Brandon Thomas-Asante: Ghana hungry to build on World Cup legacy despite Croatia defeat

Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says the Black Stars remain driven by the ambition to make the nation proud despite their 2-1 defeat to Croatia, insisting the squad is fully focused on extending the country's World Cup legacy.

The Black Stars suffered their first defeat of the tournament in their final Group L match but still advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. They will face Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City for a place in the last 16.

Thomas-Asante said the setback had not dampened the team's determination.

"Coming into the World Cup, there's a lot of ambition, a lot of hopes and what we want to do as a collective and on an individual basis," the Coventry City forward said.

"I think it all encompasses within each other that we want to be successful."

The 27-year-old believes Ghana's strength lies in the quality and unity within the squad, with every player committed to achieving something special at the tournament.

"We're glad that when we look around the dressing room, we see a lot of talent, a lot of ability and a lot of hunger to go and make a name for ourselves as a nation and to keep that legacy going."

Ghana qualified for the knockout stage after collecting four points from three group matches, defeating Panama, drawing with England and narrowly losing to Croatia.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has already challenged his players to treat the knockout phase as the true beginning of their World Cup campaign, insisting qualification was only the first step.

Thomas-Asante's comments reflect the confidence that continues to exist within the Black Stars camp despite the disappointing result against Croatia.

Defender Derrick Luckassen also called on the team to look ahead after the defeat.

"We're trying to do our best, to give our best and every game we are trying to make the nation proud," Luckassen said.

"On to the next game, we have to keep on going."

Ghana now turn their attention to Colombia, who topped Group K with seven points from three matches. Victory in Kansas City would send the Black Stars into the Round of 16 and keep alive their hopes of matching or surpassing their historic run to the quarterfinals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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