Last Minute Tips to all Ghanaians including the playing body. Based on the two late friendly matches the Ghana Black Stars encountered, it has been noticed that our goalkeepers come out from posts when ever there is a crossing. Anticipation is the word here. Keeping an eye on the ball is what distinguishes great keepers from lousy ones. Talking about Richard Kingston, his problem is about fitness whilst young Daniel Agyie’s disadvantage falls on confidence.

Tips to both keepers:

Riche, for lack of fitness, it is too late for an outsider to help at this time, but can still pull it through. The further we advanced, he faster he could regain his fitness. It happened during the African Cup of Nations 2010. For Danny, opportunities have been given to him, and yet, he lacks confidence. All I could say to him is to concentrate and he should be fine. He is already a WC goalkeeper whether he likes it or not.

The defense was not tested during the last friendly match. A superb combination, though, I admit but lacked cohesiveness based on the match against Holland. One can say pot-holes were everywhere during that match. Hans Sarpie was okay but Lee Addy did well at the left full back position during the second match. This goes to the right full backs as well. John Pantsil did poorly in the Netherlands’ encounter, whilst Inkoom did better in Latvia’s match. The combination of Isaac Versah and John Mensah was well put together by Milovan. Well done! Here are the Tips for the defense: The Rock needs to be a rock and instead of a jelly. Being soft at a defensive end, as the general, it would make him looks bad. When an off-side trap is set, the commander there should be John Mensah. The reason is he is the last man in the defensive line. Therefore, he would need to control the players, especially, both left and right full-backs. Our deputy captain should make sure that when he moves, his wings move with him. Otherwise, an opponent’s offense could take an advantage on their carelessness to cut in diagonally with a through pass from the middle and still be on side. Recall what happened to us against Brazil four years ago? Many people thought it was offside which, it wasn’t. It is one thing to have no clue on an incident and it is another to make the same mistake twice. In a nut-shell, if the main center defender can’t see his full backs from the corners of his eyes, but has to turn his head before he sees them, it is his duty to draw back or call their attention to move forward with him. As a center back, it is his responsibility to orchestrate the defensive line.

Tips for the midfielders:

Centre midfield has been sealed by Kevin Prince Boateng and Anthony Annan. At least that was what we all witnessed in the last friendly match if only the formation would stay the same as the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. The three midfielders in front of the two central midfielders would need some adjustments. If Appiah wouldn’t be featured then that would be okay. However, if he is going to be included in the final three midfielders behind the attacker, it would be a good idea to allow him to either start or to come in after the 65th minute but not 45th minute. In this case, when he gets tired, the substitute player could take over and the team would be okay. On the contrary, if he comes in immediately after the first half and, unfortunately, becomes exhausted before the end of regulation, the team would have no choice but to play with ten and a half men throughout the end of regulation. On the other hand, as indicated, starting him would be alright because he could be monitored so that as soon as he gets tired, he comes out for another to get in. This is not suggesting as he is not the best among the three but it is for the sake of the team’s cohesiveness.

Remember, like Jose Mourinho said at Madrid’s conference, “it's one thing how one organizes a team and a defensive scheme is another thing altogether. When a team is organised it defends well - all players are involved in attack and defense.” Basically, it is unison; togetherness is the key to a solid defensive and attacking game plan. Therefore, if a game appears faster than anticipated and Appiah couldn’t handle it, with due respect, allow him to rest if possible. As I always say, possessions are essential commodities when it comes to football.

With these said, the midfielders would need to try their best to keep possessions. Andrea Ayew, Kevin Boateng, Owusu Abeyie and Kwedwo Asamoah are doing pretty well but would need to control their excitements by minimizing off target shootings. Unselfish play could help us to reach far. From what I’ve observed from the last two friendly matches, the midfield wingers, both left and right, are doing excellent jobs by coming back to support their coordinated full-backs. That is a good sign especially for Owusu Abeyie because coming back was not among his specialties. In terms of our attackers, they are not clicking as expected. Asamoah Gyan is being himself as usual, running and shooting unnecessarily. Matthew Amoah, on the other hand, is the worse of them all. Dominic Adiyiah is another, getting the chances to prove himself; however, so far, has nothing to show for baffles me.

Attacking Tips:

Diminic Adiyiah, since most crossings come through the air, the balls usually do not getting to him. Adiyiah is a give and take player; therefore, if the midfielders could keep the balls within his reach, on the ground to be specific, he still could do some damages. If he keeps calm and pays attention to opponents’ offside traps, a history would be making. Matthew Amoah is not dead yet and I hope he picks up quickly. As it is, the team needs his expertise to move further. Prince Tagoe is doing his best and doing it well in his new role, the right winger, so he should remain there if possible.

Tips to all the Players:

Try as much as you could to leave the officials alone. Playing the WC on African soil doesn’t mean we are in fifa’s favoritism catalog. Sorry to burst your bubble, we are not. Fifa would try as much as it could to keep nations like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Italy and France for business’ sake. Therefore, please stay away from unnecessary cautions and do what you do best. Allow your game to dictate for you. Can I hear Amen?

Now to my fellow FORUMITES, the fans, here are our tips:

Constructive criticisms should be our ultimate goal. Deviating from this goal, would course us to fight against one another. As far as I’m concern, we all want the best for the Black Stars. Therefore, if any of us is nursing a grudge against another on the forum, kindly keep it aside because days like these are far too rare to use it as a 26th day of December, (Boxing Day). One thing we are taking for granted is the fact that there are about 195 countries in this world and we are among the best 32 to participate in this WC. All I’m saying is, most countries couldn’t even qualify so quit raising Cain and come in cohesively because “United we stand.”

In all things “Get Understanding, Get Wisdom"

Ransford Peprah (Rnsfdpeprah@yahoo.com)