[ 2014-01-18 ]

Optimism drives Atsu as Ghana faces tough group
Ghana certainly do have a tough challenge on their
hands to advance from the group stages when the
World Cup begins in Brazil this year.

After being handed a tough draw alongside former
champions Germany, the United States and Portugal,
the stakes are high for the two-time finalist, the
Black Stars, who will be making their
third-straight appearance.

In their previous appearances, Ghana have twice
qualified from the group stages and such is the
optimism, winger Christian Atsu carries when the
action starts in Brazil.

Atsu, now on loan at Vitesse is enamoured by the
prospect of helping Ghana deal with such
challenges.

“When I saw the group I realised how tough it
would be, but I said to myself 'this will make us
work extra hard' as Germany, Portugal and USA are
all strong and have quality players,” he
explained as he assessed Group G.

“But now everyone is doing all they can to get
into the squad and then from there we will all
fight for positions in the team. But the more we
fight together as a team, the stronger we will
be.”

For the 22-year-old winger, the experience of
getting to the quarter-finals at South Africa 2010
is something he believes will be invaluable in the
dressing room, particularly for those at their
first global finals.

“We need the likes of [Michael] Essien,
[Asamoah] Gyan, [Sulley] Muntari, [Kevin]
Prince-Boateng, [Kwadwo] Asamoah, we need these
experienced players in Brazil," he insisted.

"They know what it is like in these kinds of
tournaments so it will be very helpful if they are
with us as they are able to help us young ones.”

Source - Ghana FA

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