Inkoom: Black Stars Obsessed About Going a Step Further

Samuel Inkoom fancies the Black Stars to make much better impact at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil than their previous appearances.

The defender, who plays for Greek side, Platanias is hoping to be make his second appearance on the big stage as Ghana embark on their third finals on the trot.

A quarter-final defeat to Uruguay in 2010 in which a Luis Suarez handball denied the Black Stars, Africa's first-ever berth in the World Cup semi-finals is the furthest Ghana have gone after a second round place on their debut in 2006.

However, Inkoom says Ghana will have to work harder to achieve their ambitions for the tournament.

"We know we are not the best team at the tournament, but we are obsessed by going a step further than we did in South Africa. We are realistic about our target, which means we are cautious in measuring our optimism and want to keep working harder every step of the way to achieve our desire in Brazil," Inkoom said.

Ghana's challenge begins in a tough Group G, says Inkoom as they will face comprises European heavyweights Germany and Portugal and old foes the United States.

"Our group is a very tough one indeed. A look at the FIFA monthly ranking tells it all for Germany and Portugal who are in the top three. You cannot overlook the USA as well. They are all very good sides, we appreciate their quality and know it must take more than 100 per cent effort to get a result off each,” the 24 year-old Platanias right-back said.

With two previous appearances at the World Cup already in the bag, Inkoom believes the Black Stars can draw from some experienced members in their third finals.

“The team has a lot of quality with many senior players like Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan and others who play very important roles on and off the pitch. We have a fine blend of experience and young players, and we should be able to count on that to move us forward."

Source: Ghanafa.org