INTERNATIONALS: ATSU FEATURES IN GHANA STROLL

INTERNATIONALS: ATSU FEATURES IN GHANA STROLL

Posted on: Tue 10 Jun 2014

Christian Atsu came off the bench during Ghana's 4-0 win against South Korea in Miami this morning. It was the Black Stars' final World Cup warm-up game.
Atsu, who spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, started on the bench but was summoned for action with 56 minutes played and Ghana 3-0 up. The winger replaced Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Ghana started strongly and took the lead with 11 minutes played when Jordan Ayew, an early substitute, put his side in front with the aid of a deflection.
Their advantage against fellow World Cup hopefuls South Korea was doubled on the stroke of half-time when former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan won the ball in midfield and slotted home with ease.
Ayew then doubled his tally with a well-placed finish from outside the box, a couple of minutes before Atsu's introduction. Ayew, the 22-year-old Marseille forward, then completed his hat-trick in the final minute, flicking in fellow substitute Albert Adomah's cross.
Michael Essien was an unused substitute.
Ghana, who will be aiming to replicate their quarter-final finish at the 2010 World Cup, take on the USA in their first group game. That match is in Natal next Monday 16 June. Germany and Portugal complete Group G.