DORTMUND, June 25, 2006 (AFP/GNA) - Brazil's mighty World Cup dynasty bids for more history and a quarter-final berth here Tuesday against Ghana, a shocking African debutante talking tough about toppling the South American squad.
Defending champion Brazil is only four games shy of a sixth World Cup crown, with 63-year-old manager Carlos Alberto Parreira trying to become only the second man to guide two winners, joining 1930s Italian boss Vittorio Pozzo.
"We hope to maintain our unbeaten record against African teams but we have to respect Ghana," Parreira said. "They're good and they have nothing to lose."
Brazilian playmaker Ronaldo could take sole claim as the all-time World Cup goal king with a 15th career tally while Brazil captain Cafu, a 36-year-old fullback, could break Cup marks with a 19th match appearance and 16th victory.
"To play 19 matches at the World Cup finals is a fabulous thing," Cafu said. "And 16 wins - I will be proud of this record."
He has to get it first. Blocking the path is an upstart Black Stars side that sent home the Czech Republic and the United States, both ranked in FIFA's top five, and brings a flamboyant, fast-paced style similar to Brazil but tempered with discipline.
"Maybe it's realistic. Maybe not. But I believe in my guys," Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic said.
"They are the first favourites to take it again. But first they have to face Brazilians from Africa. Black Stars are afraid of nobody, not even Brazil.
"It will be very difficult to stop them. But I believe and I am confident the Black Stars can do it."
They will face Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos and the other Selecao samba stars without top playmaker Michael Essien, the Chelsea midfielder forced to the bench by an accumulated yellow card suspension.
"We're going to miss him. He's a very important player," Dujkovic said.
Brazil could be without Real Madrid striker Robinho, 22, who started in the 4-1 victory over Japan. He complained of thigh pain after practice Saturday.
"We can't tell at the moment if there has been a muscle tear or if it's just a pull, but Robinho has never had muscle problems," Parreira said.
Ronaldo, 29, scored twice against Japan to match Germany's Gerd Muller for the all-time Cup scoring mark. Coming off an injury-hit year for Real Madrid and weight woes, his German nickname is Pummelnaldo, or roly poly.
"Ronaldo is getting better and better," Parreira said. "He is a very special player."
More turning back the clock to his 2002 prime and Pummelnaldo could pummel opponents.
"I have been very patient. You have to keep working and not lose heart," Ronaldo said. "I came to the finals in a much worse physical condition than my teammates (but) I feel better and better."
Parreira's first coaching assignment was with Ghana in 1967. Three decades later, he knows well the obstacle in Brazil's path to a repeat throne.
"It was a lovely surprise to see them go through and fully deserved," he said. "I've not seen them hang back in this tournament. They like to go forward. They have their own style and won't change it because they're facing Brazil."
The Brazil-Ghana winner advances to a quarter-final on Saturday at Frankfurt against either Spain or France.
Former Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah, Ghana's captain, made it clear the lone African side in the final 16 welcomes the challenge posed by Brazil.
"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."
Brazil is on a 10-match Cup win streak and bidding for a fourth consecutive trip to the final. First they must subdue a club whose coach promises to make Brazil suffer and whose captain vows players are willing to die for the nation.
"We've shown them what's in store for them," Ghana forward Razak Pimpong said. "We're a good club. We're not under pressure here. We have to show we're also here for business too."
If Ghana should upset Brazil, the shocker would be only the second time in 40 years the Brazilians have failed to reach the final eight.
"There's no key, just trying to stop them," Dujkovic said. "We will play the same way we have until now. From the beginning we will start to attack them.
"I am (confident). But Brazil is Brazil."
Copyright © 1994 - 2024 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
