(By Veronica Commey, GNA Special correspondent in Cologne, Germany)

Cologne, June 18, GNA - Ghana's chances of advancing out of the group stages of the World Cup currently underway in Germany have been dealt a big blow with two influential players set to miss the next game. The Stars face a must win situation against the United States of America (USA) without Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Ali Muntari, scorers of the team's two goals that produced their first victory in Cologne on Saturday.

The duo picked up a caution each in the game after a similar experience in the game against Italy and will have to sit out of that crucial game on Thursday in Nuremburg.

Both players are crucial to coach Ratomir Djukovic's tactics and it remains unknown who will fill the huge vacuum created by their absence. Muntari and Gyan missed the African Nations Cup in Egypt in January and their absence was considered among the prime factors that worked against the Ghanaians.

The team will have a huge responsibility of stepping up their game against the Americans without them.

Gyan made history on Saturday by striking the fastest goal of the tournament and Africa's fastest in the history of the competition. The 22-year old=92s 70 seconds goal was smoothly operated by inspirational skipper Stephen Appiah.

Muntari, sealed victory for the Stars with six minutes to end proceedings with a trade-mark left footer from 12-yards. The Udinese Star=92s absence is considered as grave judging from his amazing contribution into the team's output. He is often touted as the extraordinary player whose form determines the shape of the team.

Meanwhile, four other Ghanaians were booked in the game against the Czechs.

The quartet, Derek Boateng, Habib Mohammed, Otto Addo and Michael Essien risk missing out from the knockout stages should they attract further booking in the duel against the Americans.