World Cup Group D preview: Ghana v Germany
Ghana head into this match against Germany on top of Group D, and if they avoid defeat today they will advance to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Having won their first match against Serbia 1-0 and taken a point in the 1-1 draw against Australia find themselves with four points that not many people would have predicted for them, with both goals courtesy of penalties from Asamoah Gyan.
The striker came close to quitting international football a few years ago, but now this World Cup could be a significant moment in his career. “This tournament could well be a turning point for me. However, I am not going to get all big-headed about it,” said Gyan.
Unrest in team camps seem to be the norm at this World Cup, and this time it is the turn of Ghana, as Sulley Muntari was reprimanded this week after his outburst after the match against Australia. There were suggestions he was going to be sent home, just like Nicolas Anelka was for the French, but Muntari has remained with the squad.
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac is aware of the German firepower, but is ready for the test. “I don't think there is pressure on us. They will probably have more pressure because they are favourites. We all know Germany has a good team, but we believe we have a good team as well. We have to keep things tight, stay compact and I'm sure we can win the match,” said the 56-year-old.
Germany have no choice but to win the match if they are to keep up their record of advancing from their group at every World Cup.
The Germans began their campaign in breathtaking fashion as they stormed to a 4-0 win over Australia, but the bubble burst against Serbia as they crashed to a defeat. Miroslav Klose was sent off for Germany while Milan Jovanovic scored the only goal of the game for Serbia.
Germany are under pressure to deliver, but coach Joachim Löw expects a great encounter. “Ghana are fast and can play well on the counter, they don't shy away from one-to-one duels as they are strong, they have players who can put in fantastic sprints.
The general tempo against Ghana will be higher than Serbia, the Serbs were a bit slow out of the blocks and they had a draw in mind with only one forward. It will be quicker, but fitness is written with a capital 'F' in the Germany squad and we can cope with it,” said Löw.
Löw has been critical of certain players after losing to Serbia. Lukas Podolski missed a penalty, and the coach was far from impressed.
“Usually, Podolski hammers his penalties but this one was relatively easy for the goalkeeper to save. I must say that Podolski had many opportunities and I have not yet been able to talk to him to ask him why he didn't hit the target,” said Löw.
The match will also see the Boateng brothers in action against each other, Jerome for Germany and Kevin-Prince for Ghana. Kevin-Prince could be the subject to some German hatred, as it was he who ended Germany captain Michael Ballack’s campaign before it even begun in the FA Cup final last month.
Were Ghana to win, then it would be auf wiedersehen to the Germans.
IV
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