On June 21st, Germany and Ghana travel to the Estádio Castelão to continue their World Cup campaign. The two sides started their World Cup very differently. Germany had as good a start to the tournament as they could have possibly wished for with a 4-0 dismantling of Portugal. Between a Thomas Muller hat-trick and a Pepe red card, Germany strolled to a 4-0 win, putting them in firm control of group G.
Ghana started the group with a game they couldn’t afford to lose against the USA. Sadly for the them they did just that falling 2-1 against the Americans. After conceding just 29 seconds into the game, Ghana dominated the rest of the game. They equalized in the 82nd minute but had their hearts broken with an 86th minute winner for the USA from John Brooks. If Germany comes out with a victory, they will eliminate Ghana and put themselves in poll position to win the group.
Team News
Michael Essien is the only injury worry for Ghana as he missed training with a toe injury. Essien didn’t start vs the United States when he was fit so it would be a surprise if they were to start him against the Germans. After his strong cameo off the bench, it would be a surprise if Kevin Prince Boateng wasn’t on from the start. Germany look like they will be without centre-back Mats Hummels.
Interesting Statistics
This is the second World Cup in a row where Germany and Ghana have been paired in the same group. In the 2010 World Cup, Germany came out 1-0 winners via a wonder strike from Mesut Ozil winning the Germans the group. The only other time the two met was in an international friendly in 1993 where Germany won 6-1. Germany have only won their second group game once in the last five World Cups.
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