AFTER the heartbreak of being knocked out by Uruguay in South Africa 2010, the Black Stars are positive about their chances in Brazil despite being put in a very difficult group.

Ghana take on the United States on June 16 before facing Germany four days later.

They finish up against Portugal but by then they could be already heading home if they fail to pick up a win in their opening two games.

After Luis Suarez’s handball denied them the chance of reaching the semi-finals four years ago, a first-round exit will be seen as a backward step for a team who have set a target of reaching the round of 16 as a minimum this summer.

They reached Brazil after defeating Egypt 7-3 over two legs, winning the first 6-1.

They have since had a mixed time in their pre-World Cup friendlies.

After narrowly losing 1-0 to Holland, they bounced back with a 4-0 thumping of South Korea yesterday with substitute Jordan Ayew scoring a hat-trick.

Their hopes of a long tournament rest on Michael Essien.

The former Chelsea midfielder missed out in 2010 due to injury but has come back into the side and has shown that he still has something to offer at the top level.

His energy in the middle and robustness will be needed when they take on the tougher teams in the group.

And going forward, manager Kwesi Appiah has a number of talented options.

Asamoah Gyan, who missed a last-minute penalty against Uruguay in 2010, is likely to lead the line while being flanked by Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Kevin-Prince Boateng retired from international football after the 2010 World Cup but returned last year and is a good option for Appiah off the bench.

Andre Ayew, not related to Jordan, has replaced Boateng in the starting line-up after also returning to the Black Stars following a falling out with Appiah last year.

Chelsea fans can also look forward to seeing Christian Atsu in action although the winger is not certain to start.

Verdict: Second spot is between them and Portugal. It may come down to who wins the final group game but in order for that to happen, Ghana need to beat the US in their opening game.

Should they qualify they can reach the quarters.