Stakes will be high when Ghana and United States square off at Arena das Dunas in Natal, as a potential defeat would place one of the two sides in a very difficult situation ahead of games with Germany and Portugal.

The Black Stars have been pretty impressive on both World Cup appearances so far, reaching the Last 16 stage in 2006 before narrowly missing out on the semi-final berth in 2010.

As a result, Kwesi Appiah’s charges will be eager to continue the excellent run at the tournament finals, but progressing from the group that also contains Germany and Portugal will be no easy task.

Nevertheless, it would appear as though the Black Stars go into their opening match against USA brimming with confidence, having hammered Korea Republic 4-0 in their final warm-up game.

And having also given a good account of themselves in the 1-0 loss to the Netherlands, Ghana look a good bet at 2.62 (13/8).

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Abdul Waris have resumed full training, meaning coach Kwesi Appiah should be able to pick from a fully-fit squad.

Jordan Ayew will be hoping his hat-trick against Korea Republic warranted a starting berth, while Michael Essien should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Dauda – Afful, Boye, Mensah, K. Asamoah – Essien, Rabiu, Muntari – Boateng, Gyan, A. Ayew.

United States are getting ready for the seventh successive appearance at the World Cup finals, with the team reaching the knockout stages on three occasions and making it to the quarter-final in 2002.

And while Team USA impressed in the qualifying campaign to leave Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico trailing in their wake, it would appear as though they will not be able to progress from Group G.

In all fairness, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side recorded three wins in the build up to the tournament finals, defeating Azerbaijan, Turkey and Nigeria, but their performances were not exactly up to the standard.

This means they will have to raise their game if they want to avoid defeat in their opening fixture, with USA 3.10 (21/10) to start the campaign with a win.

Jurgen Klinsmann caused a lot of controversy by leaving star player Landon Donovan out of the final squad, but he was definitely happy to see starting striker Jozy Altidore end his scoring drought against Nigeria.

With no fresh injuries to report, the boss is likely to field a very similar side to that which started the clash against Super Eagles.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Howard – Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley – Bedoya, Jones, Zusi – Bradley – Altidore, Dempsey.