Endangered they may have been, but Germany do not do early exits from World Cups. They have not fallen at the first hurdle in any tournament since 1938 and a proud tradition was extended by one of the newest addition to their ranks. That Mesut Ozil has enviable amounts of ability was apparent when he orchestrated the elegant demolition of Australia in their opening game. That he possesses the temperament to accompany his talent was proven when, with one glorious swing of his left foot, he defeated Ghana to seal progress.
Germany's journey may yet end at Soccer City, but in the final rather than the group stage. First, however, they have to overcome England. Old acquaintances are becoming a theme of their campaign. A subplot was provided by the presence of the first brothers to face each other in a World Cup, with Kevin-Prince Boateng in the Ghana midfield and Jerome Boateng brought into the German side at left-back.
To complicate matters, the pair had not spoken since the elder Boateng's FA Cup final tackle denied Michael Ballack a place at the World Cup. Reviled in Germany for that misjudged tackle, pariah status would have been cemented had a first-half header been glanced the other side of the far post. Whatever the recriminations, the Berlin-born Portsmouth player began with his trademark swagger. His team were more restrained, and with good reason. The knowledge that a draw would suffice to send Ghana into the round of 16 for the second successive World Cup meant the Black Stars did not have to be over-ambitious.
A combination of a five-man midfield and the considerable pace they possess suited a side equipped for a counter-attacking gameplan. Their ability to spring breaks suggested the Germans are susceptible to speed. Dede Ayew, arguably their outstanding performer in their first two games, continued in the same vein by supplying Asamoah Gyan with a chance. Bastian Schweinsteiger recovered to block. Nevertheless, it proved a profitable combination. First Gyan gave Ayew a clear run on goal, though the winger was unable to get the ball on his preferred left foot to shoot.
Then, in a swift role reversal, Ayew's corner was met by the rising Gyan while Manuel Neuer, German goalkeeper, flailed at thin air. Philipp Lahm was given sentry duty on the goalline and the captain preserved parity by deflecting Gyan's header away. Carlos Simon, the referee, determined it was with his chest, but replays indicated the arm could have been used as well. Victims of an unfortunate red card against Serbia, when Miroslav Klose was dismissed, Germany may have had an official reprieve. Unhurried but confident, the Euro 2008 finalists had started positively.
The raiding Lukas Podolski cut a cross back to the edge of the six-yard box where Jonathan Mensah diverted it towards the net. Richard Kingson, the Ghana goalkeeper, reacted to turn the ball away. With Cacau, who was deputising for the suspended Klose, alone in attack, Joachim Loew's side were looking to launch midfield raiders forward at every opportunity. The most dangerous of them, Ozil, escaped the Ghanaian defence for the clearest chance of the first half. His low shot was repelled by Kingson.
He was well protected, but the Europeans' greater need meant there was more room at the opposite end of the pitch. Ghana should have exploited it. Gyan won a flick-on, sending Kwadwo Asamoah through. Much as Kingson had done earlier, Neuer reacted positively, surging off his line to block the resulting shot. Yet, as long as Serbia's game with Australia remained goalless, Loew's was an awkward decision: to stick or twist?
The attempt to find a successful blend entailed possession and pressure, without qualifying as gung-ho attacking. And then, in an instant, the dilemma was resolved, beautifully and brilliantly. Thomas Muller squared the ball from the right to Ozil, who unleashed a left-footed shot of power and precision, arcing it beyond Kingson. This was a goal for which he could not be faulted. And with that, the pendulum swung.
Ghana became the vulnerable side, Germany the team capable of sitting back. The Africans' response was to introduce Sulley Muntari, a man who was almost sent home after the Australia game. He was unable to engineer a turnaround, but Ghana progress anyway. Just. * Compiled by Richard Jolly
