Ghana and Czech Republic: two teams that have totally different expectations from the game. Ghana wants to at least make a point, while a point would be almost similar to a defeat for the strong Czech team.

How things stand:
In the view of many observers, the Czech Republic performed as impressively as anyone in the first round of games. Easy 3-0 winners over the USA, Pavel Nedved and Co could hardly have made a better start to their Germany 2006 adventure. Because of the experience of their players, it is easy to forget that this FIFA World Cup represents Czech Republic’s first outing on the world stage since the country gained independence from the former Czechoslovakia.

While another win against the West African nation would secure their place in the second round, Bruckner faces the headache of having to do without his first-choice strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros, both of whom are injured. Consequently, the Czech side’s attacking responsibilities will rest on the shoulders of the aerially imposing Vratislav Lokvenc.

The Ghanaians, meanwhile, made a considerably less commanding start to their inaugural FIFA World Cup campaign. In the Black Stars’ defence, their first match pitted them against Italy, one of the prime contenders for the title. Despite showing some good stuff, Michael Essien and Co had no answer to the typically pragmatic approach of the Azzurri, who quashed Ghanaian hopes with a goal just before the break and another from a late counterattack. If they are to obtain their much-needed first points of the competition against the Czechs, the Black Stars must show that they have learned their first European lesson.

Past meetings
These two teams have never met before in either a friendly or official match.

The duel
Tomas Rosicky-Michael Essien: In the absence of forwards Koller and Baros, the two leading lights of the Czech attack, Tomas Rosicky took matters into his own hands to fire his team to victory against the United States. By serving as playmaker and double goalscorer, the Arsenal-bound midfielder showcased his tremendous ability and will need to be closely supervised by Ratomir Dujkovic’s men.

In his attacking-midfield berth, Rosicky is likely to come up against Michael Essien, and the tireless midfield powerhouse who shone like a beacon in the defeat by Italy will be desperate to deliver not only a good performance but also the right result. Forced to go for the win, the Ghanaians will be counting on the Chelsea man not only to stifle Rosicky, but also to threaten his club colleague Petr Cech’s goal.

So before they lock horns in next season’s English Premiership, Rosicky and Essien will square up on the pitch of the FIFA World Cup Stadium in Cologne, with the small matters of Group E supremacy and survival at stake.

What they’re saying
Vratislav Lokvenc, Czech Republic striker: I’m ready. There are 23 players in the squad and we all want to play. Our opponents are a strong side, so we’ll need to keep it tight at the back and hopefully get the first goal.
Ratomir Dujkovic, Ghana coach: I believe we can improve on our display against Italy and score goals against the Czech Republic. I’ve said it before and I still believe it: we’ll qualify from this group and reach the semi-finals.

Source: WCoffsite