What: Ghana vs. Australia, Group D
When: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. ET
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
TV: ESPN, Univision
Ghana have assumed the role as Africa's greatest hope. The Black Stars deserved their win against Serbia in their opener, and now they look to break out of a three-way tie for first in Group D. Australia, on the other hand, embarrassed themselves in a 4-0 defeat by Germany that saw their best player, Tim Cahill, needlessly ejected and banned from this game. However, a win for the Aussies would throw the group into disarray and make for a very interesting final round.
GHANA
The Black Stars could be without defensive duo Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah, who both starred in the 1-0 defeat of Serbia. Vorsah withdrew from training this week with a knee complaint, and team captain Mensah is battling a hamstring injury. However, Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari is expected to return after missing the opener.
WATCH:GHANA TEAM PROFILE
The broken back line shouldn't affect Ghana's mentality, though, as midfielder Dede Ayew has promised that Ghana will "attack and attack" the Socceroos.
"We are going to go all out," Ayew said. "We will dominate them. We know they have some weaknesses, and we will take advantage. We are young and we are really going to use our pace."
AUSTRALIA
The Socceroos are a shadow of the team that progressed from the group stages four years ago, and there are now reports of infighting among the players. To make matters worse, the Aussies will be missing both Cahill and midfielder Vince Grella, who was injured in training this week. The absences could force the re-emergence of former Liverpool man Harry Kewell, who despite not playing since early this year due to a groin injury has returned to full training.
WATCH:AUSTRALIA TEAM PROFILE
However, the group is still very much up for grabs following Germany's surprise defeat on Friday, so Australia have a right to feel they have a chance to progress to the knockouts.
"We are driven by failure," team captain Lucas Neill said. "We are driven by the fear of not winning a game and not getting out of this group."
Players to Watch
Ghana: Asamoah Gyan. The 24-year-old is poised for a breakout tournament having scored the winner against Serbia. His pace and confidence have earned him a strike rate of one goal in every other match for the Black Stars.
Australia: Mark Schwarzer. It's possible Australia will be hanging on for dear life against a team that has promised to "attack and attack," so the Fulham goalkeeper will be kept busy. His experience will be key in holding this fractured team together.
Final Analysis
The second round of group matches have proved wildly unpredictable this summer, so don't count out Australia just yet. This is a must-win for the Socceroos, and if they can get into halftime having kept Ghana at bay, their confidence will soar. But Ghana has the support of the continent—they're the only African side with more than an outside chance of moving on—and that could prove all the difference for the Black Stars.
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