Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has hailed this year's mundial in Russia as the best in the history of the competition. 

“I think so far so good, it’s been very funny, I was telling my friends that this is the best World Cup ever. Football today is not played by names anymore, talent alone is not enough to win games, it’s all about tactical discipline and hard work,” Appiah told the media.

“Ten or fifteen years ago, if Argentina were going to play against Iran, you know definitely Argentina were going to win big but look at what countries like Iran and Japan are doing now, so it is about fame anymore, it is about how you will stay focused and play the game,” he added.

Appiah captained Ghana at the 2006 campaign, was part of the team that made it to the last eight in South Africa four years later.

Currently technical coordinator of the Black Stars, the former Juventus midfielder will hope to help Kwesi Appiah's side return to the showpiece at Qatar 2022, having failed to qualify for this year's gathering.

By Daraja Mutari