FIFA Ranking: 37
History: This is their third successive World Cup appearance. An impressive FIFA World Cup finals in 2006 saw Ghana beat the Czech Republic and the USA before being eliminated by Brazil in the Round of 16, but they were the only African team to escape their group.
In 2010, they were again the only side from the continent in the knockout rounds, and they equaled Africa’s best-ever performance by beating the USA to reach the quarters. Ghana’s loss in a penalty kick shoot-out to Uruguay in the last eight was perhaps the most dramatic of the tournament, and they may well consider themselves as having unfinished business.
Qualifying report: Ghana survived one of the continent`s toughest qualifying groups by winning five of their six matches. In the final play-off round, the Black Stars were pitted against seven-time African champions Egypt. However, a resounding first leg 6-1 win at home settled the tie before a meaningless 2-1 defeat in Cairo. They ended as the top scorers in African qualifying with 25 goals.
Star Players: Kwadwo Asamoah plays for Juventus (Italy) at club level. He is an important player for Ghana and has quietly established himself a key man for both club and country. At Juventus, where he has won two titles in two seasons, the midfielder is described as "irreplaceable" by manager Antonio Conte. He has won Ghana`s Footballer of the Year award for the last two years.
Michael Essien is one of the most experienced players in the 2014 World Cup. He plays for AC Milan (Italy). Essien is a versatile midfielder who can also play as a defender in all positions. The former Chelsea star also played for Real Madrid (on loan from Chelsea). He is often referred to as the Bison for his tough tackling style, boundless energy and physical presence on the pitch.
Top Scorer during WC Qualification 2014: Asamoah Gyan (6)
Top scorer at the Cup: Asamoah Gyan (4)
Most World Cup caps: Richard Kingson (9)
Team record at the Cup: M: 9, W: 4, D: 2, L: 3
Coach: James Kwesi Appiah - He was a former Ghana captain who spent four years as an assistant with the national side before his promotion. Soft spoken and unassuming, the Ghana players have nicknamed him the `Silent Killer` and he certainly isn`t afraid to take on the big names in his dressing room if they step out of line. He wasn`t a popular appointment originally. He is the first Ghanaian to lead his nation at a World Cup.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan)
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux)
Group listing: Group G - Portugal, USA and Germany.
Fixtures:
June 16: Ghana v United States, Natal
June 21: Germany v Ghana, Fortaleza
June 26: Portugal v Ghana, Brasilia