Could an African nation finally win the World Cup? How close did Ghana come to making history? Wayne Rooney and Michael Essien relive glory, heartbreak and unforgettable battles From Ghana's unforgettable rise at the 2006 World Cup to the heartbreak of Luis Suárez's infamous handball in 2010, Michael Essien reflects on carrying the hopes of a nation, the pressure of football's biggest stage and why Ghana still believe their greatest achievement is still to come. The pair also revisit the brutal battles between Manchester United and Chelsea, discuss José Mourinho's winning mentality, and reveal why facing each other was one of the toughest challenges of their careers. 00:00 - Intro 00:28 – When Rooney first met Essien 02:05 – Excitement around the World Cup 03:54 – Memories of playing for Ghana 06:03 – What made Ghana’s 2006 World Cup special? 09:26 – Essien’s character in the dressing room 10:25 – Missing out on the 2010 World Cup 11:45 – Uruguay quarter‑finals 2010 14:16 – Pressure: club football vs international football 15:48 – Can an African nation win a World Cup? 18:54 – Ghana players to watch 19:09 – Semenyo - one to watch? 23:07 – Football now vs Rooney/Essien era 24:30 – Playing against Rooney 28:23 – Thoughts on Kobbie Mainoo Follow more on the BBC Sport app, iPlayer and Sounds. ============= Find us here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCMOTD X: https://x.com/BBCMOTD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcfootball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbcsport #bbcfootball #FIFAWorldCupOnYT
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If you believe Ghana will win like this comment😂🇬🇭❤️
Rooney is one player who has really grown on me post retirement, his personality has come out well and he makes some great analysis of the game. Moreover respects all his counterparts and his interview style is great.
Goodness me I miss Essien
I'm Ghanaian but really like Rooney
Undoubtedly THE BLACK STARS OF GHANA will defeat the Three Lions. Greetings to my beloved, fellow Ghanaians from the DEEP SOUTH, United States. GO BLACK STARS, GO GHANA!
Gotta love Rooney, such a balanced and well genuine guy
If an African country wins the world Cup i wanna be at that party.. Lol ... Rooney spot on
Two great football legends I loved to watch these two with so much passion when ever they were in the pitch.
Day 2 of asking for subtitles for Rooney 😅
Michael is right when he said if he was playing football now he wouldn’t last two consecutive games because of VAR. You’re called the “The Bison” for a reason 😂😂😂
I think that Louis Suarez catching of the ball should not be accepted in any field of sports! To deliberately catch the ball with your two hands like a goalie is unacceptable and not fair play to just issue a red card and that's it! FIFA Should review laws like this
No one will attack a player's family in the Premier league but in Africa and South America fans go the extreme...
Ghana leads by a goal 🎉🎉 😂😂😂
Declan Rice said something similar about Eddie Nketiah’s mum bringing them jollof rice and chicken 😅
Rooney just chose Ghana 🇬🇭 Jollof over Nigerian Jollof
Rooney is the best pundit out atm! A man of culture, brings people together & he’s a United legend !!
I’m an Arsenal fan but I rate Rooney
Who’s here after 0:0 draw?
Two great football legends I love to these two with so much passion when ever they were in the pitch.
Nice session. Well done guys