By Simon Johnson
They were denied a fairy tale moment in 2010, but Ghana are hoping to bounce back with a bang.
EXPECTATIONS
Last time Luis Suarez’s arm stopped Ghana becoming the first African country to reach the semi-finals.
In Brazil, they have much more than any gamesmanship/cheating from an opponent to worry about after being drawn in a tough group.
With matches against Germany and Portugal to come, it is vital they win their opener against the USA. At least, a number of high-profile players, such as Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng and the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, are available having come back into the fold.
COACH
James Kwesi Appiah is guaranteed to be remembered in Ghana whatever happens because he is the first black African coach to lead the country to a World Cup.
He was appointed in 2012, having worked as an assistant for five years. He also took the Under-23 side to glory in the 2011 All-Africa Games.
STARS
Asamoah Gyan earned plenty of scorn after swapping Sunderland for a bigger pay cheque at UAE club Al?Ain in 2011 but his goal threat has not diminished. He scored six times in as many qualifiers and has already moved past the 100 mark for his club in three seasons.
Boateng and Essien’s experience will be useful while Christian Atsu, on loan from Chelsea at Vitesse Arnhem, will provide skill on the flank.
 TACTICS
Appiah has made Ghana more entertaining even though he uses the same 4-2-3-1 formation as his predecessor, Goran Stevanovic. They scored five more goals (25 to 20) in qualifying for this World Cup compared with the last one but there are concerns defensively.