Michael Essien is on the verge of leading World Cup stunner Ghana into the second round, the Chelsea midfielder having already convinced a worried US squad that he could destroy their Cup dreams.
A victory over the Americans here Thursday in a Group E showdown would send the World Cup debutantes into the round of 16, possibly against reigning champion Brazil.
"It would be hard, but we are prepared for it," Essien said. "We're not afraid to meet the Brazilians. We are ready to play anyone. First we have to deal with the USA. They play good football and they will be tough."
The 23-year-old star sparked Ghana past second-ranked Czech Republic 2-0 in the biggest Cup shocker so far, a landmark triumph for the Cup debutantes.
"It really shows what we are made of," Essien said. "The win was very important for Ghana and for African football."
A draw with the USA might be enough to send the Black Stars through, but with their destiny in their hands, Ghana players want to leave no doubts.
"We will go for a win against the US team," Essien said. "And our chances are good I think."
US coach Bruce Arena agrees, seeing the control of Essien as a central factor in a game the 2002 quarter-finalists must win for any hope to advance.
"Essien is one of the top players in this tournament. He not only organized their attack, he played well on defence," Arena said.
"He's a player who is brilliant. We can't let him do what he wants for 90 minutes or we're going to lose."
Chelsea paid 38 million Euros, the largest transfer fee for any African player, to bring Essien from French champion Lyon. Essien responded by helping Chelsea capture a second consecutive English Premiership crown.
Essien has the ability to orchestrate the backline and serve as the vital distributor on the attack, impressing US counterpart Landon Donovan.
"Essien is dynamic. He is the modern two-way player. He plays tough defence and he scores a lot of goals," Donovan said.
"He's going to hurt you if you're not aware of where he is all the time. So we're going to be aware."
While Ghana and the US squad have never played a full international, they did meet in the 1999 under-17 world consolation final. Defender coordinator Essien helped Ghana get the best of attacker Donovan's US side to finish third.
Asked if he recalled Essien from the match, Donovan admitted, "No, I don't. But you can say I did."
Donovan might soon remember Essien as the man who sparked a poor African nation's side to a World Cup dream triumph over a team from one of the wealthiest and most powerful places on the planet to doom their Cup hopes.
Just ask Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech, who saw his own country's title hopes imperiled by his Chelsea teammate.
"Essien showed what a great player he is," Cech said.
A repeat performance could leave audiences dancing in the streets of Ghana.
Source: AFP
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