Assistant coach satisfied with draws

Accra, Dec 10, GNA - In the wake of the mixed reactions that has greeted the draws for the 2006 World Cup scheduled for Germany, next year, Coaches Silas Tetteh and Edward Ansah, assistant coaches of the senior national team have expressed their satisfaction.

According to the two, the Black Stars can survive the group, which has been described as a tough one by soccer analysts and administrators. Commenting on the draws, which pair Ghana alongside Italy, the Czech Republic and USA, Edward Ansah, goalkeeper trainer of the team, said though all the three teams had world cup experiences, Ghana was going to spring a surprise at the competition.

He said the Stars would not be bothered by the presence of the three teams, as the playing body was poised to go the extra mile in their quest to reach greater heights.

Coach Tetteh emphasised proper preparations saying "that is the only magic, which will ensure our survival and push us far in the competition".

He said Ghana was not going into the competition as mere participants but to exhibit their brand of football to the world. Laryea Kingston, key member of the Black Stars said in an interview that Ghana had great chance of picking one of the first slots from the group, which would make way for their advancement to the 1/16 stage. "We will handle one match at a time, but I think picking the first three points against Italy will be our number one mission." Meanwhile, head coach Ratomir Dujkovic is also reported to have expressed satisfaction with the draws and believed Ghana could make a way out of the seemingly tough group.

A local radio report monitored by the GNA Sports from Germany revealed that the coach was not in any form of panic, as he believed he had the antidote to the likes of Italy and the Czech Republic that had been perceived to be the tough sides in the group.