World Cup: Russia-Ghana Preview

GAME: Russia vs. Ghana at Carson, Calif.
GROUP: D
TIME: Thursday, 7:15 p.m. EDT.

Ghana fell to 0-3-1 in World Cup play with its loss to China, but the Black Queens played the skilled Chinese tough.

Ghana goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana made four saves, but it was her own mistake that allowed the only goal of the match.

In the 29th minute, China's Bai Jie took a throw-in on the left side just outside the box, whirled quickly toward the goal line and sent a high pass toward the far post.

As Sulemana jumped, the ball sailed just beyond her reach and Sun Wen leaped and knocked the ball into the goal.

"Our approach was to play defensively and prevent a repetition of our 1999, 7-0 defeat against China," Ghana coach Oko Aryee said. "Of course I recognize that China was the better team, but I am also very happy with my players' performance."

After barely surviving against a team that was winless in Women's World Cup play, Russia gets set to face another squad that has yet to earn a victory in the tournament's history when it meets Ghana.

Russia began play on Sunday against Australia, which had been outscored 20-6 in going 0-5-1 in World Cup competition.

The Aussies opened the scoring in the 38th minute, as Kelly Golebiowski put in a rebound of Danielle Small's shot.

Russia then caught a break one minute later, tying the score on an own goal by Australian defender Dianne Alagich. A free kick by Russian defender Marian Saenko deflected off the right shin of Alagich past Australia goalkeeper Cassandra Kell.

The Russians had a chance to break the 1-1 tie in the 71st minute, but midfielder Elena Fomina banged a penalty kick off the crossbar.

Fomina, however, atoned for missing the penalty kick by scoring in the 89th minute to give Russia a 2-1 win.

The victory gave Russia the early edge for second place in Group D. China, which beat Ghana 1-0 on Sunday night, is heavily favored to win the group.

"We were a bit nervous at the beginning," Russian coach Yuri Bystritsky said. "But we finally got into our stride towards the end of the match. The three points now stands us in good (position) for a place in the quarterfinals."

Following Thursday's match, Russia faces China on Sunday, while Ghana takes on Australia in the final matches in the group. Both contests will be played at PGE Park in Portland, Ore.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Russia - 1st place, Group 3, UEFA. Ghana - 2nd place, CAF.

STANDINGS: Russia - 3 points, 1st place (tied), Group D. Ghana - 0 points, 3rd place (tied), Group D.

RED AND YELLOW CARDS: Russia - Fomina and Olga Letyushova, yellow. Ghana - Mavis Dgajmah, yellow.

TEAM LEADERS: Russia - Fomina, 1 goal and 2 points; Tatiana Skotnikova, 1 assist. Ghana - none.

GOALKEEPERS: Russia - Alla Volkova (1-0-0, 1.00 GAA). Ghana - Sulemana (0-1-0, 1.00).

ALL-TIME WORLD CUP RECORDS: Russia - 3-2-0, 2 appearances. Ghana - 0-3-1, 2 appearances.