John Paintsil, a former Black Stars defender, has revealed that over confidence caused their defeat against Brazil in the Germany 2006 World Cup.
The Black Stars of Ghana got their first qualification to the World in 2006, but were eliminated from the tournament by five times champions, Brazil, in the round 16 of the competition, after 3-0 defeat.
The defender made it known at the 6th International Sports Press Association (AIPS) congress that took place in Accra recently.
John Paintsil said the Ghanaian side was confident of beating Brazil.
“We were very discipline and mental strong. We were ready to face any team in the tournament. Before the game against Brazil, we were confident and relaxed, knowing that we would beat Brazil,” Mr Paintsil disclosed.
The former Berekum Arsenals defender added that “They were more experience than us at that time. But we thought we can beat them. Over confidence made us lose the game to Brazil, ” he said.
It can be recalled that Brazil beat Ghana 3-0 courtesy Ronaldo Luís Nazário, Lima Luis Adriano and Ze Roberto to booked their ticket to the quarter final in that tournament.
The 6th AIPS Africa Congress was also used to officially launch the 2nd AIPS Sports Media Awards, which aims at rewarding hardworking sportsmen and women across Africa in the senior and junior categories.
By: Emmanuel Asante