World Cup Preview - Group G - Ghana

Nickname: “The Black Stars.”

Absurd FIFA ranking: 38th

Coach: Youthful former pro James Kwesi Appiah

Game Schedule:
June 16 – Ghana vs. USA (Natal, 6:00 p.m. EST, ESPN)
June 21 – Ghana vs. Germany (Fortaleza, 3:00 p.m., ESPN)
June 26 – Ghana vs. Portugal (Brasilia, 12:00 p.m., ESPN2)

Prospects: In any other group, Ghana might be able to spring a few surprises and eject themselves into the knock-out rounds, as they did four years ago when only some audacious cheating by Luis Suarez kept them from a semi-final berth. This time around they're pitted against Germany and Portugal again but in a group of death. Add to that challenge that the core of the Ghanaian team from 2010 - Essien, Muntari, Asamoah Gyan - is still there and merely four years older, and Ghana may well struggle in the difficult conditions of the Amazon.

Key Player: Kevin Prince Boateng, now at Schalke after several successful seasons at Milan, is now at the height of his powers.

Youngster to watch: 22 year-old Marseille striker Jordan Ayew could shine if Appiah gives him a chance.

Who Will Get the Goals: Asamoah Gyan has promised his mother that he won't ever take a penalty again but he's still the Black Stars' most reliable source of goals in a 4-5-1 formation.

Who Will Get the Cards: Former Chelsea grafter Michael Essien, now at Milan, is well-schooled in the dark arts.

Prediction: No history making endeavors this time - third in the Group of Death.