Great expectation, not fear, as Ghana meets Brazil

By Mawusi Afele Jun 25, 2006, 21:20 GMT

Accra - Any country that is to face world champions Brazil takes another look at itself because of the sheer galaxy of stars the South American country possesses in its arsenal.

A team that performs magic, gets anything done with ease and attains results is admired the world over.

But strangely, Ghanaian soccer fans, whose team are making their debut on the world stage, say they fear no-one, not even the five- time champions.

'We are not afraid of Brazil. Tell them they will taste defeat on Tuesday,' said the Reverend James Kofi Karl, as he waved the Ghana flag of red, yellow and green with the black star in the middle.

'We have watched them play at the group stage and if they put up the same performance against the Black Stars, we shall beat them,' added Kofi Agbekoh, an auditor.

Expectations of Ghanaian fans have been very high since group matches during which their team lost 0-2 to Italy but recovered to beat the much fancied Czech Republic 2-0 and the US 2-1.

'Our boys have been playing very well and as fate would have it, it is Brazil that has come our way and we are ready for them,' said Rose, who has become an ardent soccer fan because of the World Cup.

Ghanaian flags are still flying high across the country, on buildings, hurriedly erected flag poles, trees, vehicles, among other places, as the country´s confidence reaches another peak.

Ghana has not played Brazil at the senior level of world soccer, but the two countries have met at the junior level several times and Ghana has performed creditably, even beating the Brazilians on some occasions.

'Our President (John Agyekum Kufuor) has told the players that they are not going to play supermen and that they as good as any player in the world. Our boys are good and will prove their worth on Tuesday,' said Rose.

News from the camp in Wurzburg that the players are in high spirits is giving fans more confidence.

Both skipper Stephen Appiah and the country's Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic have said they are ready for Tuesday.

'Bring on Brazil,' said Appiah, who is confident that the team will shine once more.

For Djukovic, Ghana have nothing to lose in Tuesday's match and he reminded the world that Ghana are regarded as the Brazil of Africa and it would live up to that accolade on Tuesday.

One key member on the technical bench is coach Sam Arday, who introduced the system that perfects the Brazilian flair and has made it work at the junior level.

Ghana would be without influential and midfield powerhouse Michael Essien who is suspended after picking his second yellow card.

But Appiah believes the team would thrive on hunger and commitment to ensure they hoist high the flag of the continent by selling out another great performance.

The return of Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan, who both missed Thursday's match against the US because of suspension, would be a great boost.

Essien himself believes the team would still click without him.

'It's sad and very difficult for me to accept that I will be missing this game,' the Chelsea midfielder said.

'But that is not the end of the world. I believe in the ability of my colleagues and know for a fact that we have the players to carry on with the fight with or without me.'

Realistically, however, Ghana are up against formidable opponents and their amazing run at the World Cup may just be coming to an end.

But whatever the result, the Ghanaians would be proud to have faced the top countries in the world and put up their best.