Some 26 years ago, a major soccer debacle was recorded in the German city of Bochum. It was a day the national football team the Black Stars, was brought down crushing and grinding to the legendary German machine.
Ghana was mauled 6-1 by the German national team in a friendly prior to the 1994 World Cup of which Germany was touted as one of the favourites. It was a defeat that is still etched in the minds of Ghanaians and an opportunity to avenge that ignominy has failed to materialize ever since.
Kevin Prince Boateng (L)
But the payback time is nigh and the Black Stars should brave themselves up for that mission albeit at a more competitive level with stakes far higher from the friendly atmosphere that characterized the Bochum debacle.
While the Bochum defeat of the Stars was a friendly; today’s last group 4 match between Germany and the Black Stars is the defining moment in the qualification to the next stage of the on-going World Cup in South Africa. A draw will cushion the Stars to the next stage of the competition; while Germany needs a win at all cost to be stay in contention.
Any slip on the part of the two teams could lead to the possibility of either Serbia or Australia picking one of the two qualification slots.
There is also a generation quest that beckons the current generation of players of the two teams in today’s clash. In an era where the Ghanaian team had arguably the best assembly of players led by the legendary Abedi Pele, the Germans also had their own share of the best generation of German players.
There was skipper Lothar Mathias, Klaus Augenthaler, Andreas Brehmer, Mathias Summer, Stefan Effenberg, Thomas Hassler, Pierre Littbarski, Jurgen Klinsman, Rudi Voeller and others in the German squad; while Ghana also boasted of Abedi Pele, Anthony Yeboah, Frimpong Manso, Emmanuel Armah, Joe Addo, Prince Opoku Polley, Ali Ibrahim and others.
But there is a semblance in the generation gap. Abedi Pele was the skipper of the Ghanaian team, while current Germany coach, Joachim Loew was also one of the main architects of the Stars’ demolition.
Abedi Pele might not have any role to play in the current Black Stars set-up though, yet by proxy, Pele has an eye in the team. His son, Dede Ayew although is not the captain of the team has assumed the unofficial leadership role of the team. After two matches young Dede’s leadership qualities are beginning to emerge in the senior national team, although many are also noticing his unsung hero status.
The young chap tidies up with ease the Ghanaian midfield, doing all the dirty works with a passion and determination reminiscent of his father’s playing days with the Black Stars.
Dede single-handedly saved the Stars from an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Socceroos of Australia after the Oceana giant had taken an earlier lead in the first twenty minutes of the group 4 second match.
The 20 year old then moved in motion-tackled, dribbled, passed and shot with precision. His versatility paid off when he shifted to the right side of the Stars’ attack and went through two Aussie defenders and centered for Jonathan Mensah whose goal bound shot was handled on the Australian goal line by skipper Harry Kewell.
Kewell paid dearly for sins and attracted the red card as well. The resultant penalty kick was beautifully converted by arrow head striker-Asamoah Gyan.
Ghana’s men for the revenge mission
Richard Kingston is a sure bet for the Stars post today. His experience is likely to count in today’s encounter, although he has not been in best of shapes because of his inaction at premiership side-Wigan Athletic. He should guard against long balls and crosses though.
John Paintsil looks set to maintain his full back position now that he is okayed by the Black Stars’ medical team. The Fulham right back had been very quiet unlike the last World Cup in Germany. He has lost his surging runs but seems to cover up beautifully with more stability in defending the goal area of the Black Stars.
Hans Adu-Sarpei. The Bayern Leverkusen defender has been a stabilizing factor in the Stays after his initial howler in the opening minutes of the Black Stars match against Serbia. He was very calm and cool in Ghana’s second match against Australia and is likely to maintain the same composure in the Stars match against Germany today.
The central defensive pair is to be strengthened with the return of John Mensah after he missed the Australian match. John is expected to bring his experience and calm demeanour at the heart of the Ghanaian defence.
His partner is likely to be Lee Addy who although had some tough times in the opening of Ghana’s match against Australia proved to be a decisive stabilizer later on in the game. With John Mensah around, it is expected that Lee’s confidence will soar further in order to contain the German attackers.
With the suspension of Anthony Annan for today’s match, Derrick Boateng is likely to star at the heart of the Ghanaian midfield. The Getafe midfielder has been very impressive in club football and it would be seen whether he would transfer his club brilliance to the national cause.
Quincy Owusu Abeyie is reported to be possible replacement for Prince Tagoe who has struggled in the two matches so far played by the Black Stars. His dribbling skills and pace are expected to ward off the attacking options of the German team.
Kevin Prince-Boateng would be the holding player in midfielder. The former German youth international would be playing against his country of birth and it would be interesting how he fares. Ghana’s win will very much depend on the combative play of Derrick and Prince Boateng in midfield.
Asamoah Gyan is leading the attack of the Stars attack as usual in today’s cliff-hanger. The youngster has proven to be one of the best strikers in the World Cup. His speed and aggression have been bothering many defenders and it would be a delight seeing him against possibly Jerome Boateng, the younger brother of Kevin Prince Boateng at the heart of the German defence.
Kwadwo Asamoah comes into tonight’s game as the engine room of the team although he failed to live the billing in the Stars’ two matches. It is hoped Kwadwo comes back strongly in today’s game.
Dede Ayew is easily the revelation in the Ghana team. He is the heart beat of the Black Stars and from all indications the Germans will attempt putting the breaks on him. And that is where we expect the emerging character of the youngster to prevail. Surely, he would be a bother to the Germans and hopefully he passes with distinction just like he had then in the previous matches.