2014 World Cup Ghana 1-2 USA - Player Ratings: Who scored higher marks in Ghana's group opener

Published on: 17 June 2014
2014 World Cup Ghana 1-2 USA - Player Ratings: Who scored higher marks in Ghana's group opener
Michael Essien coming in for Rabiu Mohammed

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Ghana's World Cup campaign finally underway with a lacklustre 2-1 defeat against old foes United States in their Group G opening game on Monday night in Natal. 

Andre Ayew handed Ghana lifeline deep into the second-half by levelling the scoring but 21-year-old John Brooks stole the winner for the Americans in what will be a sweet memorable revenge.

GHANAsoccernet.com's Akyereko Frimpong Manson rates the performance of Kwesi Appiah's men.

WORST MAN

Daniel Opare

GHANA's Best Man

Christian Atsu

Adam Kwarasey (GOALKEEPER) 5.5 /10

Had no solutions to any of the two balls that went into his net. The Stromsgodset man was kept less busy apart from some few impressive saves. FACT - Kwarasey has conceded at least a goal in every game that he has played for the Black Stars.

Daniel Opare (RIGHT-BACK) 3.5/10

Ghana's worst man on the night. The FC Porto new signing was simply dead. His passes and crosses from the right flank was uselessly costly for Ghana. This might be his last game of the tournament. His man-marking was horribly poor. Jermaine Jones got the better of him to allow Dempsey score the opener.

Jonathan Mensah  (CENTRE-BACK) 4.5/10

In a porous defence that generally contributed to Ghana's defeat, the Evian TG man cannot be single out for better performance. His lack of sturdiness resulted in that corner which the Americans scored from.

John Boye (CENTRE-BACK)  4/10

Another worst performance from John Boye. Both of USA's goals came through his side. He allowed Clint Dempsey to fool him with a body swerve in scoring the first goal before failing to mark John Brooks in the second goal. He also showed he lacks the pace and strength for a World Cup game.

Kwadwo Asamoah  (LEFT-BACK) 6/10

The Juventus man at least did enough to demonstrate world class quality on the pitch. Kwesi Appiah's decision to limit him to the left-back role costed Ghana diamonds. It was pretty obvious what the West Africans missed when a moment inspired by his brilliance saw Andre Ayew scored for Ghana.

Rabiu Mohammed (MIDFIELD) 5/10

Slow and dull. Rabiu looked like he fear to surge forward and left a lot to be desired for the entire period he lasted on the pitch.

Christian Atsu (FORWARD) 6.5/10

Ghana's best player on the night. You might have problems with his final balls but his ability and fearlessness to take on the American defence came good for Ghana as he served them a constant problem.

Sulley Muntari (MIDFIELD) 5.5/10

The AC Milan midfielder showed class in midfield and tried two trademark long drives but unluckily none of them went in. Lost his cool and got booked. He looked a little above average.

Jordan Ayew (FORWARD) 4/10

Jordan Ayew appeared more interested in showing his underwear than attending to his duties in attack. He failed to live up to expectations with a singular heartbreaking bad finishing.

Asamoah Gyan (FORWARD) 5.5/10

Gyan got close more than a couple of times. Had two glanced headers parried by Tim Howard -  the American keeper. His sumptuous backheel found Andre Ayew which the Marseille man curled home with glee.

Andre Ayew (FORWARD) 6/10

The basic problem identified in the Ghana team affected Andre Ayew too. The obvious lack of proper arrangement of players and system affected his style of play. Until Kevin Boateng's introduction, the influential winger was dead. Scored Ghana's goal in the 82nd minute.

SUBSTITUTES

Kevin-Prince Boateng (MIDFIELD) 5/10

The Schalke 04 brought something new to the game. Brilliance and vision which created more chances for Ghana and inspired them to go forward. Had two horrible shots off target.

Michael Essien (MIDFIELD) 5/10

Replaced Rabiu Mohammed and had a goal-bound header blocked! On a whole, he helped drive the team forward.

Albert Adomah (FORWARD) 4.5/10

Not much was seen of the Middlesbrough man who replaced the impressive Christian Atsu.

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