Germany contests its 2nd Group G match today versus Ghana. While Ghana, similar to most of the African Federation world cup teams in Brazil, has disappointed so far, the squad has the talent and fight to make this an exciting matchup. Here are some of our musings and match facts ahead of the match.
Pressing the reset button
Historically, the Germans have been challenged with staying focused throughout the duration of international competitions. Surprisingly, the dip in focus and form usually occurs the second match into the group stages. In Euro 2008, Germany fell to Croatia (after a sound victory vs. Austria) in its 2nd match and in South Africa (WC2010), the team lost to Serbia after an inspirational win against Australia. With Ghana out for blood and in ‘do or die’ mode after falling to the U.S. boys, Germany needs to keep their eye on the ‘winning the group’ prize and treat the Ghana match like their first one.
Celebrating Özil
Mesut Özil was the difference maker in Germany’s last world cup match vs. Ghana. His lethal strike in the 59th minute of the must win last group match solidified his standing as a ‘up and comer’ on the global soccer scene. In fact, due to his performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Özil ensured his place among Europe’s top young talents and was sought by teams like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. On August 17th, 2010, his German club Werder Bremen announced that they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Özil’s transfer. He now plays for Arsenal along side national team colleagues Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.
Match Facts
- Germany will play its 101st world cup match compared to Ghana’s 14th which qualified for a 3rd world cup in a row
- Last time Germany lost to an African side at the World Cup was way back in 1982 against Algeria
- Since 1994, Germany have won their second World Cup group game only once that was against Poland in 2006 (whichTRF attended in Dortmund with his daddy!)
My dad and I celebrating Oliver Neuville’s extra time winner versus Poland in the 2nd match of Germany’s 2006 World Cup campaign
Four of the last six World Cup goals conceded by Ghana have come from set-pieces … Germany has one of the tallest teams!
- Today is Germany and Ghana’s third meeting. Germany emerged winners on both previous encounters, 6-1 in a friendly in 1993 and 1-0 in group stage at the 2010 World Cup
- All seven goals scored by Germany against Ghana have come after the 60th minute
Predictions
Germany will break its curse of bad 2nd match group performances and add 3 points to its WC 2014 tally. 2:1 the final score with Mesut Özil reminding the world that he’s top class.
