Ghana boss Ratomir Dujkovic has warned Brazil not to expect an easy ride when they clash in the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday.

The Black Stars - known as the Brazilians of Africa - booked their first ticket to the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic followed by a 2-1 defeat of the United States.

Dujkovic has always targeted the semi-finals as Ghana's tournament goal, and he is predicting defending champions Brazil will have a hard battle.

"They will suffer," he said. "Anyone who faces us now will have to suffer because of the determination we put in."

Dujkovic admitted playing the Brazilians will be a huge task.

"It will be very difficult against Brazil but we are not afraid and have nothing to lose," he added.

"They are the best team in the competition and for us it will be an honour and we are proud to play them. I hope we can keep winning."

Dujkovic will be forced to replace influential midfielder Michael Essien, who picked up his second yellow card of the competition in the fifth minute of the clash against the US.

The Chelsea star is distraught to be missing out.

"I am very sad," Essien said. "It is going to be the biggest game in Ghana's history.

"They are one of the tournament favourites. They have not met the expectations thus far but as the tournament goes they will come back to their best."

Asked about his country's chances, Essien replied:

"It is going to be tough. I don't know how far we can go but in football anything can happen."