What a game this was. Which was largely down to Ghana’s unyielding endeavour. Whatever the problems they may be encountering behind the scenes (there is talk of a dispute over lack of payment) Ghana did not play like a team looking for an early departure. Backed by most of the neutrals in the stadium, in heat more akin to Accra than Augsburg, Ghana more than held their own. In the first half it was Neuer who was obliged to do more work, saving well in the first half from a superb shot by Muntari and obliged to come racing off his line to block a charge by Gyan. But the Germans are not easily cowed. They have lost only one of their last 19 games in group stages of the World Cup.
Here, they fielded the same team as had eviscerated Portugal five days previously. Which meant it included six Bayern Munich players (and two from Arsenal). Familiarity in each other’s play was evident in the endless fluidity of their passing. Here, though, was Germany’s problem: the Ghanaians were not to be brushed aside. Nor was there a Pepe in their ranks to self-combust. The Germans may have had most of the possession, but adroit defence was preventing them converting it into goals.
That all changed in the second half. With the Boateng brothers now mere observers, the game came alive. After the goals were scored, more could have followed, with Mohammed Rabiu desperately scooping the ball off Klose’s toe as he was about to shoot. In the end, justice was done, Ghana had survived. And in this World Cup reputation continues to count for nothing.
Germany (4-1-2-2-1): Neuer 6; Boateng 5 (Mustafi 45), Mertesacker 6, Hummels 6, Hawedes 6; Lahm 7; Kroos 6, Khedira 6 (Schweinsteiger 69); Ozil 6, Muller 5, Gotze 5 (Klose 69). Subs not used: Grosskreutz, Ginter, Schurrle, Podolski, Zieler, Draxler, Durm, Weidenfeller, Kramer
Ghana (4-2-3-1): Dauda 6; Afful 7, Mensah 7, Boye 7, Asamoah 7; Muntari 8, Rabiu 6; Atsu 7, Boateng 5 (J Ayew 53), A Ayew 7; Gyan 7. Subs not used: Adams, Inkoom, Opare, Essien, Afriye, Badu, Kwarsley, Adomah, Sumaila, Waris, Wakaso
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