Ghana-Italy: Player Quotes

Stephen APPIAH (GHA)

We didn't take our chances, Italy were more clinical. We have to learn from our mistakes for the next games. We were naive tonight and gave the ball away too much in dangerous areas. I think we've got the players to do well in the rest of our matches.

Emmanuel PAPPOE (GHA)

The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate football competition and it was great for us to play in such a fantastic game. The loss isn't down to any one player, you win and lose as a team. I must admit that playing in that kind of stadium in front of so many fans sent shivers down my spine.

Otto ADDO (GHA)

Many of us were playing the most important game of our lives. We put in a good performance and showed what we can do. That said, I'm sure we can improve - we need to be more careful in defence, for example. The only really disappointing aspect of the evening was the result. It's going to be tough for us now.

Samuel KUFFOUR (GHA)

Not scoring cost us dearly. We created some clear-cut chances and should have put a few of them away. Now we'll have to give it our best shot against the Czech Republic. We changed our formation after the break but it wasn't enough to turn things around. Tonight is a sad moment for my family, my country and for the whole of Africa. What do I think of the Italian players? Most of them are good friends of mine.

Hans SARPEI (GHA)

Italy are a great side and they showed it tonight. We played well in midfield and had chances to score, but unfortunately the goal never came. We're very pleased that we matched them for the whole game, even if we didn't get the result we wanted.