Brazil v Ghana - Preview

Brazil wary of nothing-to-lose Black Stars

Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah (R) celebrates with Ghanaian forward Razak Pimpong (L) after Appiah scored on a penalty kick during the opening round Group E World Cup football match between Ghana and the United States at Nuremberg's Franken Stadium, 22 June 2006. Ghana were leading 2-1 at half-time. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY

Brazilian forward Ronaldo (R) vies with Japanese defender Keisuke Tsuboi during the opening round Group F World Cup football match Japan vs. Brazil, 22 June 2006 in Dortmund, Germany. AFP PHOTO / ANTONIO SCORZA

Brazilian star striker Ronaldo is unsure who will start alongside him when the defending World Cup champions meet Ghana here Tuesday, but he and his squad know the African upstarts are a serious threat.

Ghana defeated Euro 2004 semi-finalist Czech Republic and 2002 World Cup quarter-finalist United States to book a shock berth in the round of 16, but the Cup debutantes are unfancied against an all-star team with five Cup crowns.

"We must not be complacent as they have plenty of quality players," Ronaldo said. "We've watched their matches. We will try and prey on their weaknesses."

Brazilian forward Robinho (L) vies with Japanese midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara during the opening round Group F World Cup football match Japan vs. Brazil, 22 June 2006 in Dortmund, Germany. AFP PHOTO / VANDERLEI ALMEIDA

Robinho, a 22-year-old teammate of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, is doubtful with a sore right thigh while two-time starter Adriano was reportedly upset with coach Carlos Alberto Parreira benching him for a 4-1 first-round win over Japan.

"It was no better or worse with Robinho," Ronaldo said, dismissing the notion he favored his club partner. "Everybody is in the same boat, those who play will give everything and those who don't will wait for their chance.

"The squad is in good shape. We are united and confident that we can go the whole way. Every one of us is ready to make sacrifices to win the World Cup."

Ronaldo, nagged at 29 by weight and fitness issues, scored twice against Japan and could break the all-time World Cup scoring mark he shares with Germany's Gerd Muller by notching his 15th goal against Ghana.

His top concern, however, is advancing Brazil to the last eight.

"I'm not obsessed being the leading scorer at the World Cup or breaking records," Ronaldo said. "My target is to win the World Cup and if I score goals all the better.

"I am of course delighted to have equalled the record of 14 goals and if I take it to a new level, I will be even happier.

"But the objective remains as it always has been - to win the World Cup."

Ghana supporters cheer and sing ahead of the opening round Group E World Cup football match between Ghana and the United States at Nuremberg's Franken Stadium, 22 June 2006. Ghana carry the World Cup hopes of Africa into the decisive Group E match against the United States here that neither team can afford to lose. AFP PHOTO / JANEK SKARZYNSKI

Former Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah, Ghana's captain, is not awestruck by a Brazil lineup that also includes 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."

Parreira, who coached Ghana earlier in his career, said the Black Stars 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.

"They will shoot on sight. They will be aggressive and we have to work out how to pass the ball around under those circumstances."

That's why Robinho's possible absence is a concern.

That leaves Inter Milan's Adriano, who Parreira said has not sulked over Robinho's start against Japan.

"I don't find that he is depressed," Parreira said. "Adriano has trained well and in any case there is no reason to be depressed because you have not played in one match."

Teams

Brazil

Dida, Cafu (capt), Lucio, Juan, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ze Roberto, Adriano, Ronaldo: Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira (BRA)

Ghana

Richard Kingson, John Pantsil, John Mensah, Emmanuel Pappoe, Illiasu Shilla, Stephen Appiah (capt), Sulley Muntari, Eric Addo, Haminu Draman, Matthew Amoah, Asamoah Gyan: Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic (SEM)

Referee

Michel Lubos (SVK)