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Ghana's opponents react to draw

15 years ago
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Following Friday's draw for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, we bring you the reaction from the coaches of Ghana's Group D opponents.

The Black Stars will line up against Serbian, Australia and Germany in that order when the tournament begins next year in South Africa.

Though a tough draw, Group D which will pass for the traditional 'Group of Death' is expected to turn out some exciting fixtures.

Here are the reactions of our opponents:

GERMANY COACH JOACHIM LOEW

“We’ve got an interesting group. We’ve played Australia, not long ago at the Confederations Cup. It’ll be an important match for us, the opening match (in the group). It’ll be important to win that,” Loew told reporters.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Serbia. They beat France and easily won their group. They’ve got a lot of good players and they’re a very strong team. I wouldn’t call Ghana an outsider. They’re one of the stronger teams.”

“I visited the Serbia coach (Radi) Antic when he was coach at Barcelona for a study trip and he has a lot of experience. He showed that much when they played in the qualifiers, especially against France when they had a good game.

“I see the other three teams in the group as equals, although they have a different mentally, a different culture. African players are a little bit different than European players or Australian players but it makes it all interesting.”

SERBIA COACH RADI ANTIC

“It is not going to be easy and while Germany are obviously the favourites Australia and Ghana cannot be underestimated at all. Germany will be the toughest though because of their football culture and World Cup history.

“All the teams have their own style and we have to cope with that but I think we can take our chance. They will fear us as well.”

AUSTRALIA COACH PIM VERBEEK

“I think the draw is fantastic,” Verbeek told Australian broadcaster SBS. “I know Germany very well. Ghana is very strong and Serbia beat France in the qualifiers. So it’s not going to be easy.

“It could have been better but it could have been worse. Now it’s time to prepare for these game and we look forward to it.

“Germany first up is good. We can start preparing for them immediately and then we have time to prepare for Ghana. So I think it’s good for us but it will be tough.”