FIFA World Cup 2014: Germany 2-2 Ghana

With the major European powerhouses having disappointing tournaments in Brazil, Germany one of the favourites looked to be on course to entering the Round of 16 with ease.However, the 2010 semi finalists survived yet another scare of the tournament against Ghana as they came from behind to grab a vital point in a magnficient second half.Four goals were scored in the second half as a sensational second half ended with no clear picture of which two teams might progress to the Round of 16.Here are five talking points from the match.

#1 The most entertaining draw of this World Cup

Ghana came into the match needing at least a point to ensure their survival in the world cup after their opening match defeat to USA. Germany needed a win to confirm their progress to the next round. Hence, the stakes were high for both the teams.

It was a tale of two halves. The first half saw both the teams playing with caution, dominating possession and creating chances which they couldnt convert. Despite there being no goals in the first half it was still an intriguing tie to say the least.

The game burst into life in the second half though when Gotze put Germany ahead. Goals from Ayew and Gyan in the 54th and 63rd minutes had the West African nation on the brink of a landmark victory. By this point of time Ghana were dominating the game in terms control and goal scoring chances. However, they were undone by a Miroslav Kloses sliding finish from a corner kick. There were chances aplenty for both teams to finish victorious.

It was an entertaining and enthralling duel in the second half between the two teams trying to get all three points. Even though a draw, it proved to be an edge of the seat thriller and one of the best matches of the tournament so far.

#2 Ghanas resilience and discipline

Germany had decimated Portugal in their opening game by over powering and out muscling them in the midfield and going forward. Ghana needed to be at their physical and tactical best to contain the talented German side.

The Ghanaian side were brilliant in the midfield as well as defense continuously pressing and negating the spaces for Germany to exploit. They functioned as a unit to ensure that Die Mannschaft wouldn’t run riot as they are known to be capable of.

This was a far more accomplished, energetic and determined performance from Ghana than they produced in their opening contest against the USA. Apart from being disciplined in defense, Ghana were fantastic going forward also.

Being a physical side also helped in outmuscling their German opponents in this match. The back four continuously made interceptions, clearances and last ditch tackles to thwart Muller and co in the first half. Apart from a couple of lapses of concentration for the two German goals, the Ghanaian backline held strong for the draw.

#3 Chink in Germanys armor

Germany are one of the best sides going forward as they are blessed with technical and versatile players in the midfield. However, it is their defense that might bring their downfall in crunch games.

Ghana exposed Germany’s defensive vulnerability especially in the second half after they equalized. The Ghanaian tactics involved attacking the German defense from the flanks and counter attacking through the middle with pace. Time and again Boateng and Howedes were put under pressure by Ghanaian wingbacks and forwards who would drop wide, create space and then either cross into the penalty box or move the ball to the centre to pressurize the centre backs. A perfect example was Ghana’s first goal when Afful (Ghana’s right back) launched a ball from the wing toward a defense matched three-on-three with Ghanaian attackers.

Even Die Mannschaft’s center backs looked uncomfortable against the physicality and pace of the Gyan and Ayew. There were instances especially in the second half with Ghana on the attack where Mertesacker and Hummels were struggling to control the backline. The second goal was a classic counter attack where the defense was caught in transition by Ghana, Gyan scored the goal after being played in by a ball between the two Centre backs.

Loew will have to definitely look to strengthen the defense soon, as Klinsmann led USA would look to exploit any weaknesses.

#4 A World Cup full of Surprises

This has been one of the most open World Cups in distant memory which has been filled surprises and shock results. Teams who had been written off as soon as the group pools were made have produced performances that has made this tournament the most exciting one.

The same can be said of Group G, which has turned out to be the second group of death after Group D. USA and Ghana were considered the lightweights in this group. However, based on Ghanas brilliant, determined and magnificent performance against Germany today , this group might well see a three way battle for the top 2 positions.

Germany lead the table, however with USA yet to face Portugal it would prove to be an interesting battle on the final day of group matches.

#5 Germanys Plan B and Kloses record equalizer

With ‘ False 9’ being Loew’s favored formation this tournament it was interesting to observe the tactics being changed when Ghana took the lead. With the front 4 being largely ineffective in front of goal, Loew decided to bring in Klose for the final 20 minutes who would serve as a target man. The move immediately paid off when Klose scored a goal from 2 yards out from a corner kick. Klose also had a chance late which he shot wide of the goal that would have definitely won the match for Die Mannschaft.

With more teams likely to adopt to tactics similar to Ghana, it is important for Loew and Germany that there is a Plan B to break down dogged teams.

Miroslav Klose scoring the historic goal equalized with Brazilian legend Ronaldo for most World Cup goals. It’s a testament to the 36 year old who has been one of the most successful German players on the International stage. However, the most important thing for Germany is that Klose looks fit and hungry to score more and this will serve well when the team needs a winner.