T he Czech Republic ranked no 2 in the World not because of the flair and exciting football they play but because of their methodical approach to the game especially when going forward. Their defensive quartet is of good pedigree with individual players playing for such teams as AC Milan, Fiorentina, Paris Saint German and Ajax. Not to mention the pedigree of Peter Czec who plays for Chelsea. Never-the-less the weakest link in the Czechs game lies in their defensive inability to thwart the attack of their opposition and that is why they have conceded 12 goals in 12 qualifying games!

In Germany and by all accounts their first outing against the feeble opposition of the USA provided them with the opportunity to stretch their legs, cruising home with a 3-1 victory that has boosted their credibility and status in the world and filled them with a morale boosting injection that could possibly see them top the group with an impressive 100% record. With only 43% of the possession they demonstrated that winning games are not dependent on the amount of possession one has but the quality of possession!

Their strength lies in the discipline and talent of their playmaker Thomas Rosicky who is not one to be overawed by big occasions. The return of Nedved on the left hand side and Poborsky on the right mean that that their ability to bombard their opponents penalty area remains their main form of attack. The service that these two players provides defence of the Stars to launch attack after attack and this is where the problem will lie come Saturday when they line up against the Czech Republic.

Whilst the midfield of the Black Stars remain impregnable the attack remains impotent and the truth of the matter is that not even changes in personnel at this critical stage can make any difference to that situation. Pimpong, Techie-Mensah, Gyan and the impressive Amoah are all good players but not world class when it comes to possessing clinical prowess required of being considered as a top striker. Their ability in front of goal has always been talked up but the truth is diametrically opposed to that theory! The somehow seem to lack the confidence to strike the ball from distance or make incisive runs into the opponents 18 yard box and aerially there is so much to be improved.

Agyemang?s Verdict:

Should be an exciting game but the systematic approach of the Czechs could provide a tactical and technical lesson with an emphasis on converting limited possession swiftly into an end product as the main focus of their game.

The difficulty the Black Stars face laterally will come under scrutiny as it becomes the main channel for the Czechs to mount their attacks. If the Black Stars can succeed in thwarting these attacks making use of their limited periods of possession in front of goal a shock result just might be on the cards. A score draw would be fantastic for the Black Stars.

However, on paper at least the Czechs can be expected to cruise through into ensure that Jan Koller is constantly supplied with aerial balls he requires to be consistent in converting into goals!

As the Czech all time goal scorer to say that the team depends on him would be an understatement. However, his absence from the game against Ghana will provide little hope for the Black Stars as Poborsky and Nedved are suitable goal-scoring replacements that come swiftly from behind with confidence, precision and the power to hit the back of the net from forty yards.

The Ghana Black Stars on the other hand come into this game knowing that nothing but a win will provide them with a life line that can assist them in clinching a place in the second round of their debut appearance in the World Cup.

They play a similar 4:4:2 formation just like the Czechs with Eric Addo playing as the holding mid-field man while the star of the team Michael Essien of Chelsea is expected to surge forward to join the attack. Sulley Ali Muntari of Udinese and Stephen ?Tornado? Appiah of Fernebache are expected to launch the attacks from the flanks as orthodox and un-orthodox wingers as they switch flanks in a bid to confuse the opposition defence.

Like the Czechs, the weakness of the Black Stars lies in their defensive make-up. John Painstil the right full back is a natural right-sided midfield player who has the ability to go forward but cannot recover to fill the vacuum he creates. The same can be said for Emmanuel Pappoe. The instability of both these players have and will always make it easy for the opposition to get behind the the last sixteen, even though Jan Koller is ruled out because of injury from this game.