2010 World Cup: Ghana v Australia half time report
Ghana 1 Australia 1
Harry Kewell became the second Australian player to be sent off in as many games after handling a goalbound shot on the line against Ghana, as the two teams enter the break level at 1-1.
Initially, Australia had looked set to provide the perfect response to their 4-0 thrashing against Germany last Sunday after taking a 1-0 lead on the 10th minute. However, Kewell's dismissal on the 24th subsequently resulted in a penalty, which Asamoah Gyan duly converted.
Pim Verbeek's side were gifted the opener when Mark Bresciano's 25-yard free kick was spilled into the path of Brett Holman after just 10 minutes of play. It was a nightmare moment for Ghana's goalkeeper Richard Kingson, and another reason for the Jabulani critics to voice their concerns about the controversial match ball.
With the Socceroos beginning to find their rhythm, few of the travelling Australian supporters could have imagined what was to happen next.
Tim Cahill's sending off cost the team dear last week against the Germans, and another red card now threatens to send the Aussies crashing out of the World Cup after just two matches.
Following fine work on the byline, Ghana fashioned a cutback which was rifled goalwards by Jonathan Mensah. Kewell's natural reaction was to lean his arm into the path of the ball, and referee Roberto Rossetti was left with no option but to dismiss the former Liverpool and Leeds United winger despite his best protests.
Gyan sent his penalty in the opposite direction of Mark Schwarzer and jubilantly celebrated Ghana's equaliser.
Australia now have their work cut out to rescue their World Cup dream. The next 45 minutes really are Ghana's for the taking, and anything less than three points will be seen as a hugely wasted opportunity.
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