Ghana high in confidence

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic’s message to his players when they step out to face Brazil in their World Cup second round match on Tuesday will be simple and to the point.

The Serbian boss is urging his team to express themselves and make the nation proud.

“The players have to enjoy the occasion,” he said. “That is the most important thing of all.”

Ghana will carry the banner for Africa as they attempt to reach the quarter-finals in this their first appearance in the finals.

They got off to a bad start, losing to Italy in their opening game. But successive victories against the Czech Republic and the USA secured their passage and won them many friends.

Now they face the biggest game of their lives against the defending champions.

Dujkovic believes his side have enough about them to trouble Ronaldinho and co, even though Chelsea’s Michael Essien, their talismanic midfielder, misses the match through suspension.

Ghana are riding on a wave of confidence that make them difficult opponents.

Dujkovic said: “For every team Brazil is the greatest challenge, for they are the defending champions.

“But we have to focus on our own strengths, not worry about them.

“Of course it will be difficult. If you stop Ronaldinho that’s great but then there are others who can hurt you like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

“We just have to treat this game like any other.

“Brazil have more quality of course and more experience but anything can happen in football.

“We have seen that over the years. Shocks can and do occur.

“Perhaps it is better to face Brazil now rather than in the final as they are not yet into their stride.”

While accepting they will miss Essien’s drive in the middle of the park, Dujkovic is confident they can compensate for his loss.

The coach said: “A player of his quality is important for any team, we know that.

“But I believe in the all our guys and I am sure whoever comes in will do a good job.

“This is a historic moment for football in Ghana and all the squad want the dream to continue.”