Brazil x Ghana - Knock out phase

Written by , 28.06 07h57

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Today Brazil face world cup first timers Ghana in the first knock out phase of the competition. The two teams have met only once before, in a 1996 friendly where Brazilians won 8-2.

Robinho has been ruled out of the game with a thigh muscle injury. Which gives Parreira a dilemma. To play Adriano (as they did in the first two games) or try Ronaldinho up front with Juninho in midfield. Ronaldinho has not really shone in the World Cup so far and could relish teh freedom of the attaching role.

Tuesday's game will also see Cafu and Roberto Carlos return to the side after been rested for the Japan game.

Parreira conceeds that there is a choice to make but regards all his squad as first team players; "Whatever team plays we will be well represented," he said.

"Our objective is to win the World Cup. I have 23 solutions and I don't have any problems."

The much criticsed Ronaldo looks certain to start and should he score will overtake 14-goal Gerd Muller as the World Cup's all-time top scorer.

Meanwhile Ghana have their own problems with influential Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien suspended for the match after collecting 2 yellow cards in the group phase.

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