Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listen BBC Sport BBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
CHOOSE A SPORT
 
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 14 June 2006, 15:02 GMT 16:02 UK
Black Stars still suffering
Samuel Osei Kuffour
Kuffour's error led to Italy's second goal
Ghana's players are still down two days after their 2-0 World Cup Group E defeat by Italy in Hanover.

"It's been two days now and I can't go to bed. It's been very bad for me," midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari told a news conference on Wednesday.

The Black Stars failed to threaten an organised Italian defence and fell behind to a goal from Andrea Pirlo.

A botched back pass from defender Samuel Osei Kuffour gifted Vincenzo Iaquinta the second goal.

"Kuffour is suffering more than anyone at this moment," said coach Ratomir Dujkovic.

"He is very sorry for what happened. We will try to do everything to cheer him up."

Captain Stephen Appiah said Ghana could still reach the later stages.

"Teams that lose the first match can still get to the quarter-finals and go far," Appiah said.

One of Ghana's problems was a failure to convert ample possession in midfield into goalscoring chances.

Dujkovic said he was aware his side had problems up front but was not unduly troubled.

"We scored eight goals in friendlies," he said. "It does not mean we have a problem in attack.

"Even Brazil had problems in attack when they removed Ronaldo (in the second half)," he said referring to Brazil's 1-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday.

"I think they (Ghana) will play much better and score goals against Czech Republic (on Saturday).

"I am still confident we can pass the group stage and get to the semi-finals."



SEE ALSO
Ghana team guide
22 May 06 |  Ghana
World Cup debutants
20 May 06 |  World Cup 2006
Pick your Ghana XI
31 May 06 |  Squad selectors
World Cup schedule
25 May 06 |  Schedule
Have your say on the World Cup
28 Apr 06 |  Football
BBC World Cup coverage
27 Apr 06 |  BBC coverage


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability Sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other Sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us