Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng has announced his retirement from international football aged just 24, the country’s Football Association have confirmed.

Striker Danny Welbeck has been called into the England squad for the first time following the withdrawal of Aaron Lennon.

Michael Essien will return to the international fold for Ghana’s next competitive international against DR Congo in March next year, the country’s football association has confirmed.

GHANA bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most amazing finishes to a match the World Cup has ever seen.

Uruguay have beaten Ghana 4-2 on penalties tonight to set up a World Cup semi-final against Holland.

THE coaches of Uruguay and Ghana last night brushed aside conspiracy theories claiming English referee Howard Webb was replaced as the man in charge of today’s World Cup quarter-final because of the controversy over Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal.

The eyes of an entire continent are on Ghana as Africa’s last hope at the World Cup but the premise of being under pressure didn’t seem to exist for the Black Stars as they trained at the unprepossessing Mogwase Stadium near Rustenburg last night.

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew has won the praise of his team-mates after the Black Stars booked a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

GHANA are hoping to ride an historic African wave all the way to the World Cup final.

United States 1 Ghana 2 (after extra-time)

GERMANY set up a mouthwatering last-16 clash with England as Mesut Ozil’s second-half strike proved the difference against Ghana at Soccer City last night.

Ghana 0 Germany 1

Spain striker David Villa has escaped punishment for striking Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre on Monday night.

GERMANY coach Joachim Low is confident nerves will not be an issue for his young side as they look to keep alive their World Cup dream against Ghana in Johannesburg today.

Ghana 1 Australia 1

Ghana 1 Australia 1

GHANA are not only going to beat Australia in Rustenburg tonight, they will become the first African nation to win the World Cup, according to Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien have been included in the final three-man shortlist for the 2009 Africa Player of the Year award.

CHELSEA have confirmed Michael Essien is out of the African Nations Cup with a knee injury.

Uncertainty still surrounds Togo's plans for the African Nations Cup following Friday's armed attack on the team bus, but opening opponents Ghana have confirmed they plan to remain at the competition.

Kevin-Prince Boateng is determined to make Ghana’s loss Portsmouth’s gain.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST striker Junior Agogo booked Ghana’s place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup yesterday with a late winner against Nigeria.

Brazil midfielder Juninho believes the holders’ World Cup quarter-final with France will be their most difficult match of the tournament.

BEFORE yesterday’s final games, the second round of World Cup 2006 had served up a mixed bill of fare to follow the lavish treats of the opening series of matches.

BULLISH Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic is not just targeting a win over Brazil but a World Cup semi-final spot for the Black Stars.

Brazil captain Cafu’s record-breaking exploits may not have had the same publicity as Ronaldo’s but the 36-year-old skipper admits that collective success for the world champions is more important than individual landmarks.

COACH Ratomir Dujkovic celebrated a “historic moment” for Ghana as they booked their ticket to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time yesterday.

Ghana 2 USA 1

GHANA captain Stephen Appiah has reminded his team-mates they will be carrying the hopes of an entire continent when they take on the USA in their crucial Group E clash today.

THIS is what the World Cup is all about: Italy versus Ghana serving up a compelling game of football on a beautiful summer’s evening in Hanover, against the backdrop of a packed, throbbing stadium splashed with the rainbow colours of the wildly enthusiastic supporters of the team they call the Black Stars.

Italy 2 Ghana 0

GHANA coach Ratomir Dujkovic has warned midfielder Michael Essien that he could lose his place with the national team.