German coach Joachim Low had warned his side about ‘second game syndrome’ but his players were not listening, as they were given a big scare before drawing 2-2 with Ghana in Fortaleza.
Ghana sat back for the first 20 minutes and played on the counter, but as the half wore on the African side grew in confidence.
There were few clear-cut chances for Germany in the opening 45 minutes, as the Europeans struggled to get the right delivery to Thomas Muller or Mario Gotze.
It was scoreless at the break, but Germany finally opened the scoring in the 51st minute, when Muller put a cross in and Gotze put the ball in with his left foot from close range.
The lead lasted barely three minutes, however, as Germany got caught at the back with a cross from defender Harrison Afful headed in by Andre Ayew, who also scored Ghana’s goal in a 2-1 loss to the United States in the opening game.
The goal energised the Ghanaians, who pushed forward and scored the critical goal in the 63rd minute, when Sulley Muntari put a beautiful through ball to Asamoah Gyan, and the striker buried the ball in the net past German keeper Manuel Neuer.
Low brought on veteran striker Miroslav Klose, and two minutes later Klose tapped in Mats Hummels header from two yards out to level the scores.
The goal, Klose’s 15th at the World Cup, also brought him level with Brazilian great Ronaldo for the most goals scored by a player at World Cup finals.
It also made him the third player to score at four World Cup finals, joining Brazil’s Pele, and fellow German Uwe Seeler.
There were chances for both sides in the remaining time, with Muller having the best chance before defender Kwadwo Asamoah made an inch-perfect tackle in the penalty area to clear the danger.
A free kick right on full-time gave a final chance for Germany, but Toni Kroos could not find the net, ensuring the draw.
The draw puts Germany on four points from two games, with Ghana on one. The United States (three points) play Portugal (zero points) on Monday morning (AEST).
source:abc.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 