The man behind the Stars

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For the second consecutive major tournament, after the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Ghana have exceeded expectations, and they now stand on the brink of making African football history. The Black Stars, playing in just their second FIFA World Cup™ after Germany 2006, are a win over Uruguay away from becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

In January they went to the final of the continental championship despite using a team largely built around players from last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup winners after a devastating run of injuries cost them half of the regular team. Again in the run-up to South Africa, many wrote off the side after the loss of midfield talisman Michael Essien to injury, but coach Milovan Rajevac has still managed to build a unit that is solid, difficult to beat and good on the ball without being overly fussy. Along the way he has won plaudits for his tactics and team-building, and Ghana have proven themselves the most strategic and promising on the continent.

Right coach for the right teamGhana captain Stephen Appiah told FIFA that Rajevac, who took over the team in 2008, had won over the team with his preparation and mentality. “Tactically our coach is very smart,” he said about the Serb. “He’s always watching videos of the opposing team. I’ve seen some games that with the smallest mistake you concede a goal and you can be out of the tournament. So, he keeps on telling us that we have to be careful about how we defend, and if we get the chance to attack, then we should attack. And it shows in the games. You can see that we always score one goal – and that’s it!”

Ghana's run to the final of the AFCON was marked by three consecutive 1-0 wins with the two winners in the knockout rounds scored by Asamoah Gyan, who has found the net three times in South Africa as well – including a pair of winners against Serbia and the US. Gyan explained that the team had learned to trust the 56-year-old's choices, and he also credited him with helping the team to build positive energy.

If we make it into the last four teams in the World Cup, it would be the first time for an African nation. Can it be more motivating than that?

The Black Stars coach on the history-making potential of Friday's match

“I think sometimes he does something strange that you, as a player, don't understand. But when you go to the game, it happens [how he said],” admitted Gyan about the coach without big-name club or international experience. “He's very calm, and he’s not so strict. We Africans, we don't like strict coaches. Football is not about fighting, it's about enjoying yourself and making sure you do your best. So I think we are coping well with the coach. Because tactically he's good and everything that he does works on the field.”

Captain of the U-20 World Cup-winning side, Andre Ayew, also praised how the team has been put together. “I think this is one of the best decisions the coach took: to mix such players, the older ones and the very young ones,” said the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele. “You have the energy of the younger ones and you have the experience from the older ones.”

Another surprise for Uruguay?
Against the US, Rajevac surprised many by starting one of those U-20 players, Samuel Inkoom, on the right side of midfield. The Switzerland-based player was a revelation in Angola earlier this year, but he had not played a single minute in the tournament before the crunch clash with the Americans. However, his pace and energy were constant thorns in the vulnerable US left flank and helped open space for the other midfielders in the 2-1 extra-time victory. With Ayew suspended and some injury concerns over starting players, speculation is that Rajevac could spring yet another selection shock.

“We'll see how we’ll manage it,” said the cagey but down-to-earth coach, “We have 23 players and they can all play. They’re here because they deserve to be here. They’re all excellent players...we’ll see who we can put in the game [on the day]. The injured players will be replaced by healthy ones. One thing is for sure, it’ll be our eleven against their eleven.”

Although, like his team, he appears the picture of calm, Rajevac admitted to being somewhat caught up in the emotion of the moment. "We’re part of history now, all of us in Ghana, because this is the first time that Ghana has reached this level. And if we make it into the last four teams in the World Cup, it would be the first time for an African nation. Can it be more motivating than that?"

Africans eye Ghanaian glory

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Ghana are on the brink of writing a new chapter in the history of African football at the FIFA World Cup™ finals. And, as the only African side still left in the competition, the rest of the continent, including some of its most celebrated football stars, are united in backing the Black Stars.

Ghana will flirt with fate and destiny when they face Uruguay in what is expected to be a pulsating quarter-final at Soccer City on Friday night. A berth in the last four at the finals would be an unprecedented feat for an African side, and the Black Stars camp and the rest of Africa are fully aware that the team are on the verge of penning their own fairytale ending with the likes of Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and the rest as heroes. The third African side to qualify for the quarter-finals, Ghana could be forgiven for dreaming of lifting Africa's first FIFA World Cup Trophy, on "home" soil no less.

As Ghana paddle down unfamiliar waters to the land of the unknown, the streets in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, have been gripped by the fever of expectancy. But from the Cape to Cairo, Africa is also hoping for a "miracle" from the youthful Ghanian side. While no-one has been underestimating the might and strength of the Uruguayans, the Black Stars have played with skill, passion, tenacity and, most importantly, they have looked like a side with a plan and a strong will to execute it.FIFA.com spoke to a number of past and present African football stars and supporters for their views on the team's chances.

Cameroon midfielder, Alex Song, said he fancied the Black Stars to pull off a major coup at this tournament. "They are a great team and have played very good football throughout this competition. For them to be this far is a credit to their dedication. I’m confident they will do well," he said.

Ghana are a quality side, they have some good players and they have the potential.

Steven Pienaar, South Africa midfielder

South African left-back Tsepho Masilela also backed Ghana to reach the semis. "From day one, I knew that they would do well. Considering what they achieved in the African Cup of Nations with a youthful squad, I believe they can go even further. We all support them now," he said referring to their second-place finish in Angola earlier this year.

Steven Pienaar, who is by miles the most decorated player in the Bafana Bafana side, said Ghana can count on their support. "We hoped that there would be more African teams to play in the knock-out stages, but I guess the most important thing is to support whichever African side goes forward. Ghana are a quality side, they have some good players and they have the potential," said the Everton man.

This is Ghana’s second successive FIFA World Cup appearance after they won hearts in 2006, eventually losing to Brazil in the Round of 16. They have surpassed that record now after beating the USA in the second round, but it is likely that they will have to step up their high-gear campaign even further on Friday.

Football legend, Jomo Sono, who guided South Africa at the 2002 World Cup, had earlier predicted that Ghana would do well. "For me, [Ghana] are the most impressive side, they are so organised and can go far at this tournament," he said. "What I can say is that once an African team goes to the knock-out stages, it won’t be easy for any team that will have to face them. The confidence will be a key factor."

Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour said: "Uruguay is a good team and they have showed that here, but Ghana has been good too and this presents a good opportunity. I hope these players can take it one step further."

Despite his team’s disappointing outing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o remains one of the most lethal strikers on African soil. He believes that Ghana have what it takes to weather the storms and register their names in history. “They are a young side and are full of potential," said the UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona and Inter Milan. "They are not only representing their country, but the African continent. I wish them all the best and I believe they have what it takes to advance further in this competition."

South Africa 2010: What they said

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Fifty-six FIFA World Cup™ matches have flown by, as have countless press conferences and interviews with the key figures of South Africa 2010. But that only tells half the story, as the greatest show on earth has a tendency to provoke all kinds of passions in those involved.

Hope and humour, defiance and disappointment, guffaws and giggles: no emotion has been left unrecorded by the world’s media in South Africa, and FIFA.com presents a selection of the best for your delectation. Of course, no such list would be complete without the contribution of a certain Diego Armando Maradona…

“My granddad used to tell my dad that football was better in his day. I say the same thing to my son, as he will do to his son.”
Brazil coach Dunga gives short shrift to the suggestion that the five-time world champions’ current style of play is uninspiring.

“We’ll meet up after the match for a glass of champagne, I hope. Or a glass of water.”
German Football Association President Theo Zwanziger hesitates over the beverage that he and national coach Joachim Low will be indulging in, ahead of Germany’s decisive group match with Ghana. With victory assured, it is safe to assume that water was promptly removed from the menu.

“Fabio Capello is an intelligent man, and a knowledgeable, successful coach with a record to prove it. I just hope he is not a stubborn one.”
Former England international Alan Shearer suggests that The Three Lions’ Italian supremo could do worse than consider a change of tactics.

“While we might not win the 100 metres, we do have a chance of winning the 4x100 metre relay.”
Japan coach Takeshi Okada stretches his metaphors to describe how his team’s collective effort will combat Denmark’s individual brilliance.

“We showed the world that we deserve to be here. But in football, it’s not always the better team that comes out on top.”
Serbia coach Radomir Antic takes a leaf out of Jose Mourinho’s book as he describes the 2-1 loss to Australia that eliminated his side from the tournament.

“Enjoy the match. And don’t get injured.”
Sir Alex Ferguson offers some words of encouragement to Korea Republic and Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung, prior to his charge’s Round-of-16 match against Uruguay.

“The good thing is that all the players made it back in one piece.”
Joachim Low describes the German team’s visit to a South African safari park, during which the lions got a little too close for comfort.

“It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, because if you save them all, it doesn’t give any confidence to the potential penalty takers.”
England goalkeeper David James explains the dilemma he faces during spot-kick training.

“I hope that we’ll get an easier group next time, because we could do with a little helping hand to go that one step further.”
Côte d’Ivoire forward Salomon Kalou wishes for a change in fortune, following his country’s second consecutive exit at the group stage. After Argentina, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, the Elephants faced Brazil, Portugal and Korea DPR this time around.
“Thanks! See you at our next pre-match press conference.”
Ghana’s press officer Randy Abbey peers into his crystal ball in the run-up to his nation’s winner-takes-all clash with USA. The words of a confident man or a complete bluff? Either way, it was the Ghanaians who moved on to the quarter-finals.

“It’s not my job to decide who takes penalty kicks. It wasn’t a bad decision to let Lukas take it. The only bad decision was allowing the keeper to save it.”
Germany captain Philipp Lahm reflects on the penalty missed by team-mate Lukas Podolski versus Serbia.

“I did not watch the England game, no. I decided to take advantage of the lack of traffic and go into the city for a meal. You’d be amazed how quickly you can get down there when an England match is on.”
Tennis star Andy Roddick, in London to compete at Wimbledon, shares his thoughts on England-Algeria.

“England is no longer the mother country of football. It’s more like the grandmother country.”
Former Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher pulls no punches following Die Nationalmannschaft’s impressive 4-1 victory over England in the Round of 16.

“It’s good that they’ve all gone home. Another week, and they’d have been eating each other. A bout of cannibalism has been averted.”
French football legend Eric Cantona describes one possible outcome of Les Bleus’ internal strife.

“What delighted me this year was the hundreds of people who came to Milan airport to see us off and wish us well. Four years ago, before we left for Germany, there was just one person there, holding a banner that read ‘Forza Lippi’. And he was a friend of mine.”
Italy coach Marcello Lippi contemplates the level of support back home, prior to the reigning world champions’ opening match with Paraguay. The number of fans present at the airport to welcome the Italians back home – after they failed to make it past the group stage – is unknown.

“No, I like women, I prefer women! I’m dating Veronica, she’s 31, blonde and beautiful. The affection I’ve been showing towards my players is a way of thanking them for a job well done. Nothing more than that!”
Argentina coach Diego Maradona sees the funny side of a question relating to his propensity for enthusiastically embracing his players.

Aguirre quits as Mexico coach

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Javier Aguirre on Wednesday resigned as Mexico coach following the team's defeat to Argentina in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup™. The 50-year-old replaced ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in April 2009, but Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Argentina in Johannesburg was the fifth successive time the country had failed in the Round of 16.

"It's very clear. The first person responsible is me. I believe that I have to resign my job," Aguirre told a news conference. "It's the most honest solution, the fairest and it's something I have to do."

Aguirre was in his second spell as national coach having qualified Mexico to the 2002 FIFA World Cup where they were eliminated by the United States in the last 16. He also led Mexico to the 2001 CONMEBOL Copa America final where they lost to Colombia in Bogota.

Mexico's best performance at a FIFA World Cup was a run to the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986 when both tournaments were staged at home.

Mourinho backs Ronaldo

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Jose Mourinho has defended Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after watching his countrymen exit the FIFA World Cup™ at the hands of Spain yesterday. Ronaldo was isolated for long periods as Portugal played a defensive game and Spain eventually won 1-0 thanks to a second-half David Villa strike.

Mourinho, who will coach the 25-year-old at Real Madrid this season, does not expect the winger will be similarly ineffective under his tutelage and said criticism of his FIFA World Cup performances were misplaced.

"I will not allow all the responsibilities of the team to fall on Ronaldo," he said in quotes published byMarca. "In my teams, when we win, we all win, and when we lose, I lose - so Ronaldo can relax and enjoy his holidays."

Paraguay boss desperate for goals

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Paraguay face Spain in the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals on Saturday in desperate need of goals, having scored just three times through four matches.

All three of coach Gerardo Martino's favoured forwards play for top line clubs. Veteran Roque Santa Cruz is at English Premier League side Manchester City, while Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez are both at Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund. But not one of Paraguay's meagre three goals has come from any of them.

Martino, who has guided the defensively rock solid South Americans to their first ever quarter-finals thanks to a penalty shoot-out win over Japan, came to South Africa in the knowledge that finding the back of the net would be tough. Salvador Cabanas, his top scorer from the qualifying stage, was shot in the head in a Mexican bar in January and is still recovering at home.

All the same, Martino would have been looking for a quick return on his faith in selecting Argentina-born Barrios, who qualified to play through his Paraguay-born mother, as he scored an impressive 19 goals in the Bundesliga. Yet, Barrios and his fellow strikers have found it impossible to unlock the defences of New Zealand, Italy, Slovakia and Japan but Martino, also Argentinian, refuses to lay the blame totally at their door.

"One mustn't be too hard on our strikers," said 47-year-old. "If they aren't scoring well maybe it's because the balls aren't arriving fast enough to them."

Martino also believes opposing teams have been negative in their approach. "I hope that our next opponent will allow us to play differently and it won't be simply down to us to dictate the game," he said. "Against Spain, we should have more space, because they play to win," added Martino, who has been in charge since February 2007.

Barrios shrugged off the goal drought by saying the Paraguyan team ethic was not based around the individual. "The important thing is not who scores the goals, but that we formed a united squad which was capable of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the history of Paraguay," said Barrios.