Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour has reflected on his turbulent experience at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, recalling how his performance against Italy—despite a costly mistake—was among the best of his career.
Kuffour, a key figure in Ghana’s historic qualification for their maiden World Cup, entered the tournament as one of the Black Stars’ most experienced players. Having won multiple Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy with Bayern Munich, he was expected to play a crucial role in Ghana’s defensive setup.
However, his World Cup campaign took a bitter turn in the opening match against eventual champions Italy. Despite a strong individual display, a misplaced back pass led to Ghana conceding a goal, contributing to a 2-0 defeat. The mistake proved costly, as he was dropped from the squad for Ghana’s second group-stage match against the Czech Republic and was left out again in the Round of 16 clash against Brazil.
In a recent interview with Sporty FM, Kuffour expressed his disappointment over how things unfolded.
"I felt bad after the first game against Italy during the 2006 World Cup, but being dropped for the second game opened the door for others," he said.
"I played one of my best games against Italy, but that mistake... and after the tournament, I told my management I could not play for the national team anymore."
For Kuffour, the 2006 World Cup was a bittersweet moment—helping Ghana reach the grand stage for the first time, only to see his tournament cut short after one match. He eventually stepped away from international football, finishing his Black Stars career with 54 caps and three goals.
Despite the disappointment, Kuffour remains one of Ghana’s greatest-ever defenders, revered for his achievements at both club and national levels.
