud to be a Ghanaian.

Ghana is not going to go very far in this world cup although they have put up a good fight i do not think they can reach the high level , they are still not as good as other african teams such as nigeria and cameron i hope they do alright but i know they will not get that far

Ghana is not going to go very far in this world cup although they have put up a good fight i do not think they can reach the high level , they are still not as good as other african teams such as nigeria and cameron i hope they do alright but i know they will not get that far

Like the legend Roger Miller said, and i quote `The whole world should wait until Ghana comes to the world cup and you will see the very best of African football` Ghana will show to the whole world that, the beautiful Brizalian football has its roots from Africa.

Ghana has takes the flag of the African gone in the second round and they have showed, no doubt, their performance in the group matches. They have some potential players and their team spirit is their main strength. Now it is yet to see how black stars manage the samba dance.

It was sad to see my USA team lose, but I agree completely with you: the day belonged to a great team from Ghana. Their enthusiasm and pride are hard to resist, and I look forward to cheering for them against Brazil.

cmon the ghana!! :D.. who are brazil anyway?

As an American I can't help but root for Ghana against Brazil -- their enthusiasm is infectious and they show themselves as classy players. Unfortunately, the Ref was terrible and did everything he could to try to ruin the game. Not only was the penalty an atrocious call, but the ridiculous yellow card for Essien robs us and Ghana of the pleasure of watching him play in the next round. Even Arena thought the card was unjustified.

Ghana is a country i love and support.I am not from it but as a sport loving african,i know that both Ghana & Cameroun are the only 2 countries that you can rely on to put their countries before themselves.Obviously,African refrees in this world cup are the most likely to be blamed but how can anyone defend graham poll! from his questionable sending of a Togolese defender i believe he needs to be banned from not only this world cup but future ones as he would and should be forever ridiculed for the most inefficient officiating ever seen in a world cup.For those that don"t think so would they have felt different if he was from Africa.

Yes, I am happy for Ghana, but let be realistic, the score without the questionable panelty is a 1-1 tie with a poor US team made up of 6th tier players. In the US Only players who can't enter American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Track & Field or Golf play Soccer! With Brazil it's a different story. But remember even the mighty will have their bad days. So, Good Luck with Brazil, and go all out. You have nothing to loose.

Ghana has been absolutely magnificent and i know it won't be easy for Brazil to run them down.

I hope Ghana takes their chances during the match and also defend collectively.

Ghana should go and read the match 'script' of the atlanta '96 olympic semi final match and borrow a leaf from that great Nigerian victory over Brazil.

We are all 100% in support of Ghana here in Galway, Ireland.

Ghana has been absolutely magnificent and i know it won't be easy for Brazil to run them down.

I hope Ghana takes their chances during the match and also defend collectively.

Ghana should go and read the match 'script' of the atlanta '96 olympic semi final match and borrow a leaf from that great Nigerian victory over Brazil.

We are all 100% in support of Ghana here in Galway, Ireland.

what happened to my mail

what happened to my mail

Maybe this is a stupid question, why can't Michael Essien be in the game against Brazil? I thought the cards were not carried to the next round?

Ghana is a country i love and support.I am not from it but as a sport loving african,i know that both Ghana & Cameroun are the only 2 countries that you can rely on to put their countries before themselves.Obviously,African refrees in this world cup are the most likely to be blamed but how can anyone defend graham poll! from his questionable sending of a Togolese defender i believe he needs to be banned from not only this world cup but future ones as he would and should be forever ridiculed for the most inefficient officiating ever seen in a world cup.For those that don"t think so would they have felt different if he was from Africa.

The penalty was a very important decision and influenced the game. The US had just equalised and if the game had gone into the 2hd half 1-1 with momentum with the US, then who knows what would have happened.

Unfortunately, the referees in this WC have put their mark on too many matches. The fans and players have been fantastic...it's a shame FIFA can't get the officiating sorted out.

In any case, well done to Ghana....I hope they play well against Brazil.

The Black Stars of Ghana will show no fear for Brazil. On a good day, they will give the Brazilians a good run for their money. Essien will be missed but if Muntari plays, he will fill Essien's shoes excellently.

What a great qualification for Ghana! And they deserved it too with the way they tore through the Czech Republic who were considered as a dark horse. They play positive, attacking football (even if one of their players is called Pimpong!!!) and are very disciplined when defending. Too bad Ivory Coast ended up against two of the more impressive teams as they would also have deserved to go through.

Allez l'Afrique!

The Black Stars of Ghana will show no fear for Brazil. On a good day, they will give the Brazilians a good run for their money. Essien will be missed but if Muntari plays, he will fill Essien's shoes excellently. GO GHANA, GO GET IT!

1984 is very important in sports history-it was the last time a non black won the 100 meters title in the olympics.its only a matter of time for pace & power to be essential in winning the world cup and africans have this in abundance. All that is lacking is dedication & discipline but surely the gap is closing and with the help of european clubs (not national team coaches)African players are becoming more disciplined and it is almost impossible,even for togo, for us to lose like Zaire did in 1974 this misfortune, has been passed to the East europeans who have sacrificed hardwork & organisation for freedom.

Brazil has good players but most of them had played Ghana under 17 on several times. Ghana most of the time wins so I dont think its a big problem. They will shock the world.........

Ghana deserved the win over the US. Luck is a huge part of football, Ghana got lucky with the penalty call. However, if the US was a better team like Germany, England or Brazil, they would have put the penalty behind them and still beaten Ghana. Ghana should enjoy themselves on tuesday against Brazil, because it is fear of Brazil that might end them costing them the game.

As an African, it was a big relief seeing Ghana sail through. Against Brazil, they will need to do the simple things right. Tight defending, fast counter attacking and above all else, take their chances when those chances come.
Go black stars!!!

When Ghana, alongside Nigeria and Cameroun, qualify for the world cup in 2010, the world will see a truly beautiful display of soccer skills. These countries if they compete against Brazil and Argentina would make the qorld cup entertaining to even the harshest critics of the game.

no defending world champion has ever beaten an african team in a world cup since 1990. the record keeps repeating itself every years which means it is time for brazil to fall out. it's a little bit unfortunate for them this time round. They've met the africans this time and history is bound to repeat itself.
for those of you who don't remember:

argentina 0 cameroon 1
France 0 senegal 1

so it looks like
Brazil 0 ghana 1

Ghana may not beat Brazil, but they will fight and paly in a spiritede manner that would make us proud of them. They have the most difficult schedule so far in the World Cup. Italy, Czech Republic, USA, and now Brazil. Tell me which team in the world can handle that schedule.

I'm happy an African team went through, but I don't see Ghana having displayed the class which has been evident on some other teams. The players dove repeatedly, and had five stretchers brought out with no injuries.

It's a feel good story, to be sure, but I don't see this team as special as say the Ivory Coast team, or Senegal 2002.

Brazil team is no doubt talented, but they still lack that team play. Ghana has a chance to shock the world on tuesday because they have the team chemistry, and can also play the Brazilian style football.

Thanks for your wonderful compliments about Ghana. Playing in the world cup has been a long cherished dream of Ghanaians everywhere. It's been a splendid performance so far and I believe anything can happen if the boys can maintain their self-belief and enthusiasm. Let's wait and see.

Ghana have been amazing, but is there such a position as minister for education, science and sport?!!

This is the second flawed article ive read recently by a bbc journalist on ghana. The one on the pre world cup atmosphere in accra was terrible. This is many people's first introduction to Ghana as a nation, and such a well respected organisation with such world wide reach and appeal should set a better standard.

ok, apologies, the website says there is such a position...

Michael Davies - just to say, and I'm sorry if this was not clear - that I was talking about this World Cup.

I very much remember the exploits of previous African nations and very much respect them.

Just to answer Michael Davies (comment 18) - sorry if there was any confusion but I meant this World Cup.

I very much remember the exploits of previous African nations at the World Cup - who could forget Roger Milla?

Are you saying the Ghana team that beat Czech Republic were not as as good as Ivory Coast or Senegal? I agree with you that the game against the US wasn't their best performance, but what did you expect from a team that was missing their key striker (Asamoah Gyan) and the key midfielder(Sulley Muntari). The fact that they won without them shows class. You try and watch Ivory Coast play without Drogba and Kolo Toure, and you will see a different Ivory Coast.

"Dr francis Odukwe wrote: 1984 is very important in sports history-it was the last time a non black won the 100 meters title in the olympics."

Ummm I believe Carl Lewis won that year and though he is American he is very much black. I can't even read the rest of the comment after a glaring error like that.

* Anonymous wrote:

"Maybe this is a stupid question, why can't Michael Essien be in the game against Brazil? I thought the cards were not carried to the next round?"

-----they are wiped out starting next round but because he got the second yellow in the same round as his first the suspension is still in effect.
If you get one in the quarters and the semis you would miss the final, which is horrible IMHO.

after all the poor referee descions during the chezh math the ghana boys have shown true patrotsim and african spiritness LONG LIVE MOTHER AFRICA LONG LIVE BLACK STAR

i agree i am very proud of my country and its people and players!!

although usa supporters were greater in number u cud tell that the atmosphere - the whole stadium!! was for ghana maybe even the americans without actually knowing it!! haha

ghana should just come all guns blazing with brazil i hope they dont get intimidated by Brazils status and i'd like to see them move up at least 20 places in FIFA's rankings

after all the poor referee decisions during the chezh match the ghanaian boys showed true patroitisim and african spiritness LONG LIVE MOTHER AFRICA LONG LIVE BLACK STAR GHANA OSEYIEEEEEEEEEE

The black stars are ready to stun another FIFA picked giant. The brand of football so far displayed by the BS gives me nothing but absolute confidence; they have the skill, physique and potency to do damage to any team. My prediction for the game: 2 goals to 1 in favour of ghana. both goals will be scored in the first half by ghana. Brazil's goal will be a late consolation one. Never say die until the bones are rotten. and to all those wining about the penalty call in the match against the US, stop been sore loosers. Refereeing is part of the game; not all decisions come your way.so live with it.

I'm a US fan, sorry we lost, but loved watching these guys play. US got some bad calls, but we didn't play the first game, and the result is we went home.

Joel ( post 45 ) did u miss the Italy ghana match and the italy czech match AND the italy USA match?!??!!! if u wanna award oscars for fake injury give it to them!!!!

they fall over, the hold their faces check whether the ref is coming or whether their team mate has scored AND THEN if their team does score they get and and celebrate! if they dont?!! then they cry ( which i reckon the get trained to turn on and off when needed ) then the touch every single limb and area of their bodies!!!! italy ARTISTIC TALENTED CHEATS!!

i feel passionately for ghanian football, as a mixed person of ghanian and brasillian descent the next game will be difficult to watch. ghana deserves their place in the next round and i'm proud of them unlike many african nations ghana is a stable country with no wars or conflict this inner peace permeates in their football: unity. whatever happens im sure they'll try their best!

I was watching USA vs. Ghana at the Amerikahaus in Frankfurt on invitation by the US Consulate. It was a nice BBQ garden party American style. The (German) beer they served was a bit too warm, the white wine way too sweet - well, American you know... ;-)

Anyway there was ONE guy from Ghana, about 20 or 30 Germans (with all but me supporting the US) and say 50 Americans.

And just that one poor guy from Ghana and me cheering for the Black Stars. I overheard an American suggesting security should take care of me ;-) But well, it all ended up in peace and harmony with a lot of very frustrated yanks and two very happy people! :-)

I have been backing Ghana in the world cup ever since i seen them playing in Scotland in a pre-world cup warm up game against South Korea..They beat them 3-1 and i must say i've been very impressed by them so far.

There is nothing to say they cant beat Brazil in the next round..this game IS there World Cup Final. If they go out and believe theres a chance theres nothing to say they cant do it.

Robert

Since i am Welsh i don't have any teams to really support in the world cup but i watched all of Ghana's games and found them amazing considering it was their first time. If Ghana was to go up against England in the next match i believe that Ghana would definately beat them hands down.

Go Ghana Go!!!

i agree i am very proud of my country and its people and players!!

although usa supporters were greater in number u cud tell that the atmosphere - the whole stadium!! was for ghana maybe even the americans without actually knowing it!! haha

ghana should just come all guns blazing with brazil i hope they dont get intimidated by Brazils status and i'd like to see them move up at least 20 places in FIFA's rankings

Thanks for your wonderful compliments about Ghana. Playing in the world cup has been a long cherished dream of Ghanaians everywhere. It's been a splendid performance so far and I believe anything can happen if the boys can maintain their self-belief and enthusiasm. Let's wait and see.

well just to say lets just have a bit of a history lesson!

Brasil are descendants of Ghana (and well the rest of africa aswell but lets just concentrate on Ghana for now) and anyone observes Brasil wen they play will seethat they play with rythmn and the rythmn of Brasil is SAMBA

SAMBA comes from 2 of the 4 greatest countries in african football (the four being ghana, nigeria, senegal and cameroon) the two being ghana and nigeria as ppl say samba runs thru a brasilians veins it runs - in a much higher concentration - thru ghanas veins!! this all equals beautiful football and the most memorable match of the FIFA WC 2006!!

either way both countries are family and i'm proud of whatever the result but still COME ON GHANA!!

Just so the rest of the world knows:

Ghana
Nigeria
Cameroon
Senegal
Ivory Coast

wen those five countries make it into South Africa no one of these:

BRAZIL
ARGENTINA
ENGLAND
ITALY
FRANCE
USA
CZECH REP.
and anyone else in the top 20 fifa rankings will not have a chance!!!

it is just a matter of time that the rest of the world are humiliated by the natural passionate talent of africa

to the poster of port 46 alot of the posters on here are from outside of accra dont be rude

that is basically saying that ghanaians are uneducated and wrapped up in their own lil world that ghana will win its called support.. it happens everywhere for every country

Yes! Indeed the Black stars of Ghana and Africa has made us proud with such a display of a true African spirit of 'never say die until the bones are rottten'. Yes! the hitches here and there are part of the game and every team has been a victim at one time or the other and the best side always wins. Kudos! Black stars-Go on-shine for your motherlands Ghana and Africa and take on the samba boys-show them the true character of Africans and Afrcican soccer.

to the poster of post 62

NIGERIA is not (alongside cameroon) the best african nation in football

ghana has many a time beaten nigeria!! so hush up

(Mexico fan, here)

Any fan of the Beautiful Game would be very proud of Ghana:

They are consistent
They have determination
They demonstrate a superb fighting spirit.

Great footalling lessons from these African heroes.

GO GHANA!

My bravo message to African Mesiahs for a great job done by sailing into the next round of the tournament. Personally I believe without looking at your next oponent BraZilians as giants rather ones you should go out and play probably and have the field day, it should happen so. Africans are solidly behind you.----------Go and win. CONGRATULATIONS the sparkling BLACk STARS Emmanuel Akwa ------- Brooklyn, New York.

My bravo message to African Mesiahs for a great job done by sailing into the next round of the tournament. Personally I believe without looking at your next oponent BraZilians as giants rather ones you should go out and play probably and have the field day, it should happen so. Africans are solidly behind you.----------Go and win. CONGRATULATIONS the sparkling BLACk STARS Emmanuel Akwa ------- Brooklyn, New York.

LETS FACE IT,CHAMPIONS ARE CHAMPIONS BUT THERE IS A COMMON ELEMENT BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS.MOST OF THEM PLAYED AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL TEAMS.GHANA HAS THE NUMBER OF THE BRIZILIAN COUNTERPARTS.THE COMING BACK OF ASAMOAH GYAN AND SULLY AFTER THEIR QUESTIONABLE YELLOW CARDS MAY BE A BLESSING.THEY HAVE RESTED WELL AND LOOKING BEYOND MAY HELP ESSIEN WHO WILL SIT AND ASSESS THE FLOW OF THE GAME AND USEIT AT THE QUARTER FINALS.WAIT FOR AGHANA SHOCKER.ACCEPT GHANA-2 BRAZIL-1.

champions are champions.it is not going to be easy.we can beat brazil.ghana under 20 has beaten has brazil before.it is sad that ESSIEN is red-carded.it is a blessing.GOD has a hand in ghanas adventure.GOD will equip and re juvinate GYAN and SULLEY to compliment and re enforce APPIAH and the rest.CAN YOU ACCEPT GHANA-2 BRAZIL -1?.ESSIEN will be back in force.

Ghana will have to go into the match with the understanding that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
No one expects them to beat Brazil and that is the beauty of the situation. There are instances in sports where a highly underated opponent upset a favourite. Does anyone remember Tyson vs. Douglas (Buster) or Liston vs. Ali?

LETS FACE IT,CHAMPIONS ARE CHAMPIONS BUT THERE IS A COMMON ELEMENT BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS.MOST OF THEM PLAYED AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL TEAMS.GHANA HAS THE NUMBER OF THE BRIZILIAN COUNTERPARTS.THE COMING BACK OF ASAMOAH GYAN AND SULLY AFTER THEIR QUESTIONABLE YELLOW CARDS MAY BE A BLESSING.THEY HAVE RESTED WELL AND LOOKING BEYOND MAY HELP ESSIEN WHO WILL SIT AND ASSESS THE FLOW OF THE GAME AND USEIT AT THE QUARTER FINALS.WAIT FOR AGHANA SHOCKER.ACCEPT GHANA-2 BRAZIL-1.

LETS FACE IT,CHAMPIONS ARE CHAMPIONS BUT THERE IS A COMMON ELEMENT BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS.MOST OF THEM PLAYED AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL TEAMS.GHANA HAS THE NUMBER OF THE BRIZILIAN COUNTERPARTS.THE COMING BACK OF ASAMOAH GYAN AND SULLY AFTER THEIR QUESTIONABLE YELLOW CARDS MAY BE A BLESSING.THEY HAVE RESTED WELL AND LOOKING BEYOND MAY HELP ESSIEN WHO WILL SIT AND ASSESS THE FLOW OF THE GAME AND USEIT AT THE QUARTER FINALS.WAIT FOR AGHANA SHOCKER.ACCEPT GHANA-2 BRAZIL-1.

"to the poster of port 46 alot of the posters on here are from outside of accra dont be rude

that is basically saying that ghanaians are uneducated and wrapped up in their own lil world that ghana will win its called support.. it happens everywhere for every country"

WHAT?? I never said anything about ghanaians being uneducated. I said its laughable that everyone thinks they will beat Brazil, and it is. Without Essien you will lose at least 3-0.

I think the players of Ghana should be awarded a medal from the U.S. Govt. With their win, the world now hates the U.S. a bit less.

Ghana is so far the most violent team in the World Cup totaling 76 fouls in three games. I wonder who will be the referee for the game against Brazil. It's unbelievable how can they dare call themselves the Brazil of Africa.

I am very happy for Ghana. I would have liked to see them play full strength against Brazil with Essien in the middle of the pack. His loss is a big disappointment. Brazil and Argentina always struggle with African teams and they would sure struggle with this one. They would probably win it but a run for thier money is guaranteed. This could be the most entertaining match in the world cup. Go Ghana, Go!

You have 22 players running around a field that is twice as big as a football field, but you have only one measley referee in the whole game????? How can you ref a fair game?

If you want soccer or "football" to be popular, it needs to be fair. With so much ground to cover, one measely ref can't do it. What do you need?

You need INSTANT REPLAY you dummies. FIFA get with the program!!! 1 bad call changes the entire game. In a game where almost no one scores a goal, you better get your calls right.

Go Black Stars, The spirit of the nation and the people is with you, Play your hearts out for mother Africa. God bless you all.

The black stars against Brazil on tuesday is going to be a David v Goliath encounter.
God willing Ghana should do it.

I wish Ghana the very best not only against brazil but right up to when they meet England, they have been a breath of fresh air to this world cup! (ok, im getting carried away,,, England need to reach the semi final to meet Ghana)I think they may suprise Brazil a bit with thier pace, power and athleticism, cant wait to see the game.

I was so elated at the Ghana victory. With brazil I think Ghana should go all out because win or lose they have done both Ghana and Africa proud. A win against Brazil will make Ghana a football super power regardless of what happens after. Go Ghana!

In my previous article my typographic error gave 1984 as the olympics that Alan Wells won the 100meters title-1980 was the actual year,but reading the comments of a contributor,quick to criticize a genuine omission, reminds me of how much dislike & bias we africans have to face to succede. For me, Ghana & cameroun are ideal warriors -For not only will their players give 100% on the playing field they will also leave their egos at home & will not self destruct like the other big African football nations.Ghana certainly has the capacity to rise against bias & poor refreeing on tuesday & the fact that brazil will have some dark faces guarantees a game that will be played without hatred-hence,no matter what happens on tuesday, i will be rooting for whoever wins that match to win the world cup for they & the real all blacks(les bleus)are living proof of Pace and Power.

no matter what happens ghana deserves all the praises;we have nothing to lose even if we lose the game against Brasil.We are going for it,and by the grace of God we are going to win this game.

As a German I predict that more than half of all locals here will support the Black Stars at the Ghana vs. Brazil match.

GO Black Stars! GO Ghana!

(that way Germany can avoid playing Brazil in yet another final again) ;-)

I am so glad we won. That's all I can say...I'm a British born Ghanaian who considers herself Ghanaian and can't even begin to explain the difference Ghana winning the match against USA made to my day! Well done Ghana!

I am so glad we won. That's all I can say...I'm a British born Ghanaian who considers herself Ghanaian and can't even begin to explain the difference Ghana winning the match against USA made to my day! Well done Ghana!

--- Question for Dr francis Odukwe.

You say Ghana will overcome a bad ref and bias?? Live in 2006 and stop trying to make this a racial issue. Tell me how Ghana was affected by bias and a bad ref in the US game? Seems to me they have only been helped by a bad ref, basically being handed the game by an atrocious PK call, one of the worst calls in this world cup. Ghana is very violent team and their phantom injuries at the end of the game only detract from the "glory" they should have by advancing. Replays showed multiple players not being touched then going down with an injury for several minutes, though arguably part of the game it certainly is not in the spirit of fair play that is supposed to govern the sport.

Brazil 3 Ghana 0 on tuesday.

i'm a 13 year old girl and i come form ghana is goona win this match because they are very strong and if they reallY want to win this match against BRAZIL THEY WOULD BEAT THEM
I GOT HOPE AND I KNOW MYSELF THAT GHANA IS GONNA WIN THIS MATH AGAINST BRAZIL
IF U HAVE HOPE IN THEM THEY ARE GOONA WIN

ALL THE GHANAINS PLZ HAVE HOPE
AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL LET GHANA WIN THIS MATCH.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS AMEN!!!!

I was asked why i thought Ghana was hampered by a bad referee in their match with U.S.A by someone not man enough to give his non-African name-Well,i said so "cause Michael Essiens ban,very unfair,will be difficult to neutralise.On a positive note,i was glad to see the Dutch team sent packing for right from their 2nd match against Ivory-Coast you could see their violent streak-The taunting of Didier Zakora to mention a few underlined their nastiness which was visible for all to see,today.)For my African brothers we should all relax and enjoy the match on tuesday for even the great Ronaldinho agrees that this will be a clash of two similar football cultures with lots of dribbling and honestly, the world cup needs a match like that after Portugal & Holland did all the could to destroy the memories of Argentina Vs Mexico(a football masterpiece)but who is suprised,for european football(-spain & Portugal)has never set out to produce a great viewing spectacle-its all about winning and there lies the difference between the rest of the world & Africa.

Does anyone have the courage to go against my prediction that France will beat spain on tuesday? All Africans are behind them.

i have been wondering what the criteria for ranking countries are, against the background that the US and the czech republic are respectively ranked 5th and 2nd {both defeated by my country ghana}. again i think logically those periods prior to the admission of african countries into the game should never be considered world cup periods. it is only fair that we set the record straight.
back then, we had players like osei kofi (whom stoke city-england wanted to sign on) nfum, baba yara, dodoo ankra etc who could have risen to the occasion had they participated but never had the chance. i may be ignorant so somebody educate me.
anyway.
ghana will beat brazil tomorrow.
and dr francis odukwe.
who says ALL AFRICA is behind france. such generalisation
i am for spain.

i have been wondering what the criteria for ranking countries are, against the background that the US and the czech republic are respectively ranked 5th and 2nd {both defeated by my country ghana}. again i think logically those periods prior to the admission of african countries into the game should never be considered world cup periods. it is only fair that we set the record straight.
back then, we had players like osei kofi (whom stoke city-england wanted to sign on) nfum, baba yara, dodoo ankra etc who could have risen to the occasion had they participated but never had the chance. i may be ignorant so somebody educate me.
anyway.
ghana will beat brazil tomorrow.
and dr francis odukwe.
who says ALL AFRICA is behind france. such generalisation
i am for spain.

I agree to what coach Doya said after the Ghana Brazil Encounter.The Slovak ref should have wore a Brazil jersey.No wonder he begged for Ronaldo's jersey just after the match.

Germany will win the cup.

i was really annoyed the way the referee controlled the matc between Ghana and Brazil. It Looks as if the western world wants to tell Africans we are incapable of doing anything.FIFA should sort these unfairness issues out before thinking of inviting us to such competitions.Be up and doing FIFA.