From England to Brazil: The African Connection

GHANA

Traditionally Africa’s best bet to make it to the knockouts in the World Cup finals, Ghana will be striving to do better than their last two showings in 2006 and 2010 when they reached the round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively. Germany, Portugal and USA would be standing in their way in a mouth-watering Group G.

Derek Boateng (Fulham)

Derek Boateng

He might not be most renowned Ghanian footballer around, but Boateng is certainly among the probables in the Black Stars squad for Brazil. His lack of game-time might prove to be a deterrent as he has only managed three appearances for the Londoners this season.

The Premier League has over the years harboured several Ghana internationals- Michael Essien (Chelsea), Kevin Prince Boateng (Tottenham), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) to name a few. English clubs might not have these stars in their squads at this point of time, but that doesn’t diminish the quality of Ghana’s national team. Many are already considering them as the African continent’s flag-bearers in Brazil.

Irrespective of what transpires in the summer in the mecca of football, Premier League fans would be relishing the prospect of watching their favourite footballers gun for glory for their respective nations.