Germany v Ghana Match of the Day Live

Good evening. England are out, the world and European champions are

out, but Germany are 100 not out. Six minutes before the end and it

gave the World Cup to Germany. A goal. England really now under

terrible pressure. A goal. Muller, 2-1. Schumacher came out.

Is that the goal that brings the World Cup? Michael Balan might have

put Germany into the World Cup final.

It's 3-0. Muller is there. Yes the Germans have played more

World Cup matches than any other nation. Mind you, they haven't won

it for 24 years. They've started well here, though and arriving at

Fortaleza with confidence. Kevin Prince Boateng starts against his

half-brother Jerome. And the Ghana team are in good voice.

Great stuff. Let's remind ourselves of how things

stand in Group G. Here with us Alan Hansen, Thierry

Henry and Clarence Seedorf. Germany started well. They tend to score

four goals in their first game which makes life simpler. They're a really

good team. They haven't won for 24 years but I don't think there

good team. They haven't won for 24 years but I don't think is a team in

this competition yet that we can definitively say they're going to

win it but the Germans have a great chance. They seem to have a good

bunch of players at present. They've got this interesting movement to

their system. Well, it is, they've been playing with each other for a

long time, take that into consideration. Also Lahm in back of

the back four. When you have Ozil in the middle, and Muller in the box

that can score at any time, that's what happens. A big test for Ghana,

Clarence. A big test. A friend of mine said about the Germans, they're

efficient and effective. And that's really, really strong and they came

in and they showed it again. Ghana had a good second half and I am

happy that boat is starting because he just gave exactly what they

needed -- Boateng. We have seen most of the teams once or twice, the

betting is quite interesting now, because Germany who were third or

fourth favourites have gradually drifted up in people's expectations.

I think they're now joint second favourite with Argentina.

Considering the way Brazil and Argentina have stuttered at the

start, the Germans have been the most impressive. France. They've no

chance, the French! More chance than England, that's for sure. Brazil

have been relatively ordinary the two matches. Argentina today, Messi

scores a wonderful goal. For the first 90 minutes Iran probably had

better of the chances. They were no great shakes either. I think the

team we were expecting to perform ap open taerm performed -- only taerm

performed is Germany. And France. Expecting it. I was. I will give you

that one. Jason has caught up with a few fans outside the ground in

Fortaleza. A fantastic atmosphere here, 15,000

Germany fans have made the trip to this wonderful city. Is this the

year that Germany wins the World Cup? Of course. This will be the

year Germany will win. 100% sure. This afternoon we will beat, sorry

to say again, we will beat this afternoon let's say Ghana. We will

guess 3-0. What makes you confident about winning the tournament? Our

team this year is playing a fantastic role, I think. We started

very well on Monday afternoon. Playing against famous Ronaldo team.

But we have to say 4-0. The Ghana fans disagree. Of course I disagree.

We are the best in Africa, the best in the world, consistent from

Germany 2006, to South Africa 2010 and here in Brazil, we make sure

that we beat Germany. They are saying that with their big mouth

that no African team will beat them. There is always a first time. We are

Ghana, we are from Africa. I am confused, I don't know who's going

to win. We are with you mate.

The Wolf of Ghana. More on tonight's game in a moment, first the latest

from the England camp with Gabby. I bet it's a bundle of laughs there.

Yeah, nothing like Fortaleza right now as you would expect although

they're out but determined not to appear too down, the England

players, both at the hotel here and at training this morning there was

an air of trying to keep their heads up. Fans came to the hotel this

morning and players stood and signed autographs and posed for

photographs. At training it was intense as anything we have seen so

far. The mood was obviously a certain amount of defiance, they're

determined to go to the last game and get something from it. Even if

it's for pride, there may be a couple of players who never appear

in an England shirt again. I don't know if you can read too much into

the training session but it was interesting 15 players were involved

in this drill and off to one side not involved were the fullbacks and

Steven Gerrard, and Alex Chamberlain. Maybe Roy is getting to

ring the changes considerably. As for the press conference, Joe Hart

and Wayne Rooney were put up for that, as you would expect there was

an air of contrition and an acknowledgement the next few days

will be tough. Obviously we are hurting. Really disappointed to be

out of the tournament. I am sure you can imagine it's quite tough, a long

few days for us now. We have to try and pick ourselves up for this game

on Tuesday. We would like to thank them for their support, it meant

everything to us. We obviously can only apologise that we are not going

to take this country further in the tournament but I think the message

is also that we have left nothing out there on the field. We have give

everything in this tournament and just not quite been up to it when

required. I am never one to pull out of

squads, I always turn up and play for England when I am called upon

and you know, I have no desire whatsoever to stop doing that unless

I am told to, I will play for England until I am not selected.

Steven is a fantastic player, fantastic leader. He has been for

many years. We respect him 100%. He is a great leader for us. Roy is the

man to take us forward. In my opinion, he's changed the way we

play over the last couple of years and you can see the progression and

the results have been disappointing in the last two games, but as a team

we can feel we are getting better and I feel with the young lads in

the squad this will help them and hopefully in the future this will

make us a better team. So in a way it was a press

conference that threw up more questions than answers. If the team

were prepared better than ever, if they have faith in Roy going

forward, if they gave everything they had and left nothing on that

pitch, then what's going to change in the next two years to make sure

we are not having the same conversations in Euro 2016, if

indeed they qualify? Thank you very much, Gabby. Let's

head back to Fort -- Fortaleza. Thank you very much. After the

madness of the Mexican fans here in their match against Brazil, Germany

and Ghana fans now provide the Fortaleza fever. We have been

enjoying the atmosphere. The fans look magnificent. As to matters on

the pitch, the Germany coach has been urging his side against

complacency. They're too experienced and talented to get carried away. I

agree. The age of the squad and the team is quite low, not many, I think

Lahm is the oldest at 30, but they've lots of caps and experience.

A lot of these players have been playing in games week in, week out.

Around Brazil and talk to football pundits and ex-players, they think

that Germany can challenge Brazil and Argentina to win this tournament

outright. I agree. They always turn up at a big tournament. They've

superb players, great temperament. The first game against Portugal was

evidence of that. They kept a calm head when people were talking about

it being a big game. Belgium will be good, I like the look of them,

interesting to see how they evolve. Germany will be there or

thereabouts. What about conditions, it's baking here today? I have

travelled around, I went for a walk this morning and it was 31C. Some

people are saying that will play to Ghana's hands. I think the German

players with a bigger game experience will keep the ball better

and get the Ghana team running around. It could have a detrimental

effect on Ghana. They simply cannot lose this match. They can't and

watching them against United States of America they lacked creativity.

They struggled to open them up. Atsu was good on the wing. They've

brought Boateng into play, he gave them something extra. I played with

him at Tottenham, he has good dribbling skwils. - skills. I am

pleased to see him start today. Thank you very much. Enjoy it and

Gary, one other final point, Germany have actually built their own luxury

training complex here, about 1,000 miles from Fortaleza. How is that

for German efficiency? They probably knew they'd last more

than two games! It's a disappointing tournament for the five African

nations taking part with the Ivory Coast providing a win in seven

games. Ghana were a penalty kick away from reaching the semifinals

four years ago. Can they provide a shock tonight?

A chance for Dempsey Group G looked one of the tournament's toughest

before it began. For Ghana it's now even trickier thanks to a first game

defeat to the USA. We had a good game. Unfortunately, we lost to

them. Looking at the positive we did very well. If we move the first five

minutes and last five minutes it will be a perfect game. But football

is 90 minutes and every minute is important. We are disappointed

because we know we could have won and should have won. If we lose this

game we have no chance. So we want to qualify to the next stage so this

game is very important for us. That match puts the Black Stars

against the small matter of a Germany side fresh from beating

Portugal 4-0. At least Ghana should know what to expect. They faced this

side four years ago. It's definitely an interesting game. Even in South

Africa we were like one of the teams who could really hurt the Germans.

Hope we can prove it again. They won the first game convincingly. Germany

are ready. I think even to go to the final. Today may be a battle of

half-brothers, Kevin Prince Boateng could line up against Jerome. Both

were born in Berlin and Kevin Prince played 41 times for Germany youth

teams before switching allegiance to Ghana. It's always strange, of

course. It's like your brother, your flesh and blood. But we are

professional enough to know that at this moment we are not brothers, we

are opponents. Should have won the first game. We

didn't. We have to do everything to come out of this situation. It is as

simple as that. If we don't go through, we didn't deserve to go

through. We have, like, the perfect mix between young and old players,

experienced players. I believe in the Black Stars.

GARY LINEKER: This is how they line-up tonight.

One thing they will need is a better start than they got in the first

game against America. It is like a training exercise. It comes from a

throw-in. And you watch the Ghana team - they go in nearly a circle.

It is like a training exercise where you have somebody from the

opposition going in the middle and that is Dempsey. He goes into the

middle. Picks the ball up. He does really well. The play here

is excellent. The defending is non-existent. It's a great goal.

They got off to a torrid start. You have Brooks, nobody is blocking him.

He makes a run. You have to do better than that. The warning signs

are there because where he heads it into the back of the net, it is

virtually the same position again. I feel, four years ago, they had a lot

more pace about them than they did against the USA. There was some

nice, intricate play. At times, they flattered? Absolutely. They had some

good speed, especially in the second half. First half, this was the only

player that was giving something extra, but not really efficient.

Falling down like that is not really nice to see. The right side was the

most dangerous side in the first half. This player, he was the only

one creating something, trying to make things happen. You know, poor

crosses, poor finishes. Second half, actually, this is where they started

to be more aggressive on the half of the United States. Boateng changed

that. Great play here. He was playing between the lines, giving

them some more options. At the end, they had that little... It is a game

we watched, Thierry. They have given themselves a lot to do? You can't

concede a goal at the beginning of the game like that. If you do the

same against Germany, you won't come back. I think Boateng will be the

key today playing against his brother. It will be a family thing.

They have to do better. Overall, if they don't talk, lack of

concentration against the Germans, you will pay. The start is all

important. They have to be solid early on. They have to do better

than they did last time. Jason's friend has made it into the ground.

Here he is. The star of the World Cup so far!

Let's hope he has something to cheer about later. The German line-up is

formidable: They have no recognised striker

again, but who needs one with Thomas Muller playing the number 9 role to

perfection! Thomas Muller has scored seven goals in his last four World

Cup matches and he's almost as lethal as his namesake.

Gom gom and Muller has sealed it! -- COMMENTARY:

And Muller has sealed it! Muller again. 3-0. And again. Power! Muller

scores. Number 13 has done it again. Muller is there. What a goal zwRsmt

it's a hat-trick. -- what a goal! It's a hat-trick. It is his eighth

World Cup goal. Gerd Muller was unbelievable. I grew

up watching him play. You two probably are way too young to have

seen too much of him. We saw some tapes. Some tapes, but he has the

name to start with! And the number. Exactly. Pep Guardiola started to do

that at Barcelona with us. He changed the attitude of Thomas

Muller at Bayern Munich. Now, you can see him impressing in that

position. He is always in the box. If there is a ball that is bouncing,

he is always going to get it. He has the quality some time to dummy

people. He doesn't only score goals. I thought he was going to shoot

there. We have a touch map here and he was playing predominantly on the

right. As we see against England, he scores a goal against England. It is

a fantastic run. England are all over here. You see on the right-hand

side, great support, great run, comes in and scores. Get Great

desire. The touch map, he is all over the place.

THIERRY HENRY: Look at the goal. That is just being there, an

awareness. GARY LINEKER: Can I ask you your

thoughts on this fake 9, false 9. What are the positives and the

negatives? When it works, it is positive! When it doesn't work, you

are like, "Why is he not in the box?" You like that analysis?

ALAN HANSEN: Brilliant(!) He already has three goals in the

competition, after the first game. He does his job, right. If you have

someone like Muller who likes to get in the box, playing in that

position, it covers both sides. If you have a player that plays that

false 9 that doesn't get in the box... From a defender's

perspective, you want to have somebody to pick up. It is so much

easier if he is THERE. It makes defenders think.

CLARENCE SEEDORF: It is quite a modern way to use the strikers. It

is a lack of having a proper number 9. They have Klose on the bench but

he is getting on a bit. ALAN HANSEN: You have to be good to

make it work. THIERRY HENRY: Having Ozil around

helps a lot. GARY LINEKER: Germany versus Ghana

in Group G with Guy Mowbray and Danny Murphy.

GUY MOWBRAY: Welcome to the sweltering heat of Brazil's

north-east. Nearly 4.00pm, 29 degrees. A lot like home! This is

going to be warm work for the players. The stadium is designed to

reflect the heat from outside. We start with the song of the

Germans. # Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

Fur das deutsche Vaterland # Danach lasst uns alle streben

Bruderlich mit Herz und Hand # Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

Sind des Gluckes Unterpfand # Bluh' im Glanze dieses Gluckes

Bluhe, deutsches Vaterland. # # And make our nation great

and strong # Bold to defend forever

The cause of Freedom and of Right # Fill our hearts with true humility

Make us cherish fearless honesty # And help us to resist

oppressors' rule # With all our will and might

evermore Hail to thy name, O Ghana # A nation strong in Unity

With our gifts of mind and strength # Of arm Can I ask you your

thoughts on this fake 9, false 9. GUY MOWBRAY: The crowd advantage is

with Germany. A good number of those who have travelled to Brazil are in

Fortaleza. You know it is hot when you see German supporters sipping

water rather than a good beer! They don't have seasons in Fortaleza,

just days when the sunburns marginally brighter than others.

Germany are unchanged from their 4-0 win over Portugal and that means

Mats Hummels has been passed fit from a thigh injury picked up in

that game. His defensive partner, Per Mertesacker, becomes the 13th

player to reach 100 German appearances. Thomas Muller begins

his second half-century of games. He's scored 20 goals, eight in the

World Cup, seven in his last four matches.

The referee and his assistants are from Brazil. He was the first ref to

award a World Cup goal after the use of goal line technology. He also

sent off Palacios in that match. Changes were expected to the Ghana

team. There are three of them. In goal, Fatau Dauda's physicality has

earnt him a starting place. Harrison Afful takes over at right back and

there's a place for Kevin-Prince Boateng, all set to go head-to-head

with his half-brother, Jerome. Just as familiar to the Germany

players as his own team-mates. Jerome Boateng is one of six Bayern

Munich players in the Germany starting line-up. Kevin-Prince

Boateng of Ghana, plays in the Bundesliga with Schalke.

A glance at the coaches. Germany's start to the World Cup gave no

reason for their coach to be low. Ghana's could certainly have been

happier. Germany in all white, Ghana in the

red. Nothing to be decided for sure in this group today.

certainly see them eliminated. The other game in the group sees the USA

play Portugal tomorrow. Danny Murphy is alongside me to enjoy what we are

about to witness. Danny, the Germans are hot favourites. We have seen a

few upsets already. That's true. Interesting to see how Ghana set up,

whether they're going to try to press the ball early, win it back

early or pace themselves and build into the game. I would suggest the

latter with the conditions. Really pleased to see Kevin-Prince Boateng

play and I know a lot about him. He certainly has the capabilities of

opening up the German defence. They have to get the ball first.

Hummels got the other goal against Portugal to complement the

hat-trick. That will be a Ghana goal kick.

Ghana having already done better from the start than against the

United States on Monday. Interesting that they changed the

goalkeeper. I find that strange actually. Obviously he sees

something in this keeper he thinks might be relevant to play against

the Germans, I think that's a strange decision unless there is an

injury we don't know about. Khedira lost it and fouled his man.

Big late there from Khedira. Nothing too serious.

That's a Germany free kick. Muntari I think that was with the delivery,

he struggled with set-play the whole game against America. I think it was

Robbie Savage who commented on it and he was right, good delivery is

important. You are not going too get too many chances and that was poor

again. Not unexpected the game is being

played at a slow pace early on. Maybe Germany can change that now.

It was a good move. The Ghana back four got to be careful not to be too

high against quality opposition when they're pressing.

You mentioned how young the Germany squad is and yet for all that it has

loads of experience. 137 caps between them the first three alone.

It's remarkable really when you look and think there is experience but

they're all young and have many years ahead of them. It's scary for

the rest of Europe really! The Belgians will be strong too.

They've quality players. Most of the noise is coming from the

Germany supporters. About ten minutes before the game it was

almost like being at Bayern Munich for a match.

It's good pressing from Germany. Three times they've forced Ghana to

kick it long and won it back. They've got to keep the ball better,

otherwise it's going to be a long afternoon for them.

Asamoah is an attacking left-back. Didn't take a chance too often in

game one. Promising, promising from Ghana!

It's a great ball from Muntari. This is the guy who played, probably

their best player for 60 minutes against the USA, Atsu, the first

threat from Ghana. It was encouraging. Atsu is the danger

again it looks like. He is the player who Chelsea signed from FC

Porto at the end of last summer. The game the other day, Atsu was

really good up until the last third. That was his first attempt at a

cross, he tried to pick his man out, that was much better from him.

The German media are confident about their side making it two wins out of

two. That was easily dealt with.

Comfortable for Dauda. Muller seems to be an obvious player

to get on the rightback when he can, maybe he is a bit smaller. Let's see

if he keeps doing that when the ball is on the right side. A Ghana free

kick this time. Ozil coming in off the right to try

to penetrate. Keeper did well. They've got to keep the ball for

longer, even if it's not progressive because it gives everybody a

breather. Find your way into the game. You don't want to spend the

game chasing the ball. It's a warm day.

Might be a chance here. That was forced forced wider than he

wanted it to be. Nobody there for that. Perhaps a

chance for Boateng. In with Khedira. Ball through to Neuer.

We are livening up. Good chance for Kroos. Nice little bit of awareness

from Muller. Lahm's got on the ball a couple of

times the last few minutes. Interesting to see if Kevin-Prince

Boateng will stay high up. If he does stay high up Lahm is going to

start dictating a lot more. Got has seen plenty of the ball for

Germany off the left side. We talked about Thomas Muller as the man in

the middle, if you like, but they do interchange a little bit. They do.

He does play high up there and link-up play is good. Looks a good

number 9 to me, I wouldn't call him false.

Neuer has beaten that away. Ghana don't lack confidence, that's for

sure. The dangerman again, a sweet left foot. He is causing problems

already. Not a difficult save from Neuer, but still a good effort from

the young lad. Atsu has already marked himself out

as the player to watch. Germany know all about Kevin-Prince Boateng,

they'll know about him too. It's a good attack but a poor final

ball again. Great position from Ayew. He doesn't pick out anybody.

Nor does Asamoah with that one. Before this there was a lovely touch

from Gyan. Maybe he is trying to pick him out. This is the Atsu

chance. A good strike. That's two bits of end product we have seen

from Atsu. He seems to have learned his lesson from the other night.

GUY MOWBRAY: Mesut Ozil got the only goal of the game when these two

sides last met. Out for a Ghana throw. Out by the

boot of Mario Gotze. Not just travelling German

supporters, but plenty native in Brazil, too.

DANNY MURPHY: I bumped into two English guys who had German shirts

on. I found that somewhat disturbing.

You can see the solid shape of the Ghanaian resistance there.

What the Ghana players are doing is they are working really hard to keep

a good shape. Germany won't mind this because, as the game goes on,

that becomes more tiring. Hummels. Given it away.

Muntari just had a look over his shoulder, realised Muller was

coming. Kroos has it. Ozil. Khedira. Not the

cleanest of shots, all along the ground into Dauda's grasp. It is a

good break. Again, it is another turnover. That is where the chances

are coming from. I think Ozil plays the wrong pass. He could have played

one with the outside of his left foot to the back stick but he chose

to set one back. A poor effort from Khedira, not his forte, goalscoring.

He has been out for quite a while. Khedira's wide now. Ozil runs

inside. And on to the return. That's what Ghana did pretty well

until the last ball, down the right, against the USA.

I'm sure Kevin-Prince Boateng will hit a better one than that before

his work is done today. He'll hope so. He has a wonderful strike on

him. That was a tad adventurous, but better position from Ghana. A bit

more patient. Gyan's movement is really good. He is dropping into

these pockets and keeping the ball when he gets it. But they have to

keep getting him the ball. He is the head of their attack and he will be

the one that sets them up in the attacks. Offside. That will be a

Ghana free-kick. Muller was lurking behind the defensive line.

I think it is worth pointing out that the heat, even sitting down

watching this, I haven't experienced this before. For those players down

there, it will be difficult. So far, they have done really well. The game

is getting better as the game goes on. It does feel hotter than the

gauge is telling us. Muntari to Ayew. Mertesacker steps

in front of Gyan. Muller is in the middle. Muller went

sliding in. Could only slide it behind. You are right, he looks like

a proper centre forward. He is always in the six-yard box. It's a

great pick-up from Ozil. He scores so many of his goals from around the

six-yard box. He gets a bit unlucky. It comes off him for the goal kick.

That was a nice line from Joachim Low. He simply said, "Muller is

unpredictable. He only has one aim - how to score a goal." He is a clever

footballer. I really like him. Not the most athletic in the world, but

he is a very clever player, hence the fact he can play in all the

different positions. Eight goals at World Cups, level

with Maradona, Rudi Voeller, a few to go to catch Gerd Muller, Miroslav

Klose and Ronaldo, but he has the years ahead to do it. You are right.

He scored 26 for Munich this season in 51 games. That is a superb

record, considering he doesn't always play in the striking role. A

few of those were against Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal

in the Champions League. Neuer being forced to hurry up by

Gyan. There is a nice interchange of

midfield positions going on. Good players rotate positions to get

possession and Ghana struggle with that. Muller. Hooked away. At the

risk of dangerous play. Gyan. That was a good clearance. I'm

not sure I could get my feet that high! Lahm is the furthest man

forward. That is because of the rotation in midfield. I think the

ultimate compliment I heard about Lahm was Pep Guardiola's one, where

he said he's the best footballer he's ever managed - and considering

the players he's managed, that is a huge compliment. He was probably

talking about his versatility and his brain to play these different

positions. Spotted straightaway by Pep Guardiola. No longer a

full-back, into that midfield role. He could influence a game from

full-back OK. Remember that cracking goal against Costa Rica at the World

Cup eight years ago. He is a wonderful player.

Rabiu managed to hold off the challenges of Gotze.

They are inviting Germany back towards their penalty area. Atsu

went back with him. Ghana are creating their own problems. That

was Asamoah, who was dribbling ten or 15 yards outside his own box. He

could have gone back to his own goalkeeper.

Kroos goes for goal. And Dauda knew it was going high and wide. We have

seen him shoot long-range this season in many games and he's got

great technical ability with both feet. Hence the fact he's been a

target for Manchester United so we are led to believe. A few yards over

the bar with that one. They don't want to be giving him those chances.

Asamoah is trying to play it back infield to Boye. Muntari had to step

on the burners to keep Ghana in possession. Offside Asamoah Gyan.

Germany free-kick. Yeah, he was a yard off, Gyan. That is the type of

movement against a Mertesacker that he has to be looking for. He is

quick and sharp. He has to run in behind him and cause him problems.

He is not the most mobile. Just goes a fraction too early. That is

exactly the run. Here is the run from Muller. Muller just got to the

ball ahead of Jonathan Mensah. Nobody in support of him. Here is

Boateng. Can Ghana do something on the break? There was no way Howedes

was catching him. A bit more care with that pass from Boateng, he

could have been in, Atsu. It was a good break. Miroslav Klose awaits

his chance. 36-years-old. Six-years-older than any other

outfield player in the Germany squad. The man with 14 World Cup

goals to his name. They get the ball and they sense an

opening, they are trying to do everything at such pace, Ghana.

Mensah. Nobody is chasing that one. Not sure it is a deliberate ploy

from Germany, or whether they are easing their way. The full-backs

don't seem to have bombed on a lot. They have been quite conservative in

their positions. Maybe it is not their natural game. They need to

give them a bit more penetration going forward. Jerome Boateng has

played it down the line. Asamoah was left behind. Gotze's pull-back, it

is a Germany corner. Could so easily have been a Germany goal. Superb

pass from Boateng. Gets in behind. He's only got one in the box. It's

good defending from Boye. I think it is Boye again. Yes, that's two

brilliant last-ditch tackles he's done.

Dauda came a long way but he knew where it was going. Not enough pace

on the delivery. Especially for an outswinger.

Kevin-Prince Boateng up against brother Jerome.

Interesting that KP Boateng has pulled over to this near side to

take on his brother head to have head. Must be a strange one that.

Obviously it's never happened to myself. But whether you carry on the

same or you don't even think about it. I would imagine you probably

just get on with it, don't really think about it too much. They did

play for Germany through to under-21 level. Interesting to see what

happens if he gives him a kick, let's him know he is there! I

understand dad Prince is in the ground today and his only wish, as

you can understand, both have a decent game and neither gets hurt. A

proud man, a proud moment for him. Ghana pressure. But there it ends.

It's good pressure. It's what we talked about before,

it's about that quality in the final third. Doesn't matter how much

possession you have, you have to have cutting edge. Atsu is a

problem, though. Good strike! We have seen Muntari

score that type of goal before. It was too close to Neuer. He can

certainly can strike Muntari. Got a wonderful left foot.

Much easier for Neuer that one. Better chances are going to Ghana. A

long range effort like that, the keeper should normally be saving

that. Makes a meal of it, to be honest. But he has got a terrific

strike. Got the goal that set them on their way against Uruguay in the

last World Cup. He has done that many times. The think is with Neuer

he is a huge presence you look at him and think... To get a goal past

him. There is a strut about him. He

reminds me of Schmeichel with his presence. The one keeper with his

presence used to scare me. He is twice as big as you! Although I did

score a penalty against him once. We talk about presence, just being

there forced Gyan to perhaps take a wrong choice and poke it behind. I

think he was hoping the keeper would come and touch him, maybe bring him

down. He is getting the ball out of the way in case he does. Should have

thought about scoring the goal, maybe than getting a penalty maybe.

Or he was just plain scared. Dauda thought about getting that.

Helped by Harrison Afful. A good spell for Ghana.

They could think about putting Lahm at leftback. They've many options.

He is the odd one out at the moment in a way, Schweinsteiger.

If only we had such selection headaches. You promised not to bring

that up again! Apologies. A Germany corner.

Problem is for Ozil he has one man in the box to choose. When they get

in those areas they have to commit one or two more men, maybe a

midfield runner, maybe Khedira. Defenders are reading it. Here comes

a Kroos corner. Muller making a nuance -- nuisance

of himself. The referee has seen that. And won't stand for it.

A couple of tired legs now. Muntari wanted to get that away as quickly

as possible. They've got to try and work it out. Got to give your team a

breather or the Germans will keep possession. Ghana have done OK,

reasonably impressed with them. They've caused some problems and are

well in the game at the moment. Straight at Dauda.

Popping up in those areas, off the left side, a clever run-in behind.

Decent volley, but straight down to the keeper. Looks a good player,

Gotze. First time I have seen him live. Could turn out to be the best

of the emerging bunch. Completed a first season at Bayern Munich,

having risen with Borussia Dortmund. No score here. No real excitement.

We have had a few long range efforts. Neuer has been busy.

Busy-ish. It's only to be expected in the conditions. We go on about

them, but it feels oppressive. It is. It's really warm. Actually there

is spells in the game where they have a little breather. But there's

been good attacks from both sides. Usually when there is a turnover,

usually when possession is lost within their own half the team

attacks really quickly. I still think Germany look the more

dangerous. They've got in behind a few more times and down those

channels. It can't be hot enough, 39 minutes played and we didn't have a

drinks break again. Nor did we! We are not allowed one.

Germany trying to go through the middle. Barged to the floor by Atsu.

A contemplative Joachim Low. Offside. Yeah, he was. That was

better the way they played out, though. You have to take a risk to

play under pressure and come out, but that was better.

Boateng will keep the attack alive. Four white Germany shirts in the

middle. This is the cross after the chance.

Superb pass from Muller. Right in the danger area. Only one person he

wanted op the end of that, and that was himself. That was the ball he

thrives on, he is always there when that comes in. But again causing

threats in those channels. A similar story to what we saw from

Opare in that position four years ago the first game against the USA.

Yeah, it's a poor ball. It's not just him, it's just sometimes a lack

of quality that they have in the final third that was evident in the

game against the USA. Of course they've had those couple of long

range efforts. The cross in, the final pass, decision-making is what

let's them down at times. That needs to improve if they want to win this

game. They won't get too many opportunities.

Muller down. We saw that with Pepe in the first game. Muller back to

his feet more quickly this time and shakes the hand of his opponent.

Better to see. I think he stitched Pepe up. His behaviour was will yous

louse but there was a contributing fact -- was ridiculous but there was

a contributing factor. The flag was up but that's what they

should be looking for, get Muntari on the ball and get the pacy Atsu

running in behind the defenders. I think he was onside or level. Not

much in it. But that's exactly, when the Germans are higher and they can

get time and space midfield, that's how they're going to get in, with

the pace of Atsu. He looks exhausted already. I will

be amazed if he stays on the second half.

That's going to be a corner. The decision is it came off Jerome

Boateng last. It's the first decent quality cross they've got in really.

It gives him something to attack. Great leap. Boateng does well.

Concedes a corner. It's Muntari who is coming over to

take it. Kiss of the ball before a belt of

the left boot. Good play from Gyan. Little ball

inside to Muntari and then I suppose if they were to choose one of their

players to have a chance with a minute to go before half-time it

wouldn't be Jonathan Mensah. Coming to the end of a first half

that has been OK in fits and starts. Bursts of pace from both sides.

Maybe one final one from Germany. Germany are struggling to create

anything clear-cut. Ghana shooting from range and testing Manuel Neuer

a little more often. Not too much to shout about. At half-time, in the

heat, it is Germany 0, Ghana 0. GARY LINEKER: It is more intriguing

than invigorating. It is inspiring for the Ghanaians because they have

put in a good 45 minutes. ALAN HANSEN: Without a shadow of a

doubt. They have had opportunities where, like Danny says, if the

quality is a bit better. They are lacking a bit of composure. They are

snatching it a bit when they are in good positions. They are in the

game. The Germans have been in behind them two or three times.

Ghana have defended well. It is even, Thierry?

THIERRY HENRY: If you don't concede a goal early, you are in the game.

At the beginning, they were staying at the back a bit too much. Germany

were keeping the ball. If you don't concede a goal early, you are always

in the game. The Germans can find some space down the wings, but the

delivery is not always perfect. GARY LINEKER: They have done the

homework on the Germans, Clarence? CLARENCE SEEDORF: They definitely

did. I would like Boateng to be more like a playmaker. But they are

defending well, they are organised. Not too many clear-cut chances. The

Germans, they got down the flanks on a couple of occasions? Yes, they

did. Down the right-hand side, obviously, but we mentioned there's

one, two in the box. I think that is a good ball in. But it is tremendous

defending. Anticipation, and Muller is in there. He is ALWAYS in there!

You put it in either side, he will get in there. The next one is Gotze,

Thierry? The thing is, you only have - Ghana know they can only find

Muller. Should he not go and hit it? He could have had a go and also...

The thing, the one I liked on this one, they only have one player in

the box and we saw also that when Muller goes wide, when he crosses,

there is no-one in the box. They have to put more bodies in there. Do

you expect Klose? Maybe. At some stage. I make this little point.

When I played - it was in the days of black and white - but I used to

prefer because I was a Muller kind of player, I used to play not to

have too many of my team-mates in the box. If they didn't know what

they were doing, they tended to get in the way and get rid of your own

space that you wanted to attack. Muller might be the same. I totally

agree with you on that one. You want to know whether you are going first

post or second post, but you want people to join. Eventually. If you

have another guy coming late, they don't know what to do - shall goi

with the guy coming late -- shall I go with the guy coming late? Then,

it is easier to defend one man than three. Yes, unless they leave you!

Ghana efforts - nothing that clear-cut but efforts from

long-range and a threat. They got themselves into some decent

positions. The commentators were talking about the heat. And that is

a factor. They have moved it well here. And there's four in the box

there. This is decent defending. Great ball there. Superb ball. They

know he can create some damage. That is what you create. You have two

guys waiting for the ball and Asamoah Gyan missed it. Great

movement. This is again... Great movement.