Black Stars Press On To Knock Out Round

Every World Cup sees its incarnation of el grupo de la muerte. Today, Group E has lived up to its billing as the group of death, with Ghana guaranteeing itself an entry to the round of sixteen by defeating the United States 2-1. In only its first World Cup appearance, Ghana has been a big surprise, the only one of the five African nations to advance. The Sports Matters crew has certainly taken notice of the Ghannaian squad, who favor an exciting, attacking style and who were, at best, underdogs (especially considering their group). Led by the great Razak Pimpong and Matthew Amoah the Black Stars will certainly be in tough against Brazil, the odds-on favourite to win the 2006 World Cup. Ghana is probably the best story to come out of this year's tournament and, while unlikely, the possibility of getting past Brazil in the first knock out round will be enough to keep me riveted to the TV at work on June 27. It should be a spirited match (btw, thanks to the best boss on the planet for the World Cup cable hook-up at work).