FIFA World Cup 2010: Germany Vs Ghana Preview

Ghana and Germany meet on Thursday in a crucial group D match which will help decide which teams from the group will advance to the round of 16.

ne of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany began well by thrashing Australia, 4-0.  Thereafter they had a wretched match against minnows, Serbia, which they lost after being to reduced to 10 men and also missing a penalty. Ghana beat Serbia in their first match, and drew against Australia, Asamoah Gyan scoring off  a penalty in each of those matches.

Germany’s star player Klose got a second yellow card in the Serbia game, for a seemingly innocuous foul, and was sent off. After conceding a goal to the Serbian team, Germany  were fortunate to be awarded a penalty. Pudolski missed it, with a tame shot that the Serbian goalie was able to save, and Germany never recovered after that, going down by the solitary goal.Thomas Muller and Mesut Oezil who were so impressive against Australia could not repeat that performance against Serbia. Germany will not only want to win against Ghana, not only to help qualify for the next round, but also to redeem their reputation with their fans whose hopes were raised after Germany’s demolition of Australia.

Ghana have not felt the absence of their star player, Michael Essien, so far, but they will be tested by a superior team in Germany, and while Asamoah Gyan has delivered in penalty kicks , he is no match for Essien in open play. Also, how Ghana’s defence will cope with Thomas Muller, Mesut Oezil and Cacau cannot be imagined.

Mesut Oezil was brilliant against Australia, an attacking midfielder who plays just behind the striker, and Germany will expect him to play a strong hand to help them qualify. Ghana are likely to tail him closely, and given the physical nature of their game, Oezil will have his hands full.

samoah Gyan with 2 goals in 2 matches in second place along with  David Villa and Diego Forlan in contention for the Golden Boot award. His prolific goal scoring for Ghana has made him one of the most valuable players of his team. 
Germany’s Miroslav Klose will miss the game, having been red-carded against Serbia. Cacau is likely to take his place.

Schweinstiger and Khedira are the midfield protection provided to the four at the back. They are also capable of attacking. Cacau can also expect support from Muller and Podolski while feeding the ball to the strikers, Lahm and Badstuber.

Ghana may find it hard to cope with Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller on the right. Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari may therefore be inducted into the starting eleven, for Ghana. Also, veteran defenders John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah are likely to return to the side.

The result against Serbia must be viewed as an aberration, and Germany did not play badly on the day, but were just unlucky to get a couple of bad breaks. Ghana would be aware of what Germany are capable of achieving, especially in their current state as wounded lions, out to prove a point.

Tags: Australia, Germany, golden boot, Preview, Result

Category: FIFA World Cup, Football