Serbia Wasteful Against Ghana; Germany With Chance To Take Control

Serbia’s ‘White Eagles’ faced off in the group D opening game today against Ghana’s ‘Black Stars.’ Serbia, on paper, have a technically superior squad, and despite carving Ghana open on numerous occasions early on, were unable to exert their authority on the African team. Battling midfield performances from Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwadwo Asamoah and Anthony Annan, along with a strong defensive display from Isaac Vorsah, allowed the Ghanaians to soak up the pressure and also build decent attacks through speedy outlets in the forms of Prince Tagoe and Asamoah Gyan.

Serbia had Aleksandr Lukovic sent off for repeated fouling as he picked up two bookings. Then, Ghana made their numbers count. The game essentially turned over, and it was Serbia who were under pressure. Ghana finally made the breakthrough when Zdravko Kuzmanovic handled the ball in his own area, and a penalty kick was awarded. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s most prolific player in the current side, step up and slotted it past Stojkovic in Serbia’s goal.

Now, Ghana sit top of group D ahead of Germany’s match with Australia. Should Germany also win, and preferably by more than one goal, Germany will push ahead of Ghana on goal difference. Serbia, though, seem slightly out of the race for progressing to the knockout rounds, as they are unlikely to get a result against Germany. Ghana, now, must be favourites to progress, where they will most likely face England.

GROUP D
Ghana – PTS: 3 GD: +1
Germany – PTS: 0 GD: 0
Serbia – PTS: 0 GD: -1
Australia – PTS: 0 GD: 0