Ozil, Germany Down Ghana 1-0, Win Group D

A second half curler from Mesut Ozil, slicing the ball around Richard Kingson from 20 yards out, gave Germany a 1-0 win over Ghana and first place in Group D.

Ghana also advances to the knockout stage of World Cup 2010, their goal difference allowing the Black Stars to advance on a tiebreaker over Australia.

Attacking midfielder Mesut Özil has put Germany up 1-0 and temporarily top of Group D, him left-footed shot from 20 yards out reclaiming the group for the favorites.

Ghana had held Germany in check through the first hour until Özil was spotted at the top of the arc. The midfielder calmly curled a ball inside Richard Kingson’s right post to put Germany up 1-0.

Germany has had the better of possession and chances, but Ghana has shown themselves dangerous against the Group D favorites as the teams go into halftime drawn 0-0.

Germany has put three shots on goal to Ghana’s one, but the Black Stars have come close to connecting on chances a number of time through Kwadwo Asamoah, the attacking midfielder and forward Asamoah Gyan just barely off in connecting their passes.

Germany, Going Forward: The Nationalmannschaft will be without Miroslav Klose, who received two early yellow cards against Serbia. Some followers of German soccer will consider that a blessing, given Klose’s struggles over the last 12 months. But the absence of a man with 11 World Cup goals, who led the 2006 tournament in goals, will be felt.

How The Match Turns: Ghana does not have enough going forward to knock Germany onto their heals, which means the Black Stars could find themselves having to absorb the full weight of the Germany attack. Ghana will need something against the run of play - a set piece, or a direct kick - to slow down the Germans. If they don’t get it, this match won’t turn.