Czechs patch up

"We will not have the ideal lineup but there is strength in this squad," Brueckner claimed.

The truth, however, is that Lokvenc is no Koller - he may be of the same imposing size and build, but the 32-year-old's ratio of 14 goals in 73 games is pitiful alongside Koller's international stats.

"We'll have to live with Koller's absence," said defender Marek Jankulovski. "But I think Vratislav Lokvenc can fill the role, as he did in some of the qualifying games when he scored some important goals. It would be great if he could do the same against Ghana."

Bruckner will need Tomas Rosicky - the author of two superb goals against the United States in their victorious 3-0 Group E opener - to again provide a goal threat from midfield along with Pavel Nedved.

Other than the introduction of Lokvenc - who played a half after Koller went off against the States with a hamstring problem - the Czechs will be unchanged as they look for the three points to catapult them into the second round.

Ghana impressed in their 2-0 opening-game defeat to Italy, causing the Azzurri problems with their athleticism and movement, but lacked cutting edge.

Asamoah Gyan, in particular, looked menacing, while the vaunted midfield trio of Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari found space to threaten, even if they will need to improve the accuracy of their long-range shooting to trouble Petr Cech.

And despite the loss to Italy, captain Appiah remains convinced all is not lost: "Teams that lose the first match can still get to the quarter-finals and go far."

Keeper Richard Kingston was also an impressive performer against the Italians, and given the fragile nature of the defence in front of him, he will need to be again against the Czechs.

PREDICTION: 2-0 - the Czechs too strong despite their injuries

Czech Republic (4-5-1) 1-Petr Cech; 2-Zdenek Grygera, 6-Marek Jankulovski, 22-David Rozehnal, 21-Tomas Ujfalusi; 4-Tomas Galasek (captain), 11-Pavel Nedved, 8-Karel Poborsky, 10-Tomas Rosicky, 20-Jaroslav Plasil; 12-Vratislav Lokvenc

Ghana (4-4-2) 1-Richard Kingston; 15-John Paintsil, 4-Samuel Kuffour, 5-John Mensah, 6-Emmanuel Pappoe; 11-Sulley Muntari, 8-Michael Essien, 10-Stephen Appiah (captain), 18-Eric Addo; 3-Asamoah Gyan; 14-Matthew Amoah