USA will suffer - Doya

WUERZBURG, United States - Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic said his World Cup surprise packages fear no one and will make the United States suffer in their crucial World Cup Group E match on Thursday.

"The USA will suffer because we are strong and we are not afraid of anyone," said the 60-year-old Serbian at the team's training base on Monday.

The much-travelled coach added there was no danger his players would hold back for fear that they would pick up suspensions in a match they must win to be sure of reaching the last 16 on their World Cup debut.

A draw would suffice if Italy beat the Czechs, who like Ghana are on three points.

"We are certainly not going out there to play in a half-hearted way," he said.

Four players - Michael Essien, Otto Addo, Derek Boateng and Habib Mohamed - already have one booking, meaning that if they are cautioned again and Ghana qualify they would have to miss the last 16 match.

Ghana may have to take on the Americans without either of the players who scored Ghana's first ever World Cup goals in the 2-0 win against the Czech Republic, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.

Both are suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the first two matches, although Ghana are appealing to FIFA against the controversial caution for Gyan against the Czechs.

He was penalised for taking a penalty before the referee was ready, but claims he heard a whistle in the crowd and mistakenly thought it was the official's. He went on to miss the retaken spot kick.

Ghana's team coordinator Anthony Baffoe said: "Our management are working on it and we are expecting a decision soon."

If Ghana finish runners-up in Group E, they would probably face reigning champions Brazil in the next round.

"It would be hard, but we are prepared for it," said Chelsea star Essien.

Dujkovic added: "Every one of our players would give their lives for a win over Brazil."