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FIFA 2010 World Cup preview Group D : Ghana Vs Serbia

Ghana's John Paintsil on his teams statergy

Nikola Žigi? says he watched the African Cup of Nations tournament and Ghana, who reached the final, is a very dangerous rival. Serbia face Ghana in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup at Tshwane near Pretoria on June 13th.

Žigi? who plays his domestic football for Racing Santander in the Spanish La Liga also said Ghana, “are physically strong, and have good tactical players as well. I certainly hope that this strength won’t be demonstrated that much.”At a height of 2.02m the big Serbian Centre forward has been known to hold his own in the strength department although the 29-year old admits his size can also work against him when the ball is played into his feet.

Coach Radomir Antic’s had been out of the game for four years when he was appointed Serbia coach in 2008. His experienced that includes stints in charge of both Barcelona and Real Madrid took Serbia to the top of their qualifying group.

The White Eagles as they are known even beat France on their way to a maiden FIFA World Cup appearance as an independent entity. They formed part of the Yugoslavia side that appeared at nine editions of the competition, and the Serbia and Montenegro team that competed at Germany 2006.

Ghana, has a Serbian coach! Milovan Rajevac is sure to be giving the African’s inside information on how to physically and mentally breakdown his countrymen. Right back for the Black Stars is John Pantsil he thinks Serbia are going to be Ghana’s toughest opponents. Although he also believes coach Rajevac will, “help a lot.”

Pantsil who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League says European players will not understand or benefit from the loud blowing of horns in the South African stadiums. The 28-year old went on to says it provides a confidence boost but only if you understand the significance.

As the only African side to get out of the group stages at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and the first to qualify for South Africa 2010, they are less the black stars and more the dark horses of Group D.