Soccer
How Ghana can cause problems for England and produce World Cup upset
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This evening at the Boston Stadium, the top two teams in Group L, Ghana and England, go head-to-head.
Both sides registered wins in their opening World Cup matches, but unlike England, Ghana were a lot less convincing and only beat Panama with a last gasp winner courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi.
There is a sense that Panama were unlucky to lose to Ghana, who compared to previous World Cup appearances, failed to impress.
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz now has to mastermind a gameplan to frustrate and beat one of the tournament favourites, but how can Ghana cause problems for the Three Lions?
Partey and Yirenkyi midfield partnership will be crucial
In all positions, England do have the better players and squad depth, but Ghana can go toe-to-toe, albeit with lesser names.
One crucial part of the match will be how Ghana can control midfield. Thomas Partey is available to play, and is likely to partner Yirenkyi in midfield.
When it comes to midfield, Partey-Yirenkyi is the preferred central partnership. Partey will be more defence orientated, he is not afraid to engage in football's dark arts, but the lack of time on the pitch is a cause for concern against an England midfield full of energy.
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Big things are expected of Yirenkyi who has swapped right back for midfield in this Ghana team, and he so far has been the shining light with his winner against Panama.
However, Partey and Yirenkyi will need to produce a career-best performance if they are to keep an England midfield quiet which can add a fresh burst of energy if matters on the pitch are not going their way.
Semenyo needs to replicate club form on international stage
To those who do not consume every second of football played by Ghana, the one name which will jump out is Manchester City midfielder Antoine Semenyo.
He is fast becoming one of the world's best midfielders, and is the talisman of this Ghana squad.
Against Panama, Semenyo failed to make much of an impact, but this will be as a result of the opposition keeping him quiet by any means possible.
England will be keen to attack, rather than soak up the pressure, therefore there could be space for Semenyo to exploit and create chances.
If Ghana are to shock England, Semenyo will have to be at the heart of it, he has the technical ability and the pace to create all sorts of problems, but it's whether his teammates can take advantage when the opportunities present themselves, and against the Three Lions, they will be few and far between.
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