Superstars vs Black Stars
27/6/2006 14:57
World Cup debutants Ghana will spare no efforts to avoid a one-sided game
when the Black Stars face the star-packed Brazil in today's round of 16 match in
Dortmund.
As the only African survivors from the round robin, Ghana, where
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira began his career in the 1960s, will be
bidding to become the first African team to beat or score against Brazil at the
tournament.
It seems a mission impossible for the West African side
especially after they made through from a tough group following European
favorites Italy.
After losing their opener 2-0 to Italy, Ghana battled their
way to book a shock berth in the last sixteen by beating Euro 2004 semi-finalist
Czech Republic and 2002 World Cup quarter-finalist United States.
Although
they have won the African Nations Cup four times, Ghana remain the minnow in the
World Cup while only two African teams, Senegal and Cameroon had made it through
to the quarter-finals.
The Black Stars, however, are unfancied against an
all-star team with five Cup crowns.
Former Juventus midfielder Stephen
Appiah, Ghana's captain, is not awestruck by a Brazil lineup that includes the
Cup's all-time leading scorer Ronaldo, two-time World Footballer of the Year
Ronaldinho and stars Roberto Carlos and Kaka.
"We're happy we're going to
face Brazil. No fear. No fear," Appiah said. "We play the same style, too.
That's why we have a chance against them."
Ghana will be without influencial
midfielder Michael Essien after the Chelsea star has been suspended from
previous matches, while striker Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Sulley Muntari, who
were suspended for the US match, are back into the squad.
Parreira said the
Black Stars is the "biggest surprise of the World Cup" and will be dangerous
even without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, suspended after two first-round
yellow cards.
"There may be no Michael Essien but there is Stephen Appiah,"
Parreira said. "They are good and they have nothing to lose. They are playing
against the five-time world champions and one of the favourites for this
title."
Brazil won all three games in Group F and are boosted by a convincing
4-1 over Japan in their final group match, in which Ronaldo scored twice and
levelled the World Cup goal record of 14 with Germany's Gerd Muller.
The
holders only injury doubt for Tuesday's game is Real Madrid striker Robinho, who
felt uncomfortable in his right thigh during training on Saturday.
Adriano is
likely to return to the Brazil starting line-up in the place of Robinho, or may
Parreira opt to play the so-far misfiring Ronaldinho in a more forward role,
with Juninho coming into midfield.
xinhua
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