2014 World Cup: Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan optimistic of last 16 qualification

Published on: 17 June 2014
2014 World Cup: Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan optimistic of last 16 qualification
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana and Matt Besler of the United States battle for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Captain Asamoah Gyan remains hopeful of Ghana’s progress to the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup despite losing 2-1 in their opener to USA.

The Black Stars conceded an early goal after 32 seconds and labored to level on 82 minutes through Andre Ayew.

But an 86th minute powerful header from John Brooks condemned the 2010 quarter-finalists despite dominating play.

Ghana will press the exit button if they lose their next match against leaders Germany, who walloped Portugal 4-0, on Saturday in Fortaleza.

But Gyan believes the Black Stars are capable of bouncing back against Germany to revive their campaign.

"The game plan went out of the window - conceding a goal inside the first 60 seconds just wasn't good enough from us,” the Al Ain striker told reporters.

"America weren't better than us. After that we were eager to equalise as soon as possible. We managed to get the equaliser and then we just needed to stay calm.

"We kept attacking but we've conceded a goal to another set-piece. When that happens, even though it's part of the game, you blame yourself.

"I don't think it's over. We've got another game against a top team [Germany] who have just won 4-0, and their confidence will be high, but we're capable of getting a result."

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