Germany take aim at Ghana

JOHANNESBURG (AP):

Ghana have already achieved one milestone and now stand a victory away from achieving maybe an even bigger one - sending Germany to their earliest exit from a World Cup.

Ghana became the first African team to win a World Cup game in Africa by beating Serbia 1-0 in their Group D opener. Now they can ensure that Germany exit at the group stage for the first time.

However, Germany coach Joachim Loew is sure that will not happen.

"Ghana is possibly Africa's last chance in the tournament and will be very motivated," Loew said yesterday. "It's not going to be a piece of cake, but we are confident that we have what it takes to beat Ghana."

Going into the decisive final round, Ghana lead the group on four points, Germany and Serbia have three and Australia are on one, meaning all four have a chance of progressing and all are at risk of missing out.

Both sides will be eager to improve on their previous performances. Germany were surprisingly beaten 1-0 by Serbia, while Ghana failed to capitalise on an early red card to Australia forward Harry Kewell and were held to a 1-1 draw.

Loew decided to spare his players a long bus ride to Soccer City to practise at the venue as is customary on the eve of the match. Instead, Germany had their final training session at their base outside Pretoria.

"It may be a slight advantage to get the feel for a stadium you don't know, but to sit possibly two or more hours in the bus there and back was too long for me," Loew said.

Loew said he was likely to start with Cacau up front as a replacement for Miroslav Klose, who is suspended after being sent off for receiving two yellow cards against Serbia.

"We know our qualities and have no doubt that we'll make it," Cacau said. "I can see that my teammates have the confidence that we'll win."

Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose tackle in the English FA Cup final took Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the World Cup, will be on the opposite side today.

Boateng was born in Berlin and played for Germany's junior teams before switching allegiance to the land of his father. His half brother, Jerome, is a Germany defender.

According to Jerome, the two have not had contact since the start of the World Cup, after Kevin-Prince complained that the hostile reaction in Germany to his foul on Ballack had racist elements.

"It was stupid that something like that became public ... but I wish him the best and I will shake his hand before the match," said Jerome, who is unlikely to start.

Ghana has a Serbian coach, Milan Rajevac, who will have captain John Mensah back after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the match against Australia. Mensah's usual central defensive partner, Isaac Vorsah, remains in doubt.

Like Germany, Ghana is at the World Cup without its injured regular captain, Michael Essien - Ballack's Chelsea teammate.

"I don't think there is pressure on us," Mensah said. "They will probably have more pressure because they are the favourites.

"We all know Germany have a good team, but we believe we have a good team as well. We have to keep things tight, stay compact and I'm sure we can win the match."