Czech Republic play Ghana in the third match of Group E at the RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, with Czech Republic looking to secure their place in the knockout stages, whilst Ghana will be wanting a win to keep them in contention.

Czech coach Karel Brueckner remains confident despite losing both first-choice strikers Milan Baros and Jan Koller: "We will not have the ideal line-up but there is strength in this squad," he said.

Baros remains a doubt for the entire tournament as he tries to recover from a foot injury picked up in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago a fortnight ago.

The 24-year-old Aston Villa forward had another setback in training, lasting just 30 minutes. Talking afterwards he said: "It was OK for a while, but then I had to stop. When I make a faster movement, it hurts. I hoped it would get better, but it returned again. I have to keep waiting."

Koller meanwhile is still recovering from the pulled hamstring he sustained in the 3-0 victory over USA. The 33-year-old record goalscorer has only stretched the muscle and should be fit to return by the knockout stages, although team doctor Jiri Foucek expressed caution, saying the recovery period "could be anything between 10 days and six weeks".

"We hope that Jan would be able to play in a quarter-final,” added Foucek.

"When I first felt the pain I thought 'everything is over for me.’ But the scan says nothing is torn, which I am so happy about," revealed the giant striker.

"I am not sure if I will make it for the next game but at least after three or four days I should be able to train again," he added.

Red Bull Salzburg’s veteran striker Vratislav Lokvenc, 32, is expected to deputise and start as a lone striker.

Despite losing 2-0 to Italy in their opening match, the Ghana squad are confident they can still progress in the competition. The four-times African champions are appearing at their first World Cup, and captain Stephen Appiah thinks they still have everything to play for: "Teams that lose the first match can still get to the quarter-finals and go far,” he said. "We've learned from out mistakes and we will fight until the end."

Coach Ratomir Dujkovic was equally confident: "We scored eight goals in friendlies," he said. "It does not mean we have a problem in attack. I am still confident we can pass the group stage and get to the semi-finals."

Ghana are likely to switch tactics rather than make changes to the side to face Czech Republic. The Black Stars' midfielders will be encouraged to provide greater support for strikers Matthew Amoah and Asamoah Gyan as they look to create more opportunities.

Czech Republic (probable): Cech, Grygera, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Galasek, Nedved, Poborsky, Rosicky, Plasil, Lokvenc.

Ghana (probable): Kingston, Paintsil, Kuffour, Mensah, Pappoe, Muntari, Essien, Appiah, Addo, Gyan, Amoah.

Referee: Horacio Elizondo (Argentina)

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