• Ghana celebrating a play-off World Cup victory over Nigeria

Many years back, it was a huge privilege play­ing for the national team – and invitations into that space, were vigorously celebrated.

Today, a decent number of players in Ghana’s team think it is a right rather than an honour to parade in the colours of the nation. To such players, the nation needs them more than the reverse. It is the reason you do not find them playing their hearts out, sometimes.

That is the difference be­tween the Brazilian and other players when it comes to don­ning their national team. The Brazilian see football as civic duty and not as mere form of entertainment.

In what concerns football in the nation’s shirts, Brazil­ians feel patriotic, superior; they boast about themselves and they always want to win. They see playing for their country as the most powerful symbol of national unity. It is the reason many see Brazil as the United States of football: the imperial power, greedy and supremacist.

The reaction you see when Brazilian players are invited into the national team for major tournaments, is simply engaging. A snippet of that was fully advertised last week when national team coach Tite announced his 26-man squad — including 12 players from England’s top-flight, for the Qatar football festival.

According to the Sports­Mail, a number of stars in the top-flight took to social media to share their ecstasy the moment they found out they were going to Qatar.

Manchester United winger Brazil star – Antony, shared the heart-warming moment when he – and his family – found out that he had been included in the squad.

The former Ajax star also parted with a video on social media sitting with his fam­ily – who were all dressed in Manchester United tops, though Antony was in a Brazil shirt – awaiting the announce­ment.

According to SportsMail, when his name was read out, his family burst into celebra­tion and hugs. The United No. 21 has a strong embrace and becomes emotional as he comes to terms he would be featuring in his first World Cup. The winger only made his national debut in the World Cup qualifiers in Octo­ber last year; so it will be his first major competition where he would be representing his country.

Newcastle star Bruno Gui­maraes had a similar reaction to discovering he was picked for the squad, which was also shared onto social media. The former Lyon midfielder is sat and dressed in a Brazil shirt with his family accompanying him as he awaits his name to be read out.

When it is, the Magpies midfielder rejoices – with his new-born son in his arms – at the news he would be head­ing to Qatar. Tottenham – and former Everton – forward Richarlison was the third Premier League star to share their reaction onto social me­dia. The Spurs forward sits in a room with his family and his head on his knees – unable to look at the screen, given the growing pressure.

Once his name is an­nounced, the striker jumps up and celebrates with his family who all scream and shout in joy.

On Monday, Ghana’s final 26 for the Qatar tourna­ment was unveiled. Marquee goalkeepers – Joseph Wolla­cott and Richard Ofori were absent – having picked up 11th-hour injuries during club engagements last weekend. Iron-clad midfielder Iddrisu Baba was also on the injury list.

Generally, many Ghanaians have little faith in this pres­ent Ghana team, believing it lacks the quality and poise to progress from a group that has Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

However, assessing the team closely, it does not suggest hopelessness. Yes, the squad may be immature and unseasoned as only skipper Andre Ayew and brother Jordan have World Cup ex­perience. But if the talented players can play with pas­sion, verve, determination and demonstrate a sense of purpose and team unity – just like the Brazilians do, the world should be ready to see Ghana unleash its stunning winter package in Qatar.

By John Vigah