Coach Ratomir Dujkovic claimed his Ghana team could have scored more than two goals against the Czech Republic had it not been for the heroics of goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Ghana became the first African nation to win a game at this year's World Cupfinals by beating the Czechs 2-0 in Cologne, but Dujkovic felt the scoreline could have been greater.

"Petr Cech is an excellent goalkeeper and he stopped it from being four or five-nil," said the Ghana coach.

"It was a very tough game but my players played excellently. I was only surprised it wasn't more than 2-0. I think the strikers were sometimes a bit tired in front of goal."

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner offered no excuses for his side's dismal display, adding: "I don't blame the poor performance on absent morale or lack of effort.

"The first goal was detrimental to our intentions. The Ghanaian players were splendid in attack.

"I wouldn't say our players were tired, we can't use that as an excuse."