Ghana-Australia preview notes

Ghana versus Australia, Saturday
Royal Bafokeng Stadium -- Rustenberg, South Africa

Storylines

• This is a massive opportunity for Ghana to gain three points and put an African success stamp on the finals. Depending on the result of the Germany-Serbia game, Ghana could advance with a win.

• "Yes, We Gyan": After Asamoah Gyan scored Ghana's winning goal against Serbia, "Yes, We Gyan" has become the new slogan of Black Stars fans, borrowing from U.S. President Barack Obama's campaign slogan, "Yes, We Can."

• Is Ghana overconfident? Since the win over Serbia, the Black Stars have talked openly about shutting down Australia in the same manner and their confidence in winning the game. Coach Milovan Rajevac knows he must get his team to stay focused: "The most important thing after the win is to stay grounded, show respect, concentrate and prepare well for the next match."

• The Socceroos are coming off a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Germany. Tim Cahill, their best player, was sent off and misses this game due to suspension.

Series history

• In six friendlies, all played since 1995, Australia leads 4-1-1.

What to look for

• Ghana's young guns Kevin-Prince Boateng, Prince Tagoe and Dede Ayew all had impressive World Cup debuts against Serbia.

• With Cahill out, the defense looking slow and old, and no punch on offense against Germany, coach Pim Verbeek is expected to make significant changes in personnel and tactics for this game.

From the research room

• Australia's starting lineup versus Germany had an average age of 31.3 years. The Socceroos were the fifth World Cup team to field a stating 11 averaging at least 31 years of age, and the first since Germany and Scotland in 1998.

• Mark Schwarzer allowed four goals against Germany and allowed four goals in his final Premier League game this season, Fulham's 4-0 loss at Arsenal on May 9. Before that game, Schwarzer had allowed four or more goals in only one of his previous 152 matches for club or country.

• Gyan has netted four goals in his six appearances at international tournaments this year (three goals at the African Cup of Nations and one at the World Cup).

• Ghana is 8-1-3 in its past 12 competitive matches, scoring just 14 goals but allowing just seven while recording seven shutouts.