FIFA World Cup Betting: The world was introduced to a new soccer nation in 2006 when Ghana stormed onto the World Cup betting scene and took several powerhouses by storm. The Black Stars bounced both the Czech Republic and the United States from the World Cup in Germany in their first ever appearance at this level. Even though they were immediately taken out in the Round of 16 by Brazil, there is no doubting the fact that Ghana is here and is ready to take the world by storm once again in South Africa.

Four wins without conceding a goal in the final qualifying round in Africa made for an easy road to the World Cup for the Black Stars. They only allowed eight goals during the entire qualifying process, three of which came after a spot in the World Cup was already a given. That defense is going to have to come up large for one of the top African soccer countries to make it through Group D.

The key is going to be whether or not M Michael Essien is able to play in the World Cup or not. Injured in the African Nations Cup, one of the top midfielders in the entire world is going to be in serious doubt for this entire tournament. If he can play, Ghana will be boosted by the fact that they have a world class midfielder at its disposal.

Ghana is going to be fighting with both Serbia and Australia for the second qualifying spot behind Germany in Group D. The oddsmakers are showing a lot of faith in this team, lining it at +6600 to win on the World Cup lines, putting it on par with squads like the United States and Mexico.