England’s 4-0 win over Croatia — their first victory over a top-15 FIFA-ranked side since 2002 — has heightened World Cup interest, but attention now turns to Thomas Tuchel’s side meeting Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
Expectations for the Black Stars are measured. Leonard Solms of ESPN Africa says fans recall Ghana’s run to the 2010 quarterfinals and understand the current squad does not match that generation. Solms added that a quarterfinal place would be considered a major success, while reaching the round of 16 would be viewed as a solid return.
Ghana’s performance against Panama suggested a team still adapting to a new coach. Ed Dove of ESPN Africa noted that Ghana looked like they were settling into life under Carlos Queiroz, who oversaw his first competitive game at the tournament after only one prior match, a 1-1 friendly with Wales. Dove said the side did not display the tight organisation commonly associated with Queiroz-managed teams and that individual talent stood out more than collective structure.
On the player front, Antoine Semenyo drew attention in the opening match, but Dove pointed to 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi as the other real danger. Yirenkyi scored the late winner against Panama and plays for FC Nordsjælland, where he has been coached by Ghana legend Michael Essien. Dove highlighted comparisons to Essien because of Yirenkyi’s dynamic running, strength and box-to-box profile, and noted he is a graduate of the Right to Dream Academy. Ghana has a history of producing central midfielders such as Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and Essien, according to ESPN.
Missing forward Mohammed Kudus is a significant setback, Solms said, calling him a “huge, huge miss.” Solms added that Kudus came through the Right to Dream system and possesses exceptional football intelligence, making his absence notable for the Black Stars, according to ESPN.
