Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng is relishing the prospect of lining up against Brazil in the World Cup second round next Tuesday.

The World Cup debutants booked their place in the tournament's later stages after a 2-1 win over USA on Thursday.

Boateng revealed Ratomir Dujkovic's side cannot wait to pit themselves against Ronaldinho and co. in Dortmund.

"I think it is a dream come true to play against Brazil in the World Cup," Boateng said, after a training session at Ghana's World Cup base in Wuerzburg.

"We can't ask for anything more than that. We are very happy to show the world where Ghana is.

"We are not going to say that we are going to beat them.

"We are just going to give a good performance. It's very important for us and the whole of Africa."

"And we have the confidence and the energy to do it."

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be forced to sit out the biggest match in the team's history after picking up his second yellow card in the group stages against USA.

And Essien revealed his joy at qualification had been tempered by the suspension.

"I have to forget about it," he said.

"I'm going to miss the match against Brazil but there's nothing I can do. I'm happy for the nation but I'm very sad over this yellow card."