加納隊中場球員埃辛Michael Essien即將率領加納隊打入世界盃的16強，他使得美國隊相信他們的世界盃夢想會因埃辛而破滅。

　　埃辛説道，“打入十六強很困難，但是我們已經準備好了。我們並不害怕碰到巴西隊。我們已經準備好與任何一支隊伍交手。不過首先我們要先拿下美國隊。他們踢的很漂亮，這將是一場艱苦的比賽。”

　　美國隊主教練阿雷納Bruce Arena説道，“埃辛是世界盃上頂尖的球員之一，他在比賽中不僅組織進攻，而且防守非常不錯。他是一名非常優秀的球員，我們不能讓他在90分鐘內為所欲為，否則我們就會輸掉比賽。”

　　美國隊球員 多諾萬Landon Donovan説道，“埃辛非常積極，他是一名擁有雙重職能的球員，他既可以參與防守，又可以進好多的球。如果全場你不盯防他，那他就會傷害你的。”

　　鏈結：

　　http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblwc2006ghausa&prov=afp&type=lgns

　　原文：Ghana's Essien brings two-way worries for US

　　by Jim Slater

　　June 20, 2006

　　NUREMBERG, Germany (AFP) - Michael Essien is on the verge of leading World Cup stunner Ghana into the second round, the Chelsea midfielder having already convinced a worried US squad that he could destroy their Cup dreams.

　　A victory over the Americans here Thursday in a Group E showdown would send the World Cup debutantes into the round of 16, possibly against reigning champion Brazil.

　　"It would be hard, but we are prepared for it," Essien said. "We're not afraid to meet the Brazilians. We are ready to play anyone. First we have to deal with the USA. They play good football and they will be tough."

　　The 23-year-old star sparked Ghana past second-ranked Czech Republic 2-0 in the biggest Cup shocker so far, a landmark triumph for the Cup debutantes.

　　"It really shows what we are made of," Essien said. "The win was very important for Ghana and for African football."

　　A draw with the USA might be enough to send the Black Stars through, but with their destiny in their hands, Ghana players want to leave no doubts.

　　"We will go for a win against the US team," Essien said. "And our chances are good I think."

　　US coach Bruce Arena agrees, seeing the control of Essien as a central factor in a game the 2002 quarter-finalists must win for any hope to advance.

　　"Essien is one of the top players in this tournament. He not only organized their attack, he played well on defence," Arena said.

　　"He's a player who is brilliant. We can't let him do what he wants for 90 minutes or we're going to lose."

　　Chelsea paid 38 million Euros, the largest transfer fee for any African player, to bring Essien from French champion Lyon. Essien responded by helping Chelsea capture a second consecutive English Premiership crown.

　　Essien has the ability to orchestrate the backline and serve as the vital distributor on the attack, impressing US counterpart Landon Donovan.

　　"Essien is dynamic. He is the modern two-way player. He plays tough defence and he scores a lot of goals," Donovan said.

　　"He's going to hurt you if you're not aware of where he is all the time. So we're going to be aware."

　　While Ghana and the US squad have never played a full international, they did meet in the 1999 under-17 world consolation final. Defender coordinator Essien helped Ghana get the best of attacker Donovan's US side to finish third.

　　Asked if he recalled Essien from the match, Donovan admitted, "No, I don't. But you can say I did."

　　Donovan might soon remember Essien as the man who sparked a poor African nation's side to a World Cup dream triumph over a team from one of the wealthiest and most powerful places on the planet to doom their Cup hopes.

　　Just ask Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech, who saw his own country's title hopes imperiled by his Chelsea teammate.

　　"Essien showed what a great player he is," Cech said.

　　A repeat performance could leave audiences dancing in the streets of Ghana.

　　作者—韓明冰，北京外國語大學英語學院

責編：盧爽