Soccer News of Sunday, 25 June 2006

Source: GNA

"Brazil will suffer"- Djukovic

Wurzburg (Germany) June 25, GNA Coach Ratomir Djukovic says Brazil would suffer to defeat Ghana when they lock horns in a crucial eliminator in the World Cup currently underway in Germany. The Black Stars' 2-1 victory over the United States of America (USA) in their last group meeting provided them with six points from their last two games to set up a date with tournament favourites, Brazil in Dortmund on Tuesday.

The Serbian who has repeatedly predicted a semi final berth for the West Africans making a Mundial debut insists 'We are prepared for every team and whoever is dreaming of beating us will suffer'. The former Rwandan coach is not underestimating the pedigree of the defending champions but rather stating that, "we want to go as far as possible and are ready to die each time we get onto the field to ensure we achieve that dream".

Djukovic reckons the telling effect his inability to utilise the services of suspended Michael Essien would have on his team that has so far thrived on the later but insists the Stars who had forced the bookmakers to rewrite the script would be up to the task.

'We have 23 players who are ready to fight for each other and nothing can stop us from doing that against Brazil'.

But the coach would have the luxury of parading the man he calls, the exceptional player, Sulley Ali Muntari into the team that would be hoping to tread where fellow Africans, Cameroon did by posting another decent win. He said the difference in his game on Thursday was the goals - something he is hoping would not desert the team against the all attacking Brazilians, tipped to retain their title.

In searching for goals, Djukovic is glad to welcome back Asamoah Gyan, scorer of tournament's fastest goal so far after the player missed out on Thursday's duel on suspension.

The Serbian made history last October by leading the team to a Mundial debut after taking over from Portuguese Mariano Barreto who left after the first round of matches.

Djukovic soon won the heart of Ghanaians when he gradually lead the team to record some superlative results that ensured they overtook South Africa at the summit to secure qualification.

Though he came under the microscope after his team failed to deliver at the Nations Cup, the coach kept his job and have a point to prove as a debutant at the competition, which pulls together the best 32 football nations in the world.