Doya- Ghana can Reach Semis

Buoyed by a strong camp and a surprising round of friendlies leading up to the World Cup, Ghana head technician Ratomir “Doya” Dujkovic is thinking big, or at least medium size. Doya says now that there is no reason that the Black Stars cannot reach the semi-finals, and that a knockout round date with Brazil is not insurmountable. “It’s not important who it is in the second round, whether Brazil, Japan, Croatia or Australia. We’re strong enough to reach the semi-finals,” the Grandmaster told a news conference yesterday in discussions about the upcoming Italy match.

I applaud Doya from emerging from the cloud of pessimism that he has held for so long over the Black Stars, another example of the psychological double talk for which he is so famous. However, two points should be made. First, let’s not forget about the mountain that lies before us- qualifying for the knockout rounds will be a challenge. The Czechs have been shown by a recent computer study to b potential champions, and the Italians and Americans remain strong and hungry. Even qualifying for the knockout rounds will be a considerable success.

Second, if we are good enough to reach the Semi’s, Doya, show a little confidence. Why not suggest that the Stars can win the World Cup altogether. Certainly defeating prohibitive favorite Brazil should suggest that the Stars can defeat anyone and everyone. So let’s go out on a limb a little.