Wednesday 23 June 2010

ALahm For England: Germany 1-0 Ghana 23/6/10


Germany line-up: Neuer, Friedrich, Khedira, Schweinsteiger (Kroos, 81'), Ozil, Podolski, Muller (Trochowski, 67''), Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Cacau, Boateng (Jansen, 73')
Ghana line-up: Kingson, Sarpei, Gyan (Amoah, 82'), Pantsil, Mensah (c), Annan, Jonathan, Tagoe (Muntari, 64'), Ayew (Adiyah, 92'), Asamoah, Boateng

This game created history as it was the first international game where two brothers competed against one another. Africa also celebrated long into the night knowing that Ghana will be flying the African flag in the knockout rounds. Germany however win the group and set a date with England which should be a tasty affair. Both started out trying to dominate football and attack, Germany were the most successful at this as they played it along their defensive line before manoeuvring their way up the pitch. Kingson had to be alert and clung onto early crosses and a Cacau shot before Podolski had a shot deflected wide. Germany were nearly ahead when Podolski looked to fire a low driven cross into the box which deflected of Jonathan and needed a smart parry from Kingson to prevent the own goal. Ghana did manage to cut open the German defence at times during the game but goal saving tackles from just about everyone kept Ghana out. Again Germany looked to set to take the lead when Ozil beat the offside trap and was bearing down on goal, Kingson came off his line to look big and Ozil managed to fire straight at him when really he should have scored. Kingson had to produce yet another smart save, this time of Cacau who struck a stinging shot which was palmed away.

Germany still looked for that all important goal in the second half and still looked to dominate the game. However all their possession couldn't muster up any decent chances before Asamoah went up the other en and forced a decent save from Neuer. On the hour mark Germany got their goal; Muller played it inside to Ozil who was about 20 yards form goal and he struck and beautifully weighted, curling shot into the top corner which Kingson could do nothing about. Ghana wouldn't let that effect their performance and they came back fighting and again some last ditch tackling prevented Ghana from scoring. Germany were able to keep possession in the latter stages to just play out time and secure top spot of Group D, Ghana were celebrating thereafter knowing that Serbia couldn't draw against Australia.

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