From Belfast to the World Cup: McDermott's American odyssey

Mick McDermott, a Belfast native, has had a 30-year coaching career that has taken him across the world. Now 52, he is part of Carlos Queiroz's backroom staff as performance co-ordinator for Ghana at the World Cup. This is his second World Cup after working with Queiroz for Iran in 2018, but this one holds special meaning as he returns to Rhode Island, where he spent six years studying on a scholarship, playing football, and meeting his wife. McDermott was set to become a teacher but took a coaching role at the University of Oregon, which led to an offer in Abu Dhabi that changed his life. His relationship with Queiroz began in 2011 when they took the Iran job. After a stint with Glentoran, where he won the Irish Cup, and a spell with Cobh Ramblers, he rejoined Queiroz for Qatar and now Ghana. Ghana's preparations were last-minute: appointed in April, the full squad assembled only at the end of May, with just one full training session before a friendly against Wales. Despite this, Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in their opening Group L match. Next, they face England, a tournament favorite. McDermott sees this as a free game for Ghana, with the pressure off after their first win. He praises the team spirit and highlights Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo as a key player who can trouble any defense with his pace.