United States coach, Bruce Arena says his side would be aiming to curb Ghana’s team speed exhibited during the Black Stars’ 2-0 win over the Czech Republic last Saturday.

The win by Ghana, who making their World Cup debut has put a bit of a fright into the U.S team.

Ghana will reach the round of 16 with a victory over the United States in Nuremberg on Thursday in a Group E match.

The U.S team comes off a 1-1 draw with Italy and must win for any hope to advance.

"Ghana was miraculous in the way they turned their game around. That in itself is frightening," US coach Bruce Arena said.

"They have momentum and confidence."

The Black Stars can boast off quickness in breaking forward with midfielder Michael Essien and captain Stephen Appiah playing major influence in Ghana’s attack which could send the 2002 quarter-finalist squad flying home.

"Hopefully we can deal with their team speed. That's my biggest concern," Arena said.

"One thing we don't want to do is have a foot race with Ghana for 90 minutes. If we do, we're going to lose a lot of those races."

But Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who sees Thursday’s encounter as the most important match of his life says Bruce Arena is right to be concerned.

"They have to worry. The USA will suffer because we are strong and we are not afraid of anyone," Dujkovic said.

"Ghana is young and tough. We won't play for a draw. We always play offensive football and we play to win."

The Americans, who have managed only a single shot on goal in two matches, will rely on teamwork to contain Michael Essien, a masterful defence organizer who can quickly spark a scoring threat with a long ball.

"Probably the only thing that is going to neutralize him is us keeping the ball. He's equally good offensively and defensively," US forward Brian McBride said.

"No matter how good a player Essien is, if we put one person on him at a time it's going to affect him. We need to work on him as a team, put a lot of guys on him and work together."