"I know you are all very keen to hear what I feel about the game," Annan told reporters after the game. "First of all, let me say, 'Don't cry for Ghana."'

Appearing in the World Cup for the first time, Ghana was trying to become only the third African team to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup after Senegal in 2002 and Cameroon in 1990. But Brazil proved too much for the plucky Black Stars.

Annan predicted Ghana could expect great things in 2010, when South Africa hosts the World Cup.

"This was just a coming out party, and I think tomorrow will be a different story," Annan said. "And tomorrow will be in 2010, in South Africa, on African soil."

While diplomats around the U.N. tuned into the game, Annan's morning schedule was full and he could watch only in snatches, his spokesman said.