Last night’s Group D fixture between Ghana and Germany was a match that did not fail to excite. The match provided scoring opportunities right from kick-off with the Germans making their intentions clear in the opening minutes of the game.
The Ghana v Germany game also made history as it was the first World Cup match that had two brothers Kevin and Jerome Boateng play against each. Although Ghana lost the match1-0, they still progressed to the second round at the expense of the Australians who had an inferior goal difference.
Germany now prepares to face England without Bayern Munich star Bastian Scheinsteiger who picked up a hamstring injury in the dying minutes of their victory. If that isn’t bad enough for coach Joachim Loew, goal scorer Mesut Oezil and Jerome Boateng are highly likely to miss the England fixture after suffering knocks during last night’s match.
England on the other hand have striker Wayne Rooney fit for the match after the Football Association described his ankle injury as being ‘minor’. It however remains to be seen whether he can transfer his lethal club form to the national side.
Ghana became the first and may be last African side to progress through to the second round. The hopes of the entire continent now rest squarely on their young shoulders as a quarter final berth would definitely restore some pride in African football.
The good news for the Black Stars is that defender Isaac Vorsah is expected to start. We can only hope that his inclusion will strengthen them from the expected Podolski and Cacau threats.
Photo credit: from eurocopa2008
