Wednesday Jun 21 2006 13:27
Both Ghana and the USA go into Thursday's Group E clash in Nuremberg with the chance to reach the last 16 of the World Cup finals.
The Black Stars' magnificent 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic has left them second in the group and a draw against the US may be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages of the competition.
However, Bruce Arena's side know that they must win the game if they are to have any chance of reaching the next stage.
Ghana will have to make at least one change to their team as Asamoah Gyan is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against the Czech Republic.
Ghana appealed to FIFA after Gyan was booked for taking a penalty too early in the shock win. The 20-year-old claimed he heard a whistle blown in the stands before he took the kick but FIFA rejected his appeal. FC Copenhagen striker Razak Pimpong is expected to replace him.
Although Ghana are making their first appearance in the World Cup finals they have a reputation as being one of the strongest teams in Africa and have won the African Cup of Nations four times.
The USA, quarter-finalists four years ago, bounced back well from their dismal 3-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in their first group game to draw 1-1 against Italy despite having Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni dismissed. Both players are suspended for Thursday's crunch game.
Midfielder John O'Brien still lacks match fitness and is unlikely to start while striker Brian McBride needed three stitches in his left cheek after Daniele De Rossi elbowed him in the face during the Italy match.
Arena is aware how important the match is, saying: "This is our biggest game in the World Cup. We're going to have to throw everything into this game to try to win it."
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