Quarter-finals
Today
Uruguay vs Ghana 20:30   SS3

JOHANNESBURG - Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac says the pressure of being the last African side in the World Cup will not hinder his team in their World Cup quarter-final.

The Black Stars, who carry the hopes of the host continent, face Uruguay today aiming to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals.

"We’re not under any obligation to make history but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to,” said Rajevac.

"We will not change our style or worry about so-called pressure.”

A 2-1 win over the United States helped Ghana into the last eight of the World Cup.

But for Ghana to progress further, Rajevac believes his side will have to be alert to Uruguay’s attacking threat.

"Uruguay have a great tradition and players playing in the best leagues in Europe,” added Rajevac.

"They have to be one of the best teams in the world. They deserve every respect and Forlan is a fine player.

"But we will play the way that has brought us success so far. "We are not going to adjust our style and we will try to use whatever weakness we can find in our opponents.

"What is very important is to be able to change your system as the match demands.”

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan, who has scored two goals in the tournament so far, has hailed Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez.

"He is quite calm as a coach, with a lot of experience, who knows how to handle the group very well,” said Forlan.

Agencies