Ghana, with a semi-final place up for grabs, will be shouldering the hopes of Africa when they face Uruguay in an anticipated World Cup quarter-final clash on Friday. The Black Stars have allayed the disappointment of the Dark Continent with some impressive displays and results after fellow African sides Cameroon, hosts South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria and Ivory Coast bowed out at the first hurdle. They have already emulated the feat of Cameroon and Senegal when they beat the Untied States 2-1 after extra time in the second round but have a golden chance to go further. They could become the first African team to book a last-four berth if they beat an in-form Uruguay side at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. "For me it will be history," Ghana striker and top scorer Asamoah Gyan, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far, said. "There are three African sides who have made the World Cup quarter-finals but we have an opportunity to do something never done before." Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac faces selection worries, with several players battling to recover from injuries in time for the game. Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored the opener in Ghana's victory over the United States, and left-back Hans Sarpei are uncertain to play. Attacking midfielder Andre Ayew and central defender Jonathan Mensah are already out through suspension.
Brazil take on Holland "We have four or five injured players and it's up to our medical team to try and make them fit," Rajevac said. "We'll see who the players are, who we can count on. It depends what the medical team will decide." 'Pretty football' In Friday's other quarter-final clash, Brazil and Holland lock horns in the battle for 'pretty football'. Pre-tournament favorites Brazil easily brushed aside their group-stage opponents before crushing Chile 3-0 in the second round but neutrals are expecting more from a team renowned for their free-flowing football. Holland have also eased to the quarter finals with a win over Slovakia but are yet to display their trademark catchy football. "We play our better games against teams that want to play football as well and on Friday, Brazil is not going to wait," Holland winger Ryan Babel said. Brazil midfielder Elano will miss the game with an ankle injury. Dani Alves is likely to replace him in the starting line up. The five-time world champions will also have to do without injured midfielder Felipe Melo and the suspended Ramires.
