Preview: Czech Republic vs. Ghana

June 17th, 2006 | by: Daryl | View Comments

GAME DETAILS
Czech Republic vs. Ghana, Cologne, 18:00 CET
Travel to Cologne
Bet on Czech Republic vs. Ghana (UK Bets Here)
World Cup Gear: Czech Republic | Ghana

THE BIG PICTURE
Though Ghana were far more impressive in defeat than USA, they’re still in the same boat and need a result against the Czechs to keep their tournament alive. Karel Bruckner’s side already have three points and an impressive performance behind them, but if Ghana upset them Group E will be blown wide open. Group E table

Bet on Ghana vs. Czech Republic (UK Bets Here)

Scout Report – Ghana

Hopefully Samuel Kuffour has gotten over his terrible defensive lapse which allowed Italy to seal the game on Monday. His sloppy backpass allowed Iaquinta to put the game beyond doubt, and the Roma defender was apparently in low spirits afterwards. He’ll need to forget what happened and get his head in this game. If he can, the Ghanaians have plenty to be positive about. Michael Essien’s form against Italy was excellent, and if he continues in that vein Ghana will provide the Czech’s talented midfield with a thorough test. The other concern is finishing, with Essien suggesting he and his teammates need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Scout Report – Czech Republic

The Czech Republic were never forced to attack the USA after taking a 5th minute lead through Jan Koller’s typically powerful header. They sat back, soaked up what little pressure there was and then countered with deadly accuracy. Central defenders Ujfalusi and Rozenhal looked assure, while full backs Grygera and Jankulovski did their jobs to the letter. In midfield Pavel Nedved looked like his old self, and Tomas Rosicky looked like he could score form anywhere. The downside is that Koller will almost definitely miss this game with a hamstring strain (though he should return for later games) and Milan Baros is similarly doubtful, leaving the decent but unspectacular Vratislav Lokvenc as the main option up front.

LIVEBLOG
Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Ghana vs. Czech Republic LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match.

Teams: Likely formation; shirt numbers; name, caps, goals, coach.

Czech Republic (4-5-1): 1-Petr Cech (42-0); 2-Zdenek Grygera (42-1), 6-Marek Jankulovski (49-1), 22-David Rozehnal (23-0), 21-Tomas Ujfalusi (49-2); 4-Tomas Galasek (50-1), 11-Pavel Nedved (88-18), 8-Karel Poborsky (116-8), 10-Tomas Rosicky (55-17), 20-Jaroslav Plasil (15-1); 12-Vratislav Lokvenc (73-14) Coach: Karel Brueckner

Ghana (4-4-2): 1-Richard Kingston (34-0); 15-John Paintsil (22-0), 4-Samuel Kaffour (59-3), 5-John Mensah (34-0), 6-Emmanuel Pappoe (28-0); 11-Sulley Muntari (17-5), 8-Michael Essien (18-4), 10-Stephen Appiah (43-11), 18-Eric Addo (7-0); 3-Asamoah Gyan (14-8); 14-Matthew Amoah (17-7)

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS and win World Cup Prizes!
Where are you watching the game? It doesn’t matter where, we want to know about it and you can win prizes for sharing your fan photos and videos of the match. Send in your photos and video via these instructions. Thank-you to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.

IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS

TEAM BLOGS & DISCUSSIONS
Czech Republic Team Blog
Ghana Team Blog