2010 FIFA World Cup: How Ghana Will Advance Out of Group D

Going into this World Cup, hopes are high for Ghana in their second World Cup.

And why shouldn't they be? After all, they have one of the best African squads in the World Cup, and are expected by many to advance from Group D.

Now, with Ghana's first World Cup match rapidly approaching, here are the strengths and weaknesses that will define how well Ghana perform in South Africa.

Strengths:

1. They have had prior World Cup success: The only African nation to advance from the group stage in the 2006 World Cup, Ghana still have a great squad together.

With that experience, Ghana have a solid advantage over the likes of Serbia in their group.

2. This is Africa's World Cup: An advantage that cannot be forgotten, this is Africa's World Cup, a fact that is a major bonus for Ghana.

With the home fans behind them and possibly the referee's, Ghana could make a deep run just due to the fact that the World Cup is on African soil.

3. Strength of squad: Despite no Michael Essien for this Ghana squad, there is still tons of strength on the 23 man roster.

Ghana still do have the likes of Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Stephen Appiah, and Asamoah Gyan on their squad, and that strength will be huge in the World Cup.

Weaknesses:

1. No Michael Essien: Losing Michael Essien is a major loss for Ghana no matter how you put it.

Essien of course is one of the best midfielders on the planet, and he was supposed to be the reason why Ghana were going to advance from their group.

Now without him, Ghana have a major hurdle to clear concerning who will help the Black Stars into the round of 16.

2. Group D will be difficult to advance from: By no means do Ghana have an easy group to advance from with Germany, Serbia and Australia all within the top 20 nations according to the FIFA World Rankings.

All three of these nations have their advantages and could prove to be too much for Ghana if they are to advance from Group D.

3. Not-so-bright start with friendlies: A 4-1 loss to the Dutch in Rotterdam was their first friendly in almost three months, and the Black Stars did not appear to be in the same league as the Dutch in that match.

Now, Ghana were lucky to beat Latvia (who are ranked 88th in the world) in a friendly at the Stadium:mk in Milton Keynes by a 1-0 score.

Hopefully, these friendlies are not an indication of how Ghana will do in the World Cup.

Now, here are five things that Ghana must do to advance from Group D:

1. Ride the support of their home fans: Without question, Ghana will have lots of support from the African fans at this World Cup.

These fans could end up being the reason why the Black Stars could advance onto the round of 16, so Ghana must make sure that they use these fans for their own advantage.

2. Be sure to take full advantage of their chances: Ghana are going to have to face several tough defensive sides in the group stage as the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Philipp Lahm will be potential roadblocks for the Black Stars.

With this in mind, Ghana will truly need to take the most of their scoring opportunities, as they could find themselves on the defensive for most of the group stage.

3. Get a point against Germany in the final group stage match: The final match of the group stage will be against Germany at Soccer City in Johannesburg on June 23.

That match will probably rank inside the top ten matches of the entire group stage, and with this also being Ghana's final match of the group stage, they must pull out with at least a point against a German side that will most likely have secured their spot in the round of 16.

4. Forget about Michael Essien: The loss of Michael Essien is huge for Ghana without question, as his play could have gotten the Black Stars deep in this World Cup.

However, Ghana must forget about Essien and go about with their own business.

5. Get some luck from Serbia and Australia: Serbia and Australia are two sides that have the quality to advance from the group stage.

However, Ghana must hope that these two sides battle for a draw on June 23 in Nelspruit, as that could be the difference in Ghana advancing from the group stage or going home early from the World Cup.