COLOGNE, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien won the Man of the Match award for a complete performance, according to the FIFA Technical Study Group after the Black Stars' 2-0 stunning win over the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group E match here on Saturday.

    The Western African star acted as a driving force for the Ghanaians, prompting some of their best moves and helping dominate the match alongside Stephen Appiah in midfield at Ghana's high-tempo football.

    "It was extremely difficult to make this decision, because the entire Ghana team played very well," said TSG member Kalusha Bwalya. "The goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and strikers all did a great job. It was a tremendous team performance."

    "However, it was the number eight, Michael Essien who was the pick of the players. He helped the defence when required and looked very strong going forward," he added. Enditem