Germany vs Ghana - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

Thomas Muller

Same group as Ghana and a 4-0 opener – Germany have been here before, in South Africa 2010. Unlike their clash in Johannesburg, however, this is not a do-or-die encounter for Die Mannschaft, who are favourites to top the group. But that match could have gone either way and it was a very shaky 1-0 win for the Germans, who will be aware that the Africans, fighting for survival, are no pushovers.

Venue – Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Kickoff Time – 12:30 AM, 22nd June (IST)

Teamsheet

Joachim Low is likely to field the same side that routed Portugal, with one possible exception. Mats Hummels’ injury could see Shkodran Mustafi get his first start, or the versatile Kevin Grosskreutz playing right-back while Jerome Boateng moves to the centre.

Kwesi Appiah is likely to name an unchanged side from the one that narrowly lost to the US.

Tactics

There is a familiar feel to the squads. Both fielded a host of young players in South Africa who have have continued, and are now in their mid-20s. Ghana’s defence is strong physically and tactically, and they have a decent midfield that dominated possession against the US, 59%. Interestingly, the US goals came at different extremities of the game – the opening half-minute and then the 86th minute – which suggests a vulnerability to unexpected attacks. Germany are sharp on the counter, and their front 4 excel at movement, interchanging positions regularly and with great understanding. If Ghana’s defenders switch off, they could be ball-watching all night.

The 2010 contest saw the coming of age of a young Mesut Ozil, who was the star player on the night and deservedly got the winner. Ghana will not make the mistake of leaving him unattended this time, but the German playmaker may be just too agile for them, and has an excellent relatio with Mario Gotze. Thomas Muller will probably start at centre-forward again. His ability to take on two centre-backs and his efficiency in front of goal – 8 World Cup goals from 9 shots – could be Ghana’s undoing if he is not properly marked.

Ghana’s attacking options are somewhat limited. Barring Asamoah Gyan upfront and Kwadwo Asamoah on the left wing, they lack players who can offer penetration. With Hummels injured and Khedira lacking match practice, Gyan may fancy his chances in the final third.

In midfield, Sulley Muntari will battle Philip Lahm. Muntari epitomizes AC Milan’s current crop of midfielders – ageing and non-creative, but functionally useful and experienced. He can shut off supply to the forwards by doing a physical job on Kroos or stopping Lahm from passing – either way, expect a scrappy spoiling contest in the centre.

Key Facts

Ghana and Germany have met twice before, with the Europeans winning both times – a 6-1 win in a 1993 friendly, and the 1-0 in WC 2010. Amazingly, all 7 German goals were scored from the 60th minute onwards! Concentration is clearly not Ghana’s strong area.

Ghana have been weak at set-pieces, conceding 4 such goals in their last 5 World Cup games. With Germany possessing the tallest side in the competition (avg height 6’2”), this could be a major problem if they concede free-kicks near the box.

Germany have won the 2nd game at a World Cup just once since 1994. With Italy and Holland also struggling after fine starts, the squad will need to guard against second-game syndrome.

Fun fact – German defender Jerome Boateng will be tasked with stopping his half-brother, Ghana attacker Kevin-Prince Boateng. It’s only the 2nd time that brothers have clashed in a World Cup finals match. The first instance? The Boatengs again, in 2010.

Prediction: A 1-0 or 2-1 win for Germany. Then again, in this highly unpredictable World Cup, you never know – a dismissal for either side could completely change fortunes.

Referee – Sandro Ricci (Brazil)