Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien won the Man of the Match award
for a complete performance, according to the FIFA Technical Study Group after
the Black Stars' 2-0 stunning win over the Czech Republic in their World Cup
Group E match in Cologne on Saturday.
The Western African star acted as a driving force for the Ghanaians,
prompting some of their best moves and helping dominate the match alongside
Stephen Appiah in midfield at Ghana's high-tempo football.
"It was extremely difficult to make this decision, because the entire Ghana
team played very well," said TSG member Kalusha Bwalya. "The goalkeeper,
defenders, midfielders and strikers all did a great job. It was a tremendous
team performance."
"However, it was the number eight, Michael Essien who was the pick of the
players. He helped the defence when required and looked very strong going
forward," he added.
