Germany vs Ghana

23/6/10 Soccer City, Johannesburg

Stadium: an attendance of 83 000

Germany 1-0 Ghana

Goal Scorer: Mesut Ozil

It was one of the most tremendous soccer matches in this World Cup. It was worth watching, nail biting and it was also clean play, as the referee didn't feel the need to show us his evil side. 

I've watched three world cups properly, and I don't know why people keep saying the Germans only defend. These guys only play in the midfield. The Ghanaians definitely had one up on this young team, who kept losing the ball in the first half. It was almost 'oh no! please' soccer, where you keep shouting at the TV screen, because you're worried that they are going to lose. Ghana had enough chances, alright, they only needed a draw, but I was rather happy that they didn't get any goals in. They are a brilliant soccer team, and the better than all these other African sides.

You need fresh talent, and you also need experience. The Germans missed Klose, and I think they missed Ballack too. The rest of the team can be sprightly, but Muller was a bit unsteady and Ozil couldn't score sometimes. Philip Lahm is a leader by his never ending play, he is always dashing down to the front and made a prolific save. He is a person and a player of much merit.

Then, after almost an eternity, there was the Mesut Ozil goal. It was breathtaking. Brother, may Allah bless you. You are brilliant. It was as if the entire stadium sighed, both in raptures at the strike and in relief. You need to resilient to play the Ghanaians, because they are both strong and fast. Truth be told, the Germans could have lost. They barely scraped by. 

Well done to both teams.

Ghana will face the USA in the next round and Germany the English.

On the teams next clash with Deutschland, Frank Lampard said its "a huge glamour game".