Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew has served notice that the Black Stars are battle ready for their opening game at the World Cup against the USA.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists face-off with the Stars and Stripes on Monday in Natal and will hope to kick off their campaign on a positive note having beaten the Yanks on two previous occasions on the same stage.

The Olympique Marseille ace said at a press conference on Friday that coach Kwesi Appiah’s charges are not going to underestimate Jurgen Klinsmann’s men, but will play as if that is the final.

“We are 100% focused and counting on the support of the people of Maceio in our first game [against the US]. The training facilities are in good shape,” the 2009 Under-20 World Cup winner stated.

He added: “Psychologically we are ready for the US and prepared for the World Cup. Portugal and Germany are looking forward to win. We should be patient, fully prepared and shock the world by coming out of this group. We can do it even though is going to be difficult.”

Ghana’s other group opponents are Germany and Portugal.