Former England international, John Barnes has said Ghana has the required mental strength to excel on the international scene and possibly win the FIFA football World Cup in the near future.
Speaking to the GNA Sports in an interview in Accra, Barnes noted that the level of performance exhibited by Ghana at the last world Cups in Germany and South Africa were ample demonstrations of the country’s ability to compete at the highest level in football.
“It was a positive trait by Ghana and I believe if the players could keep it up, then they will excel at the next World Cup in Brazil.
“They have the team spirit, they were committed and dedicated and this was what drove them to secure a major breakthrough at the last World Cup”. He stated.
Barnes said the positive traits of the Black Stars was what countries like Cote d’ Voire and Cameroon lacked at the last World Cup, even though they had the best crop of players on the African continent. He said Cote d’ Voire and Cameroon could not succeed at the World Cup, because they were not prepared mentally.
“Football is not about having the best players on earth and playing the most beautiful game, but it had to with developing the right mentality, commitment and team spirit”. Barnes said.
Barnes added that England had not been able to win the World Cup because much emphasis had been placed on the top stars in the team instead of building a team around the personalities.
According to Barnes, the English could have done better if attempts had been made at seeking a perfect blend of the big stars and the young and upcoming players.
He said with the right approach, the English team could reclaim its glory.
