Milovan Rajevac reveals extra motivation

Everything is still to play for in Group D but for Ghana, the honour of keeping an African presence in the round of 16 remains the greatest motivation.

Following the elimination of host nation South Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria while Ivory Coast and Algeria maintain slim hopes of going through, the high-flying Black Stars have one in front and only need to avoid defeat against Germany today in order to be sure of going through.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac wants the Black Stars to provide everyone in Africa with something to cheer about and is counting on the Africa support for his team.

“By being the only African team that has realistic qualification chances, most of the African fans will be behind us,” Rajevac said. “It will give us extra motivation.”


Ghana started off with a 1-0 win over Serbia and held Australia to a 1-1 draw, results which has put the Black Stars in the lead in the group with four points, one better than Germany and Serbia with Australia on a point.

“Of course it is good for us. We are happy to be in this position. It also means it is an obligation for us if we have to advance to the next stage, but it does not add any pressure,” Rajevac told a news conference ahead of the Group D clash.

“But we have a real chance and there is a strong sense of belief in this team.”

Rajevac says Ghana were better placed to advance from the group against a side who have remained favourites since the draw was announced. But he hopes the shortcomings in the German team can be exploited.

“The only thing I can mention is they (Germany) might have some psychological problems because it is a decisive game for the Germans. It is a final game for Germany. I’ll have to see how these weaknesses are reflected on the pitch.”