Jim Slater
DORTMUND, June 28, 2006 (AFP) – Ghana’s World Cup dreams were shattered by reigning champion Brazil, but the Black Stars played well against some top football teams and served notice of what might happen on African soil in 2010.
A three-week Cinderella run ended here Tuesday in a 3-0 second-round loss to Brazil, but victories by the Black Stars over Euro 2004 semi-finalist Czech Republic and 2002 World Cup quarter-finalist United States sent a message.
"In the future, I believe the Black Stars from Ghana will show you more in this competition," Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic said.
Ghana’s debutante World Cup team, an upstart collection that shocked the Czechs and outlasted the Americans with flair and speed as well as discipline, showing what they can accomplish ahead of the 2010 South African World Cup.
"It will be a different team but I think we can make it," said Ghana captain Appiah, a former Juventus midfielder.
"If you want to be the best, you have to play against the best.
"We do have the quality. Anything is possible."
No team faced a rockier four-team road than Ghana with Italy, the Czechs and US team and mighty Brazil.
