it's a mystical bond between man and machine

Sunday, June 18, 2006 | 2:22 PM

Ghana v Czech Republic

shocking 2-0

Ghana provided the biggest shock of the 2006 World Cup so far as they comfortably beat the world's second-ranked nation the Czech Republic 2-0 to keep alive their hopes of a place in the last 16. Ghana made the breakthrough after just two minutes thanks to Gyan, who supplied the perfect finish after Stephen Appiah had delivered a good cross into the area from the left. Ghana were impressive going forward. Appiah twice came close while Gyan saw his close range effort blocked by Cech. Matthew Amoah also sent a shot wide. The game took a twist in the 64th minute when Ghana were awarded a penalty after Ujfalusi's trip on Amoah. Ujfalusi was given a straight red card by the referee but the Czechs could thank their lucky stars when Gyan's spot-kick came back off the post. Petr Cech was outstanding for the Czech Republic as he frustrated the Ghanaians time and time again with a string of superb saves. Ghana would have scored three or four against the Czech Republic if not for Cech, who had more work cut out for him after the dismissal of Ujfalusi. Ghana sealed the victory they fully deserved with a thunderbolt from Muntari in the 82nd minute after Gyan provided the opening.

great game by Ghana, definitely a big shock of the 2006 World Cup.