Stephen Appiah Anticipates Tougher Competition For Black Stars At Brazil 2014

Ex-Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah expects Ghana to face a stiffer challenge from opposing teams at the Brazil 2014 tournament because the Black Stars had proven itself as a strong force to reckon with during the last two World Cup competitions in Germany and South Africa. �This 2014 World Cup is going to be very difficult for Ghana. I am saying that because 2006 was our first time," Appiah said "The European teams thought that we were just going to add up to the numbers who were going to participate in the World Cup but we went there and proved to the world that we know how to play. "In 2010, there was a progress and we got to the quarter finals. Now, those who have seen us playing will understand that Ghana is a strong side, they know how to play so instead of them coming to give 80 percent, they will give 120 percent so it�s going to be very difficult." The Black Stars qualified for the second round of the Germany 2006 World Cup with two memorable victories against the Czech Republic and the USA and a defeat to Italy. The Black Stars guided by Ratomir Dujkovic only crashed out in the round of 16 after losing to Brazil. Four years on, another Serb, Milovan Rajevac supervised the Black Stars to a quarter-final finish after losing to Uruguay following a win over Serbia, a stalemate in the game against Australia, a defeat to Germany at the group stage and a second win over the USA. Coach Kwasi Appiah must lead the Black Stars to face the USA, Portugal and Germany at the group stage of the Brazil 2014 tournament.