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Ghana vs. Germany
By
John J. Raspanti
Surprise leaders of Group D Ghana face their toughest test when they tangle with
a German team that is still coming to grips with its heartbreaking 1-0 loss to
the scrappy Serbians. Ghana is still on a roll despite a bit of a disappointment
in their most recent game a 1-1 tie with Australia. The Germans had looked
unstoppable after hammering Australia 4-0, then were shocked by Serbia. Germany
needs a win to assure advancing following their loss, while Ghana sits pretty
with a total of 4 points followed by Germany and Serbia with three apiece and
Australia one heading into the final day. Despite losing their last game the
Germans are a strong and determined bunch. If anything they are not lacking in
confidence, remaining very optimistic despite an unconvincing display against
Serbia. Coach Joachim Loew and Captain Philipp Lahm have both said Germany will
advance "100 per cent"
The question is what German team will show up? The three-time champions have
never gone home after the group stage. A desperate team, feeling the pressure
can sometimes produce two possible performances. They can be tight and make
silly mistakes or...they rise to the occasion and perform admirably. Expect this
from the proud Germans.
The game also has a different kind of drama connected to it as half brothers
Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jerome Boateng go head to head. Revenge could also be a
trigger as Ghana's Boateng figure's to be targeted since it was his tackle in
the FA Cup final with Portsmouth that knocked Germany captain Michael Ballack
out of the World Cup with an injured ankle.
Ghana knows a tie gets them to the next round, so one has to wonder if their
desire to win will be as high as Germany. Regardless expect them to be scrappy
as always and fight the Germans tooth and nail. The Black Stars received some
good news before their tie that John Mensah and Issac Vorsah are healthy enough
to return to their positions in the back four. The Ghanaians will also be
looking to get their attack untracked, having yet to score from open play.
The only previous meeting between these nations came in a 1993 friendly. Germany
did all its scoring in the second half of a 6-1 victory.
The Germans have history on there side, while Ghana has youthful exuberance and
energy. Look for a tactical and highly competitive game, with the more desperate
Germans finding a way to squeeze out a victory.
Average Odds from Top Sportsbooks
Germany -190
Ghana +530
Draw +290
