Ghana have qualified for the next round with a very impressive 100% record, and we are all already sick of the press jokes about their manager living the high life. Andrew H’s Germany need to beat Ben Graham’s mighty Ghana team to have any hope of qualifying, so will be hoping to face a weakened Ghana keeping their undoubted energies in reserve for the knockout stages.
This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 14th April
GHANA: Osibisa – “Music For Gong Gong” The Manager Says: “With qualification for the Last 16 already secure, Ghana manager Ben Graham knows his team can win the group with just a draw here. Following Wulomei’s success against Australia, the manager again turns to veteran talent, in the form of Osibisa.
‘Music For Gong Gong’ was their debut, first bringing them to the attention of a generation of Ghanaian supporters in the early 1970s. It combines the highlife style of their homeland with a jazzy funk sound, and Osibisa give it a hint of Caribbean flavour courtesy of their three “ringers”. Ben Graham clearly isn’t resting on his laurels, and seems intent on securing a victory to win the group and continue this amazing run of form into the knockout stages.”
GERMANY: Stereo Total – “Sweet Charlotte” The Manager Says: “I’m breaking from my normal pattern here, and going for a band who are still recording and releasing at the moment. This one’s a quick, efficient game, getting in there as quickly as possible with the minimum of fuss, going for precision and attack.”
Group D Match 5: Which of these tracks do you prefer? [ballot]
- GHANA - Osibisa 66%
- GERMANY - Stereo Total 34%
Total Voters: 50
Poll closes: 14 Apr 2010 @ 23:59
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Commentary Box Analysis Ghana’s manager may have taken to talking about himself in the third person, but, like Brian Clough and Jose Mourinho in our parallel football worlds, there’s no arguing with his results so far. Can he keep it going? Germany, amid rumours of dressing-room bust ups with hard-drives flying left and right, are fielding a side much beloved of many around here – it’s not obvious whether a possible familiarity will work in their favour or otherwise. Is this brevity and simplicity the best way to get around the back of Ghana’s jazz backline? We’ll see.
Result! Group H – Honduras 1 Spain 3 This was a good, hard game but Spain ran out in the end convincing winners. The crowd seemed to act as the classic “12th man” for Alberto’s Spanish side but there is no denying the quality of the song they were rooting for. this result means the Spanish qualify for the next round, but the other spot is wide open, with Carsmile Steve’s Honduras marginal favourites. “Spain show greater variety with occasional bursts of flair while Honduras are more aggressive. The threat of an imminent paternity suit seems to increasingly preoccupy the Honduran striker making his play predictable and repetitive.” “Spain looks a bit weedy, all boy band shapes but very little charm, even if it does pick up along the line.” “Allright, Spain. The song is not brilliant, but at least a bit original.” “One of the tightest games of the tournament…” “SURELY the “uno, dos, tres” sample merits a straight red!” “ESP have fielded some ropey old hippie bullshit but the HON track is a true banger, would totally grind to in a sweaty basement which is all you can really ask of reggaeton.” “The Hundurian team seems to have lost their attractive play while I wasn’t paying attention.”
Coming up There may not be much at stake past pride in the next game, but pride is important to Australia and Serbia, and of course if Germany win this match then Australia could just creep in… just. Stay tuned.