Ghana rely on power of prayer and family values

Kevin-Prince Boateng believes the key to Ghana’s World Cup success is that the squad is like a big, happy family united by the power of prayer.

The Portsmouth midfielder, who was born and brought up in Germany, has been impressed by the strength of the bonds between the players since he opted to play for his father’s homeland.

“There is a great spirit in the team. It is like a big, big family,” Boateng said on the eve of Ghana’s second group D match, against Australia.

“I’ve not been here a long time but I already feel like a member of the family,” he added. “We pray a lot, there is a big, big spirit and we take that spirit on to the pitch.”

Serbia’s win over Germany on Friday means group D is extremely open but Ghana will be in a strong position if they can follow up their 1-0 defeat of the Serbians with victory over the Socceroos.

“This is the game of the season for every player,” he said. “This is our Champions League final and we have to go out there and do everything to win the game.”

Ghana – who reached the second round in the 2006 finals in Germany – are the only African side to have won a match so far in the tournament.