Ghana must learn fast after Italian lesson

HANOVER, June 13: Ghana will have to learn fast if they are to have any chance of progressing to the second round of the World Cup following a 2-0 defeat by Italy in their opening match.

If the opening matches in Group E are anything to go by, the Black Stars first appearance at the finals will be a short one.

But maybe Ghana coach, Ratomir Dujkovic already knew that.

''We always have our luggage ready to go,'' he said ahead of the game against Italy.

Given their performance yesterday, they should keep their cases at the ready.

On paper, Ghana's hopes of progressing from Group H looked difficult but with the Azzurri giving the Africans a lesson in finishing and the Czech Republic demolishing the United States 3-0 in the other group game, that chance has become even thinner.

Ghana dominated possession but when they had the ball they did not seem to know what to do with it. They also gave away posession in crucial areas of the pitch and Italy made them pay for it.

The Africans never really looked like creating history against Italy despite the best efforts of Michael Essien in midfield.

But Chelsea's 25 million pound (.02 million) man had no support act in midfield with captain Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari playing bit parts.

It was either very naive, very silly or just plain nervous defending at the back that allowed Italy to pounce twice through Andrea Pirlo and substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta.

It could have been even worse if Luca Toni's shot had not come back off the crossbar following more uncertain defending.

Ghana play the Czech Republic next, before rounding off against the United States but if they play as they did on Monday, these will be their only outings in Germany.

REUTERS

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