FIRST TEAM
06/19/2010

Ghana move to the top of the group

Ghana have taken the lead in Group D. Despite a 1-1 draw against Australia, the team for whom Hoffenheim's Prince Tagoe and Isaac Vorsah both represent moved past Germany into top spot, and now has realistic hopes of qualifying for the second round.

Ghana coach Rajevac had to change the side which beat Serbia in the first game. Addy returened to central defence after a knee problem ruled out Isaac Vorsah for the game against the 'Socceroos'. His colleague in central defence, John Mensah, alsso missed out due to injury. Prince Tagoe started on the right wing, but was substituted in the 57th minute.

After a goalkeeping error by Ghana's Richard Kingston, Rajevac's side had to stomach conceding their first goal of the World Cup- a harmless free kick from Bresciano was parried by Kingston straight into the path of Holman, who gave Australia the lead after 11 minutes. Ghana kept on playing with the same vigour though, and were rewarded with an equaliser after 26 minutes. Australian talisman Harry Kewell stopped a shot from Jonathon Mensah on the line with his hand, and saw red from referee Rosetti. Asamoah Gyan then scored the resulting penalty. Ghana continued to keep on pressing in the remainder of the half, but Kevin-Prince Boateng's shot, which brought the best out of Mark Schwarzer, was the only other opportunity that they could create.

After the pause, the Ghanaians were unable to play with the same intensity. At know point were they able to make use of the numerical advantage, and they created very few chances. On the other hand, Australia came close on the counter attack through Chipperfield and Kennedy. The biggest opportunity fell to Luke Wilkshire, who saw his effort saved saved by Kingson on 72 minutes, before the keeper then saved Kennedy's follow-up as well. Only in the final few minutes did Ghana threaten to clinch a winner. Mensah couldn't direct his header on target, and Owusu-Abeyie saw his shot fly over Mark Schwarzer's crossbar. On Wednesday at 20.30 CET, Ghana meet Germany; whoever wins will certainly be in the second round no matter what.

 

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