BRAZIL v GHANA - THE BEAN PREVIEW

Brazil 1/4 - Draw 9/2 - Ghana 11/1 - UK Betting

The World Champions Brazil takes on the debutants from Africa Ghana, which is due to be a pulsating open match this afternoon. The two teams have met before in a friendly and the Brazilians thumped the Ghanaians 8-2, though I am pretty sure it will be a lot closer contest today.

Brazil will be without Robinho who has a thigh strain, so it is likely Adriano wil be recalled to the starting line up. There could be a spot for Juninho Pernambucano in the first eleven.

Ghana captain Michael Essien is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the group stages. Derek Boateng will fill the void of the Chelsea midfielder. Razak Pimpong should be fit to play after a rib injury against USA.

Brazil has not really got out of second gear so far in the World Cup and will need to step up their game today, as the Ghanaians main form of defence is attack; therefore should be a high scoring game. 3-1 to Brazil has odds of 9/1 and 3-2 is currently 25/1.

Ghana are more than capable of pulling off a surprise, they were unlucky to be beaten by Italy, but dominated the Czech Republic and USA and they are both ranked in the FIFA top ten. For Ghana to upset the five time World Champions 2-1 the odds are 40/1. A 2-0 win is 66/1.

Surprisingly Ronaldinho has not got off the mark yet at the competition and is due a goal. For the World Player of the Year to score first the odds are 9/2. The strike duo of Adriano and Ronaldo are both 7/2 to net the first goal.

Asamoah Gyan will want to get back on the goal scoring trail after missing the last match with a suspension. The odds for him to score first are 11/1. Former Juventus and current Fernebache player Stephen Appiah is yet to get off the mark and the odds for him to bag a goal first is 16/1.

My Prediction - Brazil to win 3-2 at 25/1

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