The World Cup of upsets continues, and the Group of Death is living up to every bit of hype that's been created since the December drawing.
The first half didn’t provide much action. Both teams had chances, but they weren’t anything the keepers of either team couldn’t handle. But the second half brought all the drama that was lacking in the first 45 minutes.
Ghana looked a little slow coming out of the half and Germany capitalized. A splendid cross from Thomas Müller found a cutting Mario Götze who put Germany on top.
The Black Stars were awakened by the German lead and responded in a hurry. Andre Ayew, found his second equalizer of the tournament, flicking on a spectacular cross that whizzed passed German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
This time, Ghana didn’t let their equalizer go to waste. 2010 World Cup hero Asamoah Gyan buried a German turnover to give the Black Stars a 2-1 lead and tied him with Roger Milla's goal record for an African country.
The tension rose and the entire stadium felt the upset brewing. Then Joachim Löw subbed in pure goal scorer Miroslav Klose, and it didn’t take long for him to tie Ronaldo’s World Cup goal record. The first touch for the 36 year-old striker resulted in an equalizer for Germany.
The next 20 minutes were tense. It was a back and forth affair in a hot atmosphere in Fortaleza, where it was 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Both teams had their chances. Ghana had a five on two break which was spoiled by an offside pass, and Germany had several plays into the box which included another strike from Klose which he pushed wide.
The 2-2 result does a number of things. Aside from adding more drama to the group, the U.S. can advance to the round of 16 with a win against Portugal tomorrow in Manaus. Germany will go into their next game against the U.S. without having clinched a spot in the next round and Ghana will go into their next game against Portugal not being eliminated. Ghana showed they can compete with anyone and should never be counted out of a game. They don't quit and you can expect them to bring everything they have against Portugal on June 26th. Tomorrow's match between the U.S. and Portugal will paint a clearer picture for all the teams involved. But really, it's simple. If you want to get out of the group, just win.
