The Malta Independent on Sunday
Germany held by Ghana in exciting draw
Ghana held Germany to a 2-2 draw yesterday despite veteran striker Miroslav Klose coming on as a substitute to tie the World Cup scoring record with the equaliser.
Klose now has 15 career World Cup goals, equaling the mark set by former Brazil star Ronaldo.
In the sweltering heat and humidity of the Arena Castelao, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was forced to make two big, diving saves to protect his goal from Ghana’s ambitious attacks.
Christian Atsu’s low cross from the right was fired high by Asamoah Gyan in the sixth minute. On the other side, Toni Kroos had his shot blocked by John Boye.
Mohammed Rabiu tested Neuer in the 13th but the keeper dived to turn the ball away. Neuer did the same when Sulley Muntary fired from some 20 metres in the 33rd.
Mario Goetze then tried to find Thomas Mueller but the Ghana defence bundled the ball out.
Ghana goalie Dauda was also in action saving low shots from Khedira and Gotze.
The second half had a blistering start.
It was Germany who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Gotze scored off a Mueller cross, but Ghana equalised just four minutes later through a fine header from Andre Ayew.
Jochim Leow’s men were shocked when Gyan shot Ghana ahead in the 63rd minute after a lapse in the Germany defence.
But only eight minutes had passed and Germany were back on level terms. It was veteran Klose who equalised following a cornerkick action.
Six minutes from the end, it was Asamoah who saved Ghana, clearing in extremis to corner, before Mueller could hit home after being put through by Ozil.