FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) – After losing the first match, two subjects are off limits for Ghana: An early exit from the World Cup, and family.
Ghana striker Kevin Prince Boateng could play against his half-brother Jerome today, when the ambitious Africans take on Group G favourite Germany in Fortaleza.
The Boatengs already met in their last World Cup four years ago when Germany won 1-0, and have played against each other in the Bundesliga.
Then there’s Andre Ayew.
The 24-year-old winger plays with his younger brother Jordan in the Ghana squad, and their father was football great Abedi Pele, who was once a national teammate of the current coach James Appiah.
The coach and Andre Ayew insisted family had little significance in the game against Germany, which started the tournament with a 4-0 thrashing of Portugal.
“Tomorrow [Today] it’s not about the Ayew bothers or the Boateng brothers. It’s Ghana versus Germany, and what’s important is that we have a good game,” Ayew said. “What I can tell you is that, tomorrow [today] we are going to die for our nation and do everything make our people proud.”
When pressed at a news conference, he added, laughing: “I’m not here to talk about my dad. I think it’s something in the genes. God has given us the opportunity to be a football family.”
Ghana, playing in their third consecutive World Cup, had started with the goal of reaching the semi-finals, but the 2-1 opening loss to the United States and a string of injuries have left the Black Stars fighting to avoid an early group exit.
Belgium-based defender Daniel Opare is doubtful, and AC Milan’s Michael Essien is recovering from a toe injury.
“It’s the coach’s job to absorb pressure, otherwise there’s no point in doing the job,” Appiah said. “My ambition tomorrow [today] is to go for a win. I’m not a guy who thinks about getting a draw.”
The Boateng brothers were kept away from reporters at training sessions by Germany and Ghana at Fortaleza’s Castelao Stadium.
When asked about the potential matchup, German coach Joachim Loew was eager to move on to another subject.
“It’s a side issue not something we discuss,” he said “I think Ghana’s Boateng will start for them. We know his qualities. But as far as brothers playing against each other, I’d rather not talk about it.”
