COLOGNE, June 18, 2006 (AFP/GNA) - The injury-hit Czech Republic's hopes of qualifying for the second stage of the World Cup suffered a severe setback with their 2-0 defeat by Ghana, less than a week after they were lifted by one of the tournament's best performances. "Some days ago we were dreaming but today we are back in reality," said captain Tomas Galasek.

While the mathematics favour the Euro 2004 semi-finalists, the flat-footed effort against the west African's speed and precision suggests the Czechs will have a tough time against Group E leaders Italy on Thursday.

The Czech Republic and Ghana both have three points, one less than the Azzurri, but the European side has a slender advantage of one extra goal scored.

Even if the west Africans might be blunted by the absence of both of Saturday's goalscorers, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Munteiri, after they picked up their second yellow cards, their prospects of making up lost ground look far better against the equally diminished United States. The Czech Republic will be without defender Tomas Ujfalusi, after he was sent off, while striker Vratislav Lokvenc picked up a second booking.

Unless Jan Koller manages to shrug off his muscle injury, the Czechs only have two fit but second string strikers available -- Rangers' Libor Sionko and Hanover's Marek Heinz -- to test Gianluigi Buffon and his catenaccio-like protection.

Veteran Czech coach Karel Bruckner, who stayed on in the job in recent months after cries of alarm about his intended departure, looked gloomy, gracefully conceding defeat to "splendid" opposition. "After we got the player ejected, it was complicated and after the second goal we couldn't do much more. The Ghanaian players are really skillful with the ball," Bruckner said.

The Czechs simply could not cope with that skill and were spared an embarrassing scoreline by goalkeeper Petr Cech, who pulled off a slew of world class saves in one-on-one duels with the "Black Stars".

"I'm satisfied with my personal performance but I'm disappointed with my team and the result of the game," said Chelsea's goalkeeper.

"It was the worst defeat since I played in my youth team but we will keep on fighting. We have a chance against Italy. We've played against them a few times and we are still confident of reaching our goal." The Czechs admitted that the early strike upset their tactics in the absence of Koller and the injured Milan Baros upfront, who were replaced by the barely less tall but more cumbersome Lokvenc in the lone striker's position.

"The first goal came so early and after that we were chasing the lead and running after Ghana players who did well," said first match hero Tomas Rosicky.

The 26 year-old's runs through the middle troubled Ghana. But like many Czech efforts they petered out near the penalty area, let down by poor passing and a shortage of strike power. Bruckner hinted afterwards that he was also worried by "defensive errors".

The Czech midfield was not only blunted, it failed to contain Ghana's Man of the Match, Michael Essien, as well as Stephen Appiah and Muntari.

Meanwhile, the exposed defenders lacked pace and any real tackling power against Ghana.

The Czechs came closest to scoring in the dying minutes of the game, after some substitutions.

But by that time Richard Kingson in Ghana's goal had grown in confidence and rose to the occasion with two Cech or Buffon-like saves.