Ghana

New Delhi: Ghana will be making their debut at the FIFA World Cup but they faced strong opposition during their qualification stage.

Though their initial qualification stage was smooth but after the departure of coach Mariano Barreto things began to go wrong.

Sam Arday was appointed for a short time before Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic took charge in late 2004.

Soon the Black Stars were back on track and a win against South Africa took them to the top of the group.

In their next game Ghana beat Uganda and then completed the formalities aganist Cape Verde to book their ticket to Germany 2006.

Ghana have won four CAF African Cup of Nations titles - in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 - and twice captured the FIFA Under-17 World Championship.

Some of Africa's most talented footballers like Osei Koffi, Abdulrazak Karim, Ben Acheampong, Afriye and George Al Hassan, Abedi Pele and Anthony Yeboah have been from Ghana.

Ironically, they go into their first FIFA World Cup at a time when they do not have as many big names but a youthful team with a disciplined approach instilled by coach Dujkovic.

The players to watch out for the Black Stars team are captain Appiah, Michael Essien (the most expensive player in the history of African football), Muntari, Asamoah Gyan and Matthew Amoah.