Natal, Brazil (PANA) – The coach of Ghana’s senior national football team, Kwesi Appiah, said loss of concentration was partly to blame for Ghana’s 2-1 opening 2014 FIFA World Cup Group G loss to the United States on Monday and concedes that it will not be easy to qualify from the group which also includes Germany and Portugal.
“It’s not going to be easy to qualify from the group, but we’ll give everything to do just that,” he said, according to the Ghana Football Association website.
Clint Dempsey gave the U.S the lead under one minute at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal but Andre Ayew equalised with seven minutes on the clock.
However, substitute John Brook sealed the victory for the US four minutes later.
“I think that early goal was a disaster, it was unfortunate,” Appiah said after the match, according to the GFA website.
“Loss of concentration cost us big time. All I can say is that it was a very tough game and when you play at this high level any little mistake can cost you dearly,” he said.
Ghana could not translate their domination and attacking play into goals though they created several chances.
“We had a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances, but we didn’t make the most of our chances, but USA took theirs.”
As he now goes back to reorganize his side to face group leaders, Germany who trashed Portugal 4-0, Appiah expects the Black Stars to be ready for the crucial game in Fortaleza on Saturday.
But the team has a difficult task now with Monday’s result.
“We’re going to have to play well against Germany and I know we’ll give them a good game,” Appiah promised.
Accra had a quiet night after an eruption of joy when Ayew equalised was cut short by the Brooks header.
Ghana’s group has been dubbed in the country as “Group of death” and victory over old foe US was seen as perhaps the best opportunity it to reach the next round.
Now, as Appiah says, it will not be easy to qualify.
