The German great, in Ghana to watch his first live Nations Cup, told reporters the two teams look the most likely to reach Sunday’s final, largely because of the quality of football they have played at the tournament.
“I think first all four teams in the semifinal have showed they can win this tournament. Ghana had a good World Cup and have carried on up till now. The Ivory Coast will be their biggest opposition in their bid to win the title.
_quote“I am not suggesting Egypt and Cameroon will be rolled over in the semifinal, but Ghana and Ivory Coast look best-placed to reach the final.”
Mattheus says he has flown to Ghana to educate himself on the African game and expand his football base, admits to being pleasantly surprised by the quality of the game here.
“There has clearly been much improvement. The passing, the technical quality and organisation on the pitch are all there,” he says.
And host Ghana has impressed Mattheus with their attitude.
“To have gone down to 10-men against a side as good as Nigeria and still dominate the game showed Ghana has a really strong mentality which is needed to do well at this level. That coupled with the fact that they are playing at home, makes them favourites for the title.”
