Michael Essien, Ghana midfielder (L) Petr Cech, Czech Republic’s goalie (R)
Ghana meets the Czech Republic in a Group E encounter today, June 17 in Cologne at 6:00 PM German time (12 Noon EST)
Big, big match with big, big implications for the USA. They are hoping that the Black Stars can pull off an upset with a draw or a win against the Czechs. Ghana looked quite impressive against Italy.
This will be a battle won in the midfield. Both teams have excellent midfields. Ghana with Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah and the Czech duo of Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky. Both Nedved and Rosicky are more individualistic players and have no problems making a go for goal. Essien is a defensive midfielder. In this game he will have to push upfield a lot more. Matthew Amoah can capitalize if the Czech defence makes a few mistakes to get a strike in. But they were stellar against the USA and showed that they could attack too especially Zdenek Grygera. Look for a physical match with plenty of offside calls.
Michael Essien will hope that Petr Cech, his Chelsea team-mate has one of his rare off days in goal.
Update: The teams are announced. Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner makes just one change, with Vratislav Lokvenc replacing the injured Jan Koller in attack.
Aston Villa striker Milan Baros is still out because of a hamstring injury.
Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic drops experienced defender Samuel Kuffour, who made the error that allowed Italy to score their second goal on Monday, replacing him with the uncapped Habib Mohamed.
Left back Emmanuel Pappoe loses his place to Shilla Illiasu and Eric Addo is replaced by Otto Addo in the other changes to the Black Stars’ line-up.