Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Sports World

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Pantsil: Ghana aiming for World Cup semis Posted: 09 Jun 2010 07:58 AM PDT Ghana should be targeting a semi-final place at least, according to their right-back John Pantsil. Although the World Cup betting suggests the side face a tough task getting out of a group that also contains Germany, Australia and Serbia, the Fulham men clearly thinks the Black Stars have what it takes to make a real impression in South Africa. Speaking to the BBC World Service, he expressed the belief that this tournament could see an African nation lift the tournament for the first time and there is every reason to believe Ghana will be there or thereabouts when it comes down to the final stages of the competition. He said: "In Germany in 2006 we reached the last 16 but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals." Although Pantil admitted Ghana's group will be tricky to get out of, he also added that the side's ambition must be to improve on their showings in previous World Cups. Last time out, they chalked up wins against American and the Czech Republic, results that upset many World Cup predictions, before ultimately falling to Brazil. This time out, the country's likely second round opponents are England and the USA, with both of the sides more than capable of giving the Black Stars a run for their money. Pantsil is unconcerned though, and pointed out that every African side in the competition will recivie the backing of local fans throughout the tournament. Whether Ghana can live up to the player's dreams remain to be seen, but from the looks of things they have every intention of giving it ago. After all, what football fan wouldn't be delighted if an African nation was crowned Champions on June 11th?

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