World Cup 2010: Germany through to knock-outs

Ozil netted the goal that sealed the knock-out place for Germany

Business is about to pick up at the FIFA World Cup 2010. After England made a nervy progress to the knock-outs, Germany marched forward with a 1-0 win over Ghana in their final group game at the Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

Germany started the tournament in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 drubbing of Australia. However, their campaign took a hit with the shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of a gritty Serbia. Tonight, Joachim Low’s side could have been eliminated had they not overcome Ghana.

Stuttgart striker Cacau started for Germany in place of the suspended Miroslav Klose. The Germans were dressed in black from head to toe, to play the role of the perfect party spoilers for the best performing African nation in this edition of the mega-event. Ghana kicked off the game and immediately went on the attack.

It was surprising to be hear the singing of the English fans during their win against Slovenia, but the vuvuzela’s were back in full force providing the tone that has possibly become the sound of South Africa 2010.

The opening minutes saw both the sides going all out to make early inroads into the game. Ghana almost had a disastrous start with defender Jonathan Mensah nearly diverting the ball into the bottom corner of his own net off a Podolski cross. But, keeper Kingson was alive to the danger and palmed it out sharply.

Germany looked dangerous when they ventured forward, but Ghana too kept up the pressure with occasional bursts.

After about 25 minutes of play, the game exploded into life. The best chance of the half came Germany’s way in the 29th minute when Ozil ran clear of the Ghana defence, but shot straight at the keeper instead of going around him. Meanwhile, Ghana too continued to create ripples in the German back-line, and it looked like it was only a matter of time before one of the teams broke the deadlock.

Things took an ugly turn when Ghana forward Ayew got booked in the 39th minute for a lunging tackle on Cacau. He did win the ball, but only after he brought down the German forward. However, three minutes later, Thomas Muller leveled things with a yellow for Germany through a rash foul on Mensah.

The first half ended with neither side being able to capitalize on some brilliant chances.

Germany got the second 45 underway and dominated proceedings early. However, the pace of the game seemed to have slipped slightly as Germany decided to be a little more patient with their build up. And the patience paid off in the 60th minute when Ozil fired in an absolute stunner from just outside the box – a shot that went past the Ghana shot-stopper straight into the top corner.

What followed was a surge of urgency by Ghana, who threw themselves forward in numbers in search for an equalizer. Low decided to shuffle things a little, bringing on Hamburg playmaker Trochowski for Muller in the 67th minute and Jansen for Boateng in the 73rd and Kroos for Schweinsteiger in the 80th.

Ghana, carrying the hopes of the entire continent gave it their all in the final few minutes at Soccer City. But the German defence was over-powering and the game ended with the score staying 1-0.

With the win, Germany finish top of Group D, and will face England in what promises to be a mouth-watering knock-out game.