Ghana faced Portugal on Thursday led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo with serious consequences. It also did not help that it has recently sacked two of its star players, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, on the very day they need to make several goals to be able to advance to the World Cup knockout stage, Buzzfeed said.
Reporter Gary Al-Smith, who had been covering Ghana, tweeted the news about coach Kwesi Appiah confirming that the team has sent Boateng and Muntari home. A couple of statements on the Ghana Football Association also confirmed the news, and cited the two's rude behavior towards two of the Black Stars management people, including Appiah.
According to the GFA, "(Muntari was suspended) in the wake of his unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah on Tuesday 24th June, 2014 during a meeting."
GFA also said that Boateng verbally assaulted Appiah during the team's training session in Maceio this week.
The loss of the two was felt in the team's match against Portugal, considering that the two have professionally played in premiere leagues. Buzzfeed said Muntari plays for AC Milan, while Boateng plays for Schalke 04. Ahead of the match, Muntari was already suspended for the final group match as he was issued two yellow cards in the first two matches.
Smith also said that the two were fighting two days ago, and that Boateng's anger apparently spilled over during the training session when Appiah questioned about the fight.
Ronaldo shut out Ghana's chances to advance by firing home the winning second goal in both team's final Group G match in Brasilia, the New York Times said. A misfire by Ghana defender John Boye earned Portugal's first goal. Boye almost earned another one for Portugal in the 45th minute if not for the fact that the ball sailed harmlessly out for a corner, Goal.com said. Ronaldo made a couple of attempts to be able to turn his team's fate, but missed both times, including his 91th minute try.
Although Portugal wins the match, the Times said both teams are going home thanks to the goal difference rule. US joins Germany in advancing in the Round of 16.
