Group E
Ghana 2, Czech Republic 0
Ghana coach Ratomir Djukovic's pre-tournament claim that his team was good enough to reach the World Cup semifinals suddenly doesn't look so far-fetched after Saturday's shock 2-0 victory over a fancied Czech Republic team.
Ghana rebounded from its opening loss against Italy and only stunning saves from goalkeeper Petr Cech spared his country humiliation.
"We weren't favorites in this match and people were surprised ... But I said at the beginning that Ghana could make surprises and we have," the 60-year-old Serb coach said. "This is my first World Cup and first victory in the World Cup ... I am very happy."
Italy-based duo Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari scored a goal each, while Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien won the midfield battle against the Czechs Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky.
Dujkovic reorganized his defense, which was weak against Italy, dropping three players, including veteran Samuel Kuffour.
"This victory was great for our players' morale," said Dujkovic, who almost lost his job earlier this year after a poor showing at the African Cup of Nations, won by hosts Egypt.
"[But] I must calm the players and tell them not to get too excited. Now we have to focus on the next game against the USA ... They will be playing to win and will be tough," he said.
He said it would be difficult to replace Muntari, who will be suspended in the game against the US, but was pleased with the emerging talent of 20-year-old Gyan.
"When I came to the Black Stars, he hadn't played many games for Ghana. He plays for Modena in the Italian second division," Dujkovic said. "I chose him because he is a good fighter, a good jumper, he scores goals and he assists in scoring goals."
Hinting at a lucrative future for Gyan, he added: "Goal scoring is a problem everywhere in the world. That's why top strikers are so expensive."
After the match, Essien swapped shirts with Chelsea teammate Cech and later said he felt certain of victory early on.
"I think when we scored, I thought we had a chance to score a second," said the 23-year-old, who is Africa's most expensive player.
The Czechs played Ghana without their top two strikers, injured Jan Koller and Milan Baros.
But Czech coach Karel Bruckner was in no mood to talk about excuses.
"Our opponent was wonderful ... congratulations to Ghana," he said. "Injury and tiredness are no excuses."
RSS