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The former Juventus midfielder believes the Black Stars will go a step further than their previous stint by making it to the last four of the 2014 WC. Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah says he is optimistic that the Black Stars can make it to the semi-finals stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The four-time African champions booked their place on Tuesday after recording a 7-3 aggregate victory over Egypt. Tuesday�s victory led to a third successive World Cup appearance for the Black Stars who were Africa�s best performing side at the 20006 and 2010 tournaments. After captaining the team to reach the quarter-finals in South Africa, Appiah believes the Black Stars have what it takes to reach the semi-finals at the next showpiece in Brazil. "There is something special about the Black Stars. The 2006 World Cup was our first time experience of playing in the World Cup. But we managed to reach the knock out phase after losing to Brazil. "There was a progress in the 2010 World Cup after reaching the quarter finals and we were the only African country to do well in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. "I can assure that the Black Stars will put up a wonderful display with their World Cup experience, and reach the semi finals in Brazil. "Let's wait for the draw and see the teams we will get in our group but I believe we will do better in Brazil," Appiah told Accra based, Asempa FM. No African team has ever reached the semi-finals of the World Cup since its inception in 1930.