We are not under pressure - Asamoah

(William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Pretoria, S/A)

Pretoria (S/A), June 30, GNA - Black Stars midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah believes the team is not under any form of pressure as they take on Uruguay in the quarter-final stage of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, at the Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg.

Ghana remains the only African country in the competition, following the elimination of five other representatives, a situation many think would put pressure on the Black Stars, but the young midfielder said in an interview that, they are professionals and know how to handle the situation. The nimble footed player said they were rather motivated by the fact that Ghana remains the only African country in the competition hence the need to go all the way to the finals to boost the pride of Ghana and the Continent.

Asamoah, said, the game against Uruguay would be as tough as all other matches played so far in the competition and they were going to approach it with the needed seriousness, because they could not afford to lose. The Udinese midfielder whose performance was below expectation at the initial stages of the competition, said he was looking forward to lift up his game against Uruguay to ensure that Ghana progressed into the next stage of the competition.

Asamoah explained that, he had difficulties with his fitness level at the beginning of the competition, but added his performance in the game against the United States of America (USA) gave clear indication of his recovery.

Asamoah, however, rue the absence of Andre Ayew but indicated that, the Black Stars was an all-round team, with a lot of competent players capable of taking up the place of Ayew in the game against Uruguay. "At this stage it does not matter who plays because we are all prepared to do our best for the nation and anyone who comes on will do the job.

"We have a blend of young and experienced players, who are ready to abide by the tactics of the Coach and that is working for us throughout the competition," he said.

Asamoah has since the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations assumed a dominant role in the scheme of affairs of the Black Stars. However, his performance in the first three matches of the competition came under scrutiny but the Player proved critics wrong with an improved outing against USA, last Saturday.