Soccer: Ghana have Brazil in their sights

NUREMBERG - Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic's main task ahead of the final group E match against the United States has been to banish dreams of a possible second-round clash with Brazil.

Instead, he wants his team to concentrate on an all-out battle between two strong and attacking sides who retain a chance of advancing to the knockout stage.

Ghana, who bounced back from an opening 2-0 loss to Italy to beat Czech Republic by the same score, have spoken of the prospect of playing Brazil in the last 16.

"We are not afraid to meet the Brazilians," midfielder Michael Essien said.

"But first we need to deal with the United States, then we will see who our next opponents are."

The group is wide open, with all four teams having a chance to progress.

Ghana, on three points, and United States, with one, need to win to hope to overhaul Italy and the Czechs, who are first and second in the group with four and three points respectively.

US coach Bruce Arena said he would tell his players to go all-out for a win and ignore news from the Italy-Czech Republic match in Hamburg.

"It's not my business to deal with that game. All we ever wanted was to have a chance in game three."

Ghana have a powerful team whose surging, adventurous soccer has captivated German audiences.

But the Americans showed in their rugged 1-1 draw with Italy, when three men were sent off, that they have immense heart and determination.

Dujkovic said: "We have won only one match and I should calm our players down and warn them not to be too excited.

"If we take second place we will face Brazil probably and the players have expressed already they would die for this match."

Ghana are without striker Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Sulley Muntari. The United States are minus Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope, sent off against Italy.

TOMORROW

Ghana v USA
Nuremberg, 2am

- REUTERS