World Cup: Ghana vs Germany Preview

TALENT

The Germans will need a victory over Group D leader Ghana to advance while the Africans only need a draw to move into the knockout phase. A loss for Ghana however could be fatal, especially if Serbia beats Australia, but they can still advance with a loss if Serbia and Australia plays to a draw. Ghana is effectively Africa’s last hope as the Ivory Coast approach a near insurmountable goal difference, and the trio of South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon are already out. This matchup will showcase Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana against his half brother Jerome Boateng of Germany. It was also a tackle by Boateng on German captain Michael Ballack in the English FA Cup that knocked him out of the World Cup.

Germany’s general manger Oliver Bierhoff has already made it clear that they are not playing Ghana’s Boateng but Ghana themselves and survival. The Germans attack is most effective when going wide and playing in from the wing, Thomas Muller’s passing from the right is an important element, allowing the team to go down his side and use opposite winger Lukas Podolski as more of a goal scoring threat. Germany’s manager Joachim Loew squad is under a lot of pressure but should be able to count on striker Podolski, defender Philpp Lahm, and midfielders Mueller, and Mesut Oezil to step up and have good games. Striker Miroslav Klose will miss the game due to his red card against Serbia and he could be replaced by the Brazilian-born striker Cacau or Mario Gomez.

The Black Stars and Africa will need for Boateng to make an impact and one that requires skills not that of just taking out Ballack. Ghana will see the return of its central defenders Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah and will be vital to helping Anthony Annan slow down the Germans and protect their defense. Ghana however hasn’t scored from open play yet this tournament and needs forward Asamoah Gyan to lead the attack in this matchup if they hope to win. Ghana has created enough chances in their first two games, but hasn’t been able to capitalize on them.

The two teams have only met once before, with Germany scoring six second-half goals in their 6-1 win back in a friendly in 1993. The three-time champions have never gone home after the group stage.

PICK: Germany