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The 52-year-old admitted that the Asian nation are a bit of an unknown quantity but insisted they cannot underestimate them
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has admitted he doesn't know a lot about Iran as they prepare to face each other in their first game of the World Cup.
The Asian country are appearing in just their fourth World Cup finals, having crashed out at the group stages with a solitary point in their most recent outing in 2006.
And Keshi has admitted that Iran, who are ranked 43rd in the Fifa world rankings, are a largely unknown quantity for him and his staff, but is mindful of the experience of their coach, Carlos Queiroz.
"We have to go out with everything that we have," he told Fifa's official website. "They have a very good coach and I'm sure they also have some quality players.
"We don't know Iran very well, but we'll see them on Monday.
"I think an experienced coach is their biggest weapon. He's well experienced, he knows the game well."
While the 52-year-old doesn't know what to expect from his side's first opponents, he insists they cannot afford to underestimate them.
"For the Iran game we have to be focused. We have to concentrate and do our job. We're not going to take Iran lightly because they're not going to take us lightly."
Jun 15, 2014 5:43:00 PM
The midfielder insists la Roja have a great chance to make it out of their group and is confident they can redeem themselves when they face Chile
By Pilar Suarez in Curitiba
Xabi Alonso says Spain have to be prepared to fight for their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup or else they might as well go home now.
The reigning-World Champions endured a dismal start to the tournament as they were thrashed 5-1 by Netherlands. Alonso opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but was helpless as the Dutch ran rampant in the second half.
La Roja are now three points behind Chile and Netherlands in their group, meaining they cannot afford another slip-up when they face the South Americans on Wednesday, and Alonso insists his team have nothing to worry about as they lost their opening game four years ago before going on to win the tournament.
"This is a collective matter," he said. "All of us can go back home or all of us can stay here fighting. There are internal thinking and conversations to learn from our mistakes and the things we need to improve.
"We should stop thinking what this team has done in the last six years. We are, right now, in the same position as we were four years ago, with the difference that we need to do more goals this time.
"We believe in this team. We have got that respect, we have a perfect opportunity next Wednesday against Chile.
"Football changes so quickly, and that gives you the opportunity to change things and we believe we can make it, we still have a good chance."
Alonso maintains that Spain know what to expect from Chile and pointed out that they have nothing to worry about as they lost their opening game four years ago before going on to win the tournament outright.
"Chile play their games with the same style," he added. "They are very brave and never try to wait for you, they are aggressive, very intense, we know them well and they know us."
Schweinsteiger helicopter trip a Fifa precaution – Low
By Robin Bairner
Jun 15, 2014 5:17:00 PM
The coach has given his squad a clean bill of health ahead of their opening fixture and has backed Miroslav Klose to set a new landmark
Germany boss Joachim Low has confirmed that there are no injury fears over Bastian Schweinsteiger ahead of his team’s opening fixture against Portugal on Monday.
The Bayern Munich midfielder was airlifted by helicopter away from his side’s training base on Saturday, generating fears that he would miss their first match of the tournament.
However, the coach has insisted that this was at the instruction of Fifa and does not relate to any ongoing concerns over the 29-year-old.
"We had a first investigation of [Philipp] Lahm's condition and he and [Manuel] Neuer were checked in Munich. Bastian was also checked, in Mainz,” the coach told the media. “But Fifa also demanded a medical check for insurance reasons. We then decided we would wait for a couple of days to see and in the game against Armenia he was fine. His knee is fine but Fifa wanted this extra medical check."
Indeed, the coach had further positive news on the injury front: "As far as tomorrow is concerned, all players will be 100 per cent fit."
Although Low has selected a young squad, veteran Miroslav Klose is on the verge of becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, and the 54-year-old is hopeful the Lazio striker can quickly pass the milestone.
"I believe it will be very important for him personally to break the record," he stated. "It is quite extraordinary if you can become one of the best scorers of all time.
"It's an added motivation but it's a secondary issue for me. I would be very happy for him but those stats are secondary. The team needs to be successful.
"Whether Miroslav starts or is on the bench, he is very important for us. He is a role model. He has worked so hard, he is also 100 per cent fit. He has not been distracted by the whole hullabaloo surrounding the record or the tournament."
After finishing third in each of the last two World Cups, Low is optimistic that he can once more lead his squad deep into the competition.
"I think we've shown in the last years that we are a team that have a lot of options. If we perform consistently across the tournament, with plenty of passion and commitment, we can very tough to beat."
After playing Portugal, Germany will face Ghana and then the USA as they attempt to win a place in the knockout stages.
De Gea suffers leg injury to leave World Cup participation in doubt
By Kris Voakes
Jun 15, 2014 8:19:00 PM
The Spain goalkeeper picked up a leg muscle problem and could see his campaign in Brazil brought to a premature end
Spain goalkeeper David de Gea is a doubt for the rest of the World Cup after picking up a leg muscle injury.
The Manchester United No.1 had been tipped by some to make a starting appearance for Vicente del Bosque's men against Chile in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday following Iker Casillas' horror show in the 5-1 loss to Netherlands.
But now the former Atletico Madrid man could miss the remainder of the group stage after suffering a gluteal injury and was forced to sit out of training on Monday.
De Gea underwent medical scans on Sunday, and it is feared that a significant strain will end his tournament, with initial reports in Spain suggesting he will be out for at least 10 days. Medical staff have confirmed they will make day-to-day assessments of the 23-year-old's condition.
Casillas' poor showing in Salvador on Friday led to the Spain first-choice accepting culpability for the loss in the media, and some have questioned his place in the side. However, if De Gea is forced to leave the camp as a result of his injury, only Pepe Reina remains at Del Bosque's disposal as a potential replacement.
Spain currently sit bottom of Group B, and will also take on Australia following their clash with Chile at the Maracana on Wednesday.
France 3-0 Honduras: Brilliant Benzema dispatches Suarez's side
Jun 15, 2014 9:52:00 PM
The Real Madrid striker scored twice and forced an own goal from the goalkeeper as Didier Deschamps' men breezed past the 10 men of the Central Americans
Karim Benzema was in inspired form as France opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Honduras.
Luis Suarez's Central Americans were not afraid to put in several robust challenges - an approach that resulted in Wilson Palacios' dismissal shortly before the break.
There was also a first moment of doubt in relation to goal-line technology at the World Cup, with initial confusion over the verdict for France's second goal.
However, Didier Deschamps' men were rightful victors as they moved top of Group E despite having struggled to break down Honduras' backline for the majority of the opening 45 minutes.
Benzema gave France the lead from the penalty spot just prior to the break, with Palacios shown a second yellow card after barging into Paul Pogba, and the 10 men of Honduras fell further behind early in the second half.
After a short delay, goal-line technology confirmed goalkeeper Noel Valladares had fumbled Benzema's effort over the line, and the Real Madrid man added a third 18 minutes from time as the French got their first points on the board in Brazil.
Both sides struggled to build momentum early on, although Mathieu Valbuena and Antoine Griezmann were among the livelier French players in the opening 10 minutes.
Valbuena in particular was a danger and his delivery led to France's first chance 14 minutes in - Blaise Matuidi seeing his effort from inside the area tipped onto and over the crossbar by Valladares.
From there, France dominated play and Griezmann was next to go close with a header that hit the woodwork.
Tempers flared shortly before the half-hour mark when Pogba and Palacios were involved in a heated exchange after some tenacious tackling from the Stoke City man.
Pogba kicked out at the Honduran from on the ground and was perhaps lucky to escape with only a yellow card, while Palacios was also booked for the initial challenge.
For Honduras, that break in play provided welcome respite from constant French pressure and the incident seemed to slow the Europeans' momentum somewhat.
Indeed, they needed a penalty to give them a lead at the break - Benzema tucking the spot-kick away after Palacios had mindlessly bundled over Pogba in the area.
The midfielder's subsequent dismissal gave the Central Americans a mountain to climb in the second half, with things getting worse for Honduras two minutes after the restart with the arrival of France's second.
Benzema's initial effort struck the far post and, with the assistance of goal-line technology and some poor handling from Valladares, it found its way over the line.
While there was a delay on the confirmation of the goal and subsequent disagreements between France coach Deschamps and his counterpart Suarez on the touchline, the ball was - eventually - clearly adjudged to be over the line.
There was no doubt whatsoever as to Benzema's second of the game, though - the impressive striker crashing an effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle with 18 minutes left.
That put further daylight between the two sides, although more robust tackling from Honduras late on meant that Deschamps will likely have been satisfied to simply come through a physical encounter unscathed and seemingly without injury.
Didier Deschamps' men scored a second goal against Honduras after goal-line technology decided the ball had crossed the line, prompting much confusion
France were the beneficiaries of the World Cup's first goal to be awarded by goal-line technology against Honduras on Sunday, but the decision prompted severe confusion amongst the Central American side's ranks.
The goal, which put Didier Deschamps' side 2-0 ahead in the Group E encounter, was awarded after Karim Benzema's original shot hit the post and made its way along the goalmouth.
Goalkeeper Noel Valladares then attempted to pounce on the loose ball, only to fumble it over the line, with the technology showing within seconds that the Honduran had been unable to recover the ball in time.
However, following the screening of technology from the initial shot from Benzema on the big screen, Honduras coach Luis Suarez began to debate the validity of the goal, with Deschamps left having to seemingly explain that it was Valladares' error which had forced the ball over.
The goal added to a first-half penalty converted by Benzema after Wilson Palacios had fouled Paul Pogba, for which he was shown a second yellow card.
Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Messi magic lights up Maracana
Jun 16, 2014 12:51:00 AM
After cutting a disinterested figure in the first half, the Barcelona star came to life and scored a brilliant solo effort as his side began their World Cup campaign with a win
A moment of magic from Lionel Messi helped Argentina to a winning start in their World Cup campaign as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 at the Maracana on Sunday.
Sead Kolasinac's unfortunate own goal in just the third minute sent the South Americans on their way before Messi scored with a fine second-half effort.
Substitute Vedad Ibisevic gave Bosnia hope with an 85th-minute goal, but they were unable to find an equaliser.
Messi, like his team, had been largely poor until the 65th-minute goal as Argentina, one of the tournament favourites, toiled away manfully in the Group F clash.
Alejandro Sabella would have been worried about the opening hour, but his team finished decently after Messi's second World Cup goal and first since 2006.
Starting with a 5-3-2 was perhaps the biggest surprise to Sabella's Argentina line-up.
Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain was left on the bench, seemingly still yet to recover fully from an ankle injury.
In their first ever World Cup game, Bosnia-Herzegovina had few shocks in their starting XI with Edin Dzeko leading the line in a 4-2-3-1.
But Safet Susic's men made the worst possible start to be behind after two minutes and eight seconds.
Messi's set-piece from the left was headed by Marcos Rojo, hit a stranded Kolasinac and crept past goalkeeper Asmir Begovic for the fastest own goal in World Cup history.
Izet Hajrovic almost had Bosnia level in the 13th minute, but goalkeeper Sergio Romero scrambled away after the midfielder's heavy first touch.
Despite the awful start, Susic's side looked comfortable in defence and were just lacking some polish in the attacking third.
Maxi Rodriguez blazed well over from 30 yards just after the half-hour mark for Argentina, while Javier Mascherano's effort from range forced Begovic into a save moments later.
An off-balance Dzeko tried his luck from outside the area in the 33rd minute, but he curled his left-footed shot over the bar.
A largely dull first half was brought to life four minutes before half-time.
Senad Lulic almost had Bosnia's equaliser from a Miralem Pjanic corner, only for Romero to push the header around his post in the last chance of the half.
Unhappy with his side's first half, Sabella made two changes at the break as Higuain and Fernando Gago replaced Rodriguez and Hugo Campagnaro, with the system shifting to a flexible 4-3-3.
But Bosnia remained on the front foot after the interval as Hajrovic struck a free kick straight at Romero from 25 yards in the 50th minute and then shot at him from range.
Sergio Aguero's strike from an angle lacked the power and direction to seriously trouble Begovic after he was teed up by Messi.
Messi had squandered a good free kick chance before he doubled Argentina's lead in the 65th minute in truly emphatic style.
The Barcelona star exchanged passes with Higuain, skipped past a challenge and placed his left-footed shot in off the post from the edge of the area.
Ibisevic pulled a goal back for Susic's side - their first ever in the World Cup - as he poked through Romero's legs after a fine through ball by Lulic, but Argentina held on.
Goal-line technology left everyone confused, says Deschamps
Jun 15, 2014 11:48:00 PM
Karim Benzema inspired France to a 3-0 win over Honduras and their head coach was thrilled with their approach despite the initial dispute over les Bleus' second goal
Didier Deschamps was full of praise for his France side after they started their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Honduras on Sunday, though he admitted that the way goal-line technology was used in Sunday's encounter was rather confusing.
In a bruising encounter that saw Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios sent off, Karim Benzema score twice and a Noel Valladares own goal which was eventually given after the use of goal line technology gave France a well-deserved victory in Porto Alegre.
It puts them top of Group E ahead of Friday's fixture against Switzerland after France were not required to be at their very best in what proved a comfortable win.
"Goal-line technology is a good thing. The ref gets the signal and can decide based on that," Deschamps told reporters.
"However, the screen has shown something people found hard to understand. It kept showing the first moment when it didn’t go in. I can understand why their coach got nervous. The image everyone was shown should have helped the referee’s decision and make it clear for everyone attending, but it seems it didn’t.
"We were patient. We had chances and hit the bar twice in the first half. This is a very good start. We did good things during our preparation but this is the competition. Winning today is a very good start and we will enjoy this victory. A 3-0 win in the World Cup, it's never easy. It was well done. Congratulations to the players."
France and Switzerland are separated by goal difference at the top of the group after the Swiss secured a last-gasp victory over Ecuador earlier on Sunday.
Goal-line technology survives eventful World Cup debut
Jun 15, 2014 10:58:00 PM
Noel Valladares' own goal may have sparked fervent protests from the Honduras bench but Fifa's choice to utilise the system in Brazil this summer has been vindicated
COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent
The fledgling relationship between international football and goal-line technology has overcome its first minor hurdle, with France’s second goal in the 3-0 win over Honduras proving perfectly why Fifa were so insistent on bringing the system in for the World Cup.
While in major competitions in Europe under the jurisdiction of Uefa it has been decided that goal-line officials will suffice, the world governing body announced last year that this summer’s tournament would feature the GoalControl system which was brought into play for the first time in Sunday’s Group E encounter.
But while Honduras coach Luis Suarez found fault with the decision made after consultation with the GoalControl replay, the process could not have been any clearer. After Karim Benzema’s initial shot hit Noel Valladares’ left-hand post, the goalkeeper then bundled the loose ball slightly over the line before attempting to scramble it clear once more.
With initial confusion over the decision, the big screen showed GoalControl replays first of Benzema’s shot, which didn’t clear the line, then of Valladares’ fumble, which was shown to have crossed for a goal.
OVER THE LINE | Honduras keeper Valladares battles in vain to stop the ball going in for France's second
Valladares was left staring at the assistant referee in the bid to find an ally and Suarez had a heated exchange with French counterpart Didier Deschamps, but the final decision of Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci had already been made thanks to the technology.
It was a somewhat scrappy response to an otherwise clear process, and follows some precedents in other sports of players and team officials taking to the new regime slowly.
Baseball made the move to include a challenge system earlier this year, leading to some confusion from managers as to what calls they can and cannot challenge, while in cricket there was initial conjecture over the margin of error needed for a decision to be overturned.
In both codes of rugby, there have also been question marks over how much the video referee can adjudicate upon. Meanwhile, tennis took its time coming to grips with the Hawkeye system, especially with some calls looking out on replay but showing in, and vice versa.
So as introductions to technology go, football’s wasn’t too dissimilar to that experienced across the sporting fraternity.
On first evidence, it would appear Goal Line Technology is a winner. But those failing to wrap their heads around its workings might take some time to be sold on its effectiveness.
'I booked my flight home after the final' - Klinsmann reveals high expectations for USA
Jun 16, 2014 12:00:00 AM
The German is optimistic about his side's chances in Brazil, while Clint Dempsey also believes USMNT can go a long way in the tournament
USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his country's supporters should expect the team to go far in this summer's World Cup.
The Americans get their campaign up and running on Monday as they meet Ghana in Natal, but they face an uphill battle if they are to get out of the tough Group G.
The clash with Ghana is followed by games against Portugal and Germany, both of whom will be fancied to make progress to the knockout stages.
However, Klinsmann is in high spirits and optimistic ahead of their opening match and the 49-year-old believes that the American public are right to expect big things this year.
"I booked my flight home after the final," he said at a press conference.
"Expectations now in the United States are very high.
"We are growing not only on the international level. The domestic league is more and more competitive, in every area the game is growing. We want to drive this as the locomotive, as the national team.
"No matter what the circumstances are, no matter how the game goes, this group is ready to make it happen.
"Whether it is snowing or thunder and lightning, this is about playing football.
"There is nothing better than starting against a team that beat you in the last two World Cups. There is nothing like starting the World Cup like it's a final."
Clint Dempsey, meanwhile, echoed the coach's thoughts regarding what should be expected of the Americans, insisting there is no reason why they cannot remain in Brazil until well after the group stage if they play to their capabilities.
"Every time you come to the World Cup it's a fresh slate," he said.
"Our preparations have been very good and we are excited. If we play to the best of our ability we have the quality to go far in this tournament."
Questions over the Real Madrid star's fitness have overshadowed the crunch clash at Arena Fonte Nova but he is adamant he is in good enough condition to make an impact
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he is still experiencing some pain in his knee but insists that he is "100 per cent" ready for Portugal's World Cup Group G showdown with Germany in Salvador.
The Real Madrid attacker has been struggling with both tendinosis and a thigh problem in recent weeks and was twice forced to cut short his participation in training ahead of his country's World Cup opener.
However, Ronaldo says that he is ready to lead Portugal into battle against Germany.
"The [fitness] problems are all in the past," he told reporters after training at Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday.
"Since the start of my career there's not been one single day in which I've played without pain. It's just the burden of my work.
"Obviously I’d like to be at 110 per cent but I’m still at 100 per cent and I think that’s enough to help that national team."
Ronaldo's availability is widely regarded as crucial to Portugal's hopes of upsetting Germany but the Ballon d'Or holder dismissed the suggestion that the Seleccao are reliant upon him.
"I don't believe that one player makes a team," the former Manchester United man declared.
"As I’ve said many times before, I’m just here to help. I can make a different in some games but I can’t carry the team on my back.
"So, let’s just go one step at a time. Tomorrow [Monday] we are playing on of the favourites, a team respect we greatly.
"We’re not one of the favourites but I think that’s good for us. It will allow us to give our best.”
Ronaldo has managed just two goals from 48 shots in his two previous World Cup appearances and there is a feeling that in order to seal his legacy as an all-time great, he needs to improve significantly upon those numbers in Brazil.
However, the 29-year-old attacker does not feel under pressure to perform.
"I don't feel I have anything to prove," Ronaldo stated. "I've already had a great career.
"And, for me, the pressure is something that pushes me on. I’m someone who likes challenges. I like to do my best, in La Liga, the Champions League etc. This is just a new challenge.
"Football is my life and I play it with a lot of passion. And that's why I seek my own new challenges.
"Now I’m in the World Cup and what I want to do is enjoy myself."
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Jun 15, 2014 11:21:00 PM
The Portugal coach has attempted to downplay the Real Madrid star's influence and feels all matches in Brazil should be moved to the evening due to high temperatures
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has stressed that the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo is no guarantee for success at the World Cup ahead of their Group G opener against Germany on Monday.
The Real Madrid attacker won the prestigious Fifa Ballon d'Or earlier this year and enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Champions League winners, but persistent knee and thigh problems mean he could be doubtful to feature against Joachim Low's men.
Bento has made it clear that the prolific attacker, should he be fit, cannot guide his team to success all by himself.
"I think having a player like Cris is very importance because he influences the way we play greatly. He knows that and, more importantly, his team-mates know that," the Portugal boss said at a press conference.
"But just because we have the best player in the world doesn't mean that we should be world champions. I know that some people in my country don't like me to say that but it's true.
"What we just have to do is focus on getting out of the group. I think regardless of the person in any group, you have to first do what's best for the team. Then you'll become recognised individually.
"We have a very good team. It is a team that has participated in big championships and had positive results, bearing in mind the size of the country. We're going to try to have a good World Cup but our first objective is to pass through the group phase, so having the best player in the world available to us makes us very pleased."
Bento then went on to voice his dismay with the early kick-off times of some games as he feels the heat makes it hard for players to perform at their best in Brazil.
"We have established a plan for ourselves, which includes three stages: one in Portugal, the second for the friendlies in Portugal and the United States, and then arriving in Brazil on the mandatory date five days beforehand. I think we've chosen to do things a different. But if you're asking me if we're at a disadvantage, I think it's not for our national team but all teams," he said.
"As well as all the teams have adopted, it is not good to have a match at 1pm. That, I believe, is a disadvantage. We should have learned this in the United States World Cup when you had matches at 2 and 3pm in extremely high temperatures. That is something that his harmful. It's harmful for the players, the fans, everyone. It's not the best way to play football and I believe what is most important in football is the players."
After Monday's encounter with Germany, Portugal take on USA on June 22 and Ghana on June 26.
After being left in the cold by Stephen Keshi for a long time, the Stoke City player has been handed a lifeline and is desperate to impress in Brazil
By Lolade Adewuyi in Curitiba
Peter Odemwingie has defended his Nigeria performances since making his reutrn to the international stage.
The 32-year-old was a highly popular player for the Super Eagles until he lost his cool and took to trash-talking his national team coach on Twitter two years ago.
A spell in the wilderness has, however, softened Odemwingie, who will make his second appearance at the World Cup this summer, with a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage as Nigeria face Iran on Monday.
In recent friendly matches against the United States and Greece, the forward looked rusty and a little out of place in the team, losing the ball to opponents and struggling to link play, and the country won the Africa Cup of Nations during his spell out of the set-up.
Odemwingie, however, insists his form will improve over time.
"It was a comeback for me and things don’t just gel overnight," Odemwingie told Goal.
"There are a few new faces to play with but the most important thing is that I'm going to give my best in games that mean a lot for us.
"I'm joining a winning side, they've been doing well in the past two years, I hope that continues.
"There's less pressure on me because there are people here who can deliver for Nigeria so I'll just give the contribution that I can and do my best."
In the same shoes is captain Joseph Yobo, who fell out with the coach after the team won the Africa Cup of Nations title last year, in South Africa.
Out for more than a year, the skipper has returned to the side in time for the World Cup and has to contend with the duo of Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo for a starting place in defence in his chase for a record-setting 100th cap.
"We have to step it up," Yobo said. "We know the importance of starting well, it's not going to be easy against Iran, they are no pushovers.
"It's going to be a tough game on Monday but if we get the three points, then the confidence is going to grow."
Ronaldo can decide a game with a single shot, warns Podolski
By Joe Wright
Jun 16, 2014 1:34:00 PM
The Arsenal forward says his side will not underestimate Portugal but is convinced their "confidence, conviction and power" will ensure victory on Monday
Germany attacker Lukas Podolski has warned his side to be on their mettle against Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday.
The Group G favourites go head-to-head in their World Cup opener in Salvador, with Paulo Bento hoping to be able to call upon his captain after the Real Madrid star insisted he had shaken off his injury problems during the past week.
Podolski is wary of Ronaldo's potential to turn the match on its head with a moment of brilliance but is supremely confident in Germany's chances of starting their campaign with a win.
"We cannot forget that they're ranked fourth in the world," the Arsenal forward told Fifa.com. "They have Ronaldo and we know that he can decide a game on his own in an instant, or with just a single shot.
"But if we play well then I think there's no doubt that we're capable of winning the game. Our aim is to start off with a victory. That's why we flew all the way out here.
"We've developed as a team and that's exactly what we want to show at this World Cup. We'll go into the match with confidence, conviction and power and we will win it."
The Black Stars face a tough task in a group containing USA, Portugal and Germany, but their striker is confident they can cause an upset
Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan says his side are embracing their underdog status in a difficult group at the World Cup.
Little is expected of the Black Stars in a Group G which features Germany, Portugal and the United States.
But that matters little to Gyan, who said his side would relish the tag ahead of their opening game against the USA at the Arena das Dunas in Natal on Monday.
''We know that's what everybody thinks about Ghana, rating Ghana as underdogs and the other teams as favourites which is statistically the right thing, but in football you can't win with names anymore," Al-Ain striker Gyan told a news conference.
"It depends what you're going to do on the field. I think so far we've had a lot of surprises in the tournament.
"I can't say that's what will happen tomorrow but we believe in ourselves and we know what we need to do on the field. We enjoy being the underdogs and we will be ourselves and do the right thing."
Opta Facts
Ghana have met USA in each of their two previous participations in World Cups, winning 2-1 on both occasions (2006 group, 2010 second round).
Indeed USA were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup by Ghana; the last team to face the same opponent in consecutive World Cup games was Scotland, who were eliminated by Brazil in 1990 before facing them in their 1998 opener (they didn't qualify in 1994). This will also happen a few days before this match when the Netherlands face Spain.
Four of Ghana's previous nine World Cup goals have come against USA.
The USA have only kept two clean sheets in their last 23 games at the World Cup.
Ghana scored more goals than any other team in the 2014 African World Cup qualifiers (25).
No player scored more goals than Ghana's Asamoah Gyan in the 2014 African World Cup qualifiers (6). The former Sunderland man has also scored four and assisted two of Ghana's nine World Cup goals, and netted the winner against USA in 2010.
USA boss Jürgen Klinsmann played 17 games and scored 11 goals at the World Cup with Germany. This is his second World Cup as head-coach having led his home nation to third place in 2006.
Landon Donovan has been left out of the USA Squad for the 2014 World Cup. He is USA's top scorer at World Cups with five goals; he has scored three of their last four at the competition.
Gyan said his team had all the belief they needed to overcome the USA in a key game, given the two European sides in the group are favoured to progress.
"Most of our players are playing well at their clubs, they are in great shape," he said.
"Talking about the United States team, they are a good side, we have fought them a couple of times, they are a very dangerous team but we don't think of the opponents but of ourselves first.
"We have to just build our confidence. When we get onto the field you have to adapt to what style they bring onto the field and then we play together.
"I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. We are Ghana and I am expecting a win for Ghana. They will also be expecting a win for them so I don't know. It's going to be very interesting."
South Korea are ready for Russian power, says Yong
By Peter Staunton in Cuiaba
Jun 16, 2014 11:52:00 AM
The defender says his side are well prepared for the superior strength of Fabio Capello's men and is hopeful the conditions will not be difficult in Cuiaba
South Korea defender Lee Yong says his team are well prepared for the physical challenge against Russia in their World Cup Group H opener.
The Taeguk Warriors face Fabio Capello's men on Tuesday in Cuiaba and the Ulsan Hyundai full-back is well aware of the threats the Russians will bring.
"The Russian team is strong in many respects," he said. "Russian teams are technical and physically stronger than Asian teams but we have been well-prepared."
South Korea, coached by 2002 World Cup hero Hong Myung Bo, are outsiders to qualify from a group that also contains fancied Belgium as well as Algeria, particularly following their humbling 4-0 defeat to Ghana in their final World Cup warm-up.
Yong, 26, says the opening game is vital for the squad which contains many of the 2012 Olympic Games bronze medal-winning team.
"The first match is really important," he said. "The players and the manager want to fully focus on this game. It's going to be a good match between us."
Weather conditions in Cuiaba, one of Brazil's hottest cities, have eased in the last few days and the temperature is expected to be a manageable 27 degrees Celsius come kick-off at 18:00 local time.
"It's a little bit hotter than what I'm used to," said Yong. "But today's weather is not really hot so I feel grateful."
The African nation have inflicted defeat on Jurgen Klinsmann's side at the last two World Cups and will attempt to make it a hat-trick of victories on Monday night
Tim Howard has insisted the USA will not think about their previous failures against Ghana when they face the African nation on Monday night.
Ghana beat the USA in the group stage at the 2006 tournament, before emerging victorious again in the second round four years later.
The two sides have been paired yet again in Group G this time around, along with Portugal and Germany, but Howard is confident the previous meetings between the nations will have little impact.
"Not a word's been spoken (about the game)," the Everton goalkeeper said.
"We've said that all along. That was four years ago. It's ancient history, really, in the way football is looked at.
"This is a different team, with a different mind-set."
Howard did admit, however, that Ghana would pose similar threats to last time: "I think they are very similar (to 2010). They are strong individually.
"Obviously, we know how physical they are so we are going to try to match that. I've said it before, very rarely do we get outmatched physically but this is a team that has the possibility of doing that.
"We'll make sure that doesn't happen and then just be kind of clever with our positioning and making sure that they don't hit us in transition."
In the next round of Group G matches, the USA will face Portugal, while Ghana are set to meet Germany.
The forward was ruthless in front of goal as Paulo Bento's side capitulated following the dismissal of Pepe in the first half
Thomas Muller scored a hat-trick as Germany thrashed 10-man Portugal 4-0 in their opening World Cup game.
Paulo Bento's side's chances of getting out of a tough Group G were placed in serious jeopardy as a Thomas Muller-inspired Germany put them to the sword in Salvador on Monday.
Muller - golden boot winner at the 2010 World Cup - continued his superb run at football's showpiece with a hat-trick, taking him to eight goals in seven appearances at the event.
On his 50th Germany appearance, the Bayern Munich man fired his side in front from the penalty spot before Mats Hummels doubled their advantage with a towering 32nd-minute header.
Pepe then tangled with the forward and headbutted him as he sat on the floor, before their woes were compounded by Muller's second on the stroke of half-time.
If Bento thought things could not get worse for his side, he was wrong, as defender Fabio Coentrao was taken off on a stretcher with a suspected groin injury in the second half.
And Muller sealed Germany's big win, capitalising on a Rui Patricio error to tap in with 12 minutes left.
And while the result was a serious statement of intent from Germany - who saw defender Hummels limp off with a late knee injury - Portugal were inexplicably bad, leaving them with an uphill battle to reach the last 16 with games against the USA and Ghana still to come.
Portugal's preparation was largely focused on Ronaldo, who has been plagued by thigh and knee problems in recent months, but he quickly proved his fitness with a sprint and strike at Germany goalkeeper Neuer after Miguel Veloso stripped Philipp Lahm of the ball.
Neuer's opposite number, Patricio, then gave Sami Khedira an excellent chance to open the scoring when he scuffed a horrendous clearance, but the midfielder saw his 40-yard snapshot curl agonisingly wide with the goalkeeper beaten.
Germany did not have to wait long to take the lead though, as Mario Gotze wriggled past Joao Pereira and was hauled down, allowing Muller to fire the resulting spot-kick into the bottom-left corner in the 12th minute.
Almeida limped off just before the half-hour mark, replaced by Eder, and they were soon two down when Hummels rose above Pepe and Bruno Alves to power a header past Patricio from Toni Kroos' outswinging corner.
There were still fleeting moments for Portugal fans to get excited about, as Nani broke well but missed Ronaldo with a pass, before Coentrao, perhaps surprised at finding himself on side, crossed for the talisman instead of shooting in a good position.
But Portugal's hopes quickly unravelled after Pepe's moment of madness.
The centre-back put a hand in the face of Muller as the pair both battled for the ball and the German appeared to make the most of the contact.
But Pepe's decision to push his head into a sitting Muller left referee Milorad Mazic with no choice but to send him off.
And there was still time for Germany to score again as Muller capped a truly miserable half for Bento's men.
Alves' attempted clearance hit Muller in second-half stoppage time, and the ball fell kindly for the forward, who pounced with a predatory left-foot finish that hit Patricio and went in.
Muller nodded over in the second half after an Ozil effort was saved, while at the other end Portugal's plight was summed up when Nani and Coentrao ran into each other inside Germany's penalty area.
Muller then wrapped up the victory, finding himself in the right place to tap in after Patricio spilled a routine cross from substitute Andre Schurrle to seal his treble.
COMMENT: There had been doubts over Joachim Low's forward options but the Bayern Munich man loves this tournament and showed his very best once more against Portugal
By Enis Koylu
When Joachim Low elected not to call up Mario Gomez, Kevin Volland or Max Kruse for the World Cup, Germany were entering a new era. Throughout their history, they had been spearheaded by prolific centre forwards – from Uwe Seeler to Miroslav Klose via Gerd Muller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klose, now 36, had been retained, but had struggled for fitness throughout the domestic season with Lazio. The German public were looking towards Mario Gotze, who has played as an unorthodox striker at both club and international level and Lukas Podolski, whose skills are much better suited to a berth on the left wing.
The issue had perplexed figures from across German football. Seeler said: “I don’t know if Klose will be enough alone. He has also been injured.” Former Germany striker Ulf Kirsten added: “I’m sceptical. This is very risky from Low.”
As it turned out, the solution was simple: Thomas Muller.
The three-time World champions got their campaign under way on Monday with a ruthless 4-0 victory over Portugal, with Muller entrusted with leading the line.
The decision was immediately vindicated. Within 10 minutes, he had played a role in a delightful move which saw Gotze win a penalty. He converted the spot kick himself and on the stroke of half-time, after Mats Hummels had doubled Germany’s lead and Pepe had been sent off, Muller’s attacking instincts came to the fore once again as he superbly turned in the box and slotted past Rui Patricio.
He completed his hat-trick with a predatory effort late on and the matter is now settled for Low. Muller must lead the line for the duration of the competition and will be absolutely key to his side’s hopes of winning it.
In a generation of Germany players defined by deft touches, flair and, perhaps, fragility, Muller seems like a remnant from a bygone era. With a game built on hard running, consistency and a cold, hard mentality, the 24-year-old has been at home on the big stage since breaking into the Bayern team.
Four years ago, he was the top scorer at the World Cup, despite being just 20 and was already so important to the team that his influence was sorely missed when he was suspended for the semi-final clash with Spain. Germany looked toothless in attack and lost 1-0.
Often overlooked in favour of his more dynamic colleagues when representing the Bavarians and Germany, he was controversially left out for the Euro 2012 semi-final with Italy after enduring a quiet tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Germany missed a flurry of chances early on and were promptly punished by two breakaway Mario Balotelli goals. Had he been on the pitch, things may have been different and Low realised the error of his decision and Muller has been a fixture ever since. Whether playing behind the front man, on the left flank or the right flank, he has remained one of Bayern and Germany’s most potent attacking threats.
He relishes the big stage has eight World Cup goals to his name in just seven games. So, the solution to Germany’s striker problems is an old one: a Bayern Munich attacker called Muller with No.13 on his back.
The Borussia Dortmund defender's other half made the light-hearted remarks in her column for Bild
Cathy Fischer, the girlfriend of Germany centre-back Mats Hummels, has ridiculed Cristiano Ronaldo for his lack of body hair.
Germany and Portugal meet on Monday evening in a heavyweight Group G clash, and both Ronaldo and Hummels start the match.
Previewing the game for Bild earlier today, Fischer praised the Portugal forward for his dedication and professionalism, but derided him for his hairless physique.
“Have you seen his celebration after the 4-1 win in the Champions League final? Not an ounce of fat…but unfortunately, no body hair!
“Is that masculine for you? Not for me. I am not one for Brazilian waxing.
“I do not like it when a man’s legs are more shaved than mine, but of course, each to their own!
Fischer concluded her pre-match column by presumably comparing Ronaldo to her own boyfriend, the Germany defender Hummels.
“I myself like men who sometimes go unshaven for a coffee. Who, after the game, look different than before. Battle-weary, sweaty. A gladiator, rather than a top model.”
