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2010 World Cup: Ghana 1-1 Australia - Report

Angela Asante, June 19 2010,
Ghana and Australia both failed to reach their target on Saturday afteroon as they played out a goalless draw to leave Group D still very much undecided. Harry Kewell got sent off midway through the first half but Ghana couldn't punish the Socceroos with a comeback win.

Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah and Australia's Harry Kewell falling.
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Ghana vs Australia, First Half: Bad Luck Punishes The Socceroos.

The Australians displayed a totally different performance from the poor one they put up against Germany last week. But their recklessness, which earned them a host of bookings on Match-day One, was still there. Harry Kewell asked for a penalty in the early minutes of the game whereas it was clear he had brought down Kwadwo Asamoah in the box before faking a fall. Holman produced another ‘rugby tackle’ on Ghana’s German-born Kevin-Prince Boateng for which he got warned.

Soon after though, the yellow and green crowd at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium erupted in joy when Holman banged a goal into Ghana’s net to offer Australia a vital lead after only 12 minutes of play. The goal came in after Bresciano’s free-kick bounced off Ghana’s goalkeeper and birthday boy Richard Kingson. Australia's number 14 was there to fire the ball in the top corner of the net on the rebound. This gave the Australians a perfect start in their battle for survival.

 

The Black Stars understood the alert and instantly became more adventurous on the offensive. They had problems advancing though, as Kevin-Prince Boateng was more disappointing than effective in midfield. But the most crucial moment of the game soon arrived at the rescue of the Ghanaians who were then being led by a goal to nil.Ghana's Jonathan Mensah appeals for handball.

At the horror of the Australian soccer team, ‘Wizard of Oz’ talisman Harry Kewell was flashed a straight red card for preventing Jonathan Mensah’s shot on target with his right arm. The referee ordered the number 10 ace to walk off the pitch before allowing Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan to place the ball on the spot. The Rennes striker had the opportunity to score his second goal of the 2010 World Cup with yet another penalty, and he didn’t miss it. Luck had saved the Black Stars again.

Game on! Australia and Ghana were then leveled to one goal apiece. Harry Kewell’s 24th minute dismissal had turned the game around at the benefit of the Black Stars. Kevin-Prince Boateng had a low shot punched away, while Asamoah Gyan and Prince Tagoe also came close to putting Ghana in the lead before half time.

Ghana vs Australia, Second Half: Mission Unaccomplished For The Black Stars

The Black Stars were determined to keep the Australians under pressure. As early as at the 48th minute, Kwadwo Asamoah fancied his chance with a long range shot which couldn’t match his impressive run through the midfield. Two minutes later, Asamoah Gyan again tested Mark Schwarzer in his goal post but the Fulham goalkeeper managed to deal with the ball.

Milovan Rajevac’s men restricted themselves from moving upfront so as not to give space to the Australians at the back. Unfortunately for the Ghanaians, their shots from long distances couldn’t trouble Australia’s goalkeeper. Chipperfield came on in the 66th minute and almost immediately made his mark through a free-header which flew high over the bar. But the Socceroos’ greatest chance fell onto Wilkshire.

Agonizingly for Australia, the player awfully failed to beat goalkeeper Richard Kingson despite being one on one; still 1-1 after 72 minutes gone. With the Australians converting their desire to stay in 2010 World Cup through multiple attacks, the Ghanaians were forced to play defensively.

Ghana in action against Australia.But Ghana also had their say with seconds of normal time to go. Substitute Amoah won a free-kick for his side which Muntari took. Defender Jonathan Mensah got on the end of it but his header missed the target. Muntari individually went for goal as well. However, his volley went over the bar.

The game ended on a bad note for the Black Stars with defender John Paintsil needing attention from the medical staff. The Ghanaian player was left effortless on the ground with his nose gravely bleeding following a knock he received from an Australian player during a fight for the ball. The other disappointing news was that Ghana couldn’t capitalize on Australia’s numerical disadvantage to eventually win the game and ultimately reach the Round of 16.

Australia are virtually out from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Only a 3 or 4 goal margin win against Serbia will save them from an early exit. Meanwhile, Ghana need at least a draw against Germany to qualify from Group D.


 

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