Ghana said they are not afraid of champions Brazil [Images], their probable opponents, after securing a place in the last 16 with a 2-1 win over United States in World Cup Group E on Thursday.

"I have said our target is the semi-final," coach Ratomir Dujkovic told reporters. "Any team that faces the Black Stars will have to suffer just like (our group rivals) Italy [Images], the Czechs and the United States.

"Yes, they (Brazil) will suffer. They are the best team in the world and for us it is an honour to play them.

"Black Stars have enough capabilities, we are not afraid."

Debutants Ghana qualified in second place behind group winners Italy and will face Brazil if the champions top their section as expected.

But the Africans will be without influential midfielder Michael Essien, who was booked against the United States and is suspended for the next match.

Captain Stephen Appiah said Essien had been relishing the prospect of playing Brazil.

"He told me yesterday 'Stephen, Brazil have something that belongs to us. We will show Brazil who we are'," said man of the match Appiah.

"We are going to miss him."