Wuerzburg, Germany - Ghana has declared a half-day public holiday for Thursday's match against the United States.
Confident players, however, are already eager to take on Brazil in the second round.
The Black Stars could qualify from Group E after defeating the Czech Republic 2-0, but will miss suspended scorers Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari in the US game.
"I've seen the US play. They play good football and they will be tough," Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien said. "We're ready to play anyone. We're not afraid to meet the Brazilians ... But first we have to deal with the USA."
Essien, a mild-mannered 23-year-old with a reputation as a hard man on the field, played a lead role in Ghana's recovery from their opening 2-0 defeat by Italy.
"We'll keep our heads up and play good football ... If it comes down to playing Brazil, we don't know what will happen."
Brazil have already qualified from Group F, leaving Japan, Croatia and Australia to battle for a second spot in the last 16.
Ghana Football Association spokesperson Randy Abbey said his team was looking into ways of appealing Gyan's suspension.
The Modena striker scored the fastest goal in the World Cup so far, against the Czechs in 68 seconds. But he was booked for taking a penalty later in that match before Argentinian referee Horacio Elizondo blew the whistle. The player said he made the mistake in good faith and thought he had been given the signal.
He missed the spot kick on his subsequent attempt.
"I heard a whistle in the crowd and I took the penalty ... I apologise to all fans and Ghanaians for the second yellow card," Gyan said.
Ghana's Serb coach Ratomir Dujkovic said it would be difficult to replace either player. He also announced that veteran defender Samuel Kuffour had a "high temperature" but gave no other details. - Sapa-AP
