The final games of Group D kicked off this evening with a chance of qualification remaining for all teams involved. Germany faced Ghana in a game where Ghana needed just a draw, and Serbia played Australia in a must win match for them.
Ghana had their chances and could have took the lead on a few occasions, as could have Germany, but the game remained at 0-0 for a long time. But just as it looked like it would end that way Ozil smashed in a screamer from long-range to put the Germans ahead and send them to the top of the Group.
Despite some more chances to equalize for Ghana, Germany held onto their lead to secure the three points.
Ghana were hoping for at least a draw to make sure they qualified, but that was only if Serbia beat Australia in the other game, a result that many predicted but one that didn’t come. Serbia got the better of Australia in the first half but the Aussie’s fought back in the second, and with less than half an hour to play Tim Cahill nodded them in front with a typical powerfully headed goal from the little man.
Holman then added a second for Australia as they began to believe they could go through, but they needed more goals to squeeze through on goal difference and those goals didn’t come. Serbia pulled one back, with Pantelic getting on the scoresheet, but both teams dropped out of the competition, with Serbia finishing bottom of the group after the 2-1 defeat.
Germany will now face England in the final 16 in what should be a great game with a lot of history and rivalry behind it, whilst Ghana will play the USA.
Tomorrow the fates of reigning champions Italy, minnows New Zealand and the stars of Netherlands, Denmark and Japan will all be decided.
