Klose equals record and earns point for Germany

Photo: Klose pokes home the equalizer for Germany in their 2-2 draw with Ghana. The German striker is now tied on 15 goals with Ronaldo of Brazil (Getty Images)

Germany’s old master in front of goal Miroslav Klose came off the bench to earn a point for Joachim Low’s men against a spirited Ghana team in World Cup action today. Mario Gotze scored the first of four goals in the second half before Andre Ayew and skipper Asamoah Gyan put Ghana in front.

In a scoreless first half Germany settled quickly retaining possession but it was Ghana who had the first attempt at goal. Asamoah Gyan took aim from just outside the box but fired well wide of Manuel Neuer’s goal on 7 minutes. Cristian Atsu then brought out a save from Neuer on 14 minutes but the follow up from Andre Ayew was cleared well by Mats Hummels.

In the 30th minute, Gotze broke down the right but his pass seeking out Thomas Muller was cut out by John Boye. Sulley Muntari tried his luck 3 minutes later from about 30 yards but again Neuer was equal to the task. The last piece of action in the half came on 41 minutes when Muller’s left-footed shot went acroos the 6 yards box just out of Gotze’s reach.

Germany took the lead just 6 minutes after the restart when Muller’s excellent cross picked out Gotze whop ghosted in between the two centre backs. He head the ball onto his knee and into the back of the net. It was a good build up by Germany and finished with the head from a man who normally finds the net with his feet.

Ghana levelled just 3 minutes later when Andre Ayew rose like a salmon over substitute Shkodran Mustafi to head the ball into the far corner pass Neuer from Harrison Afful’s teasing cross. Nine minutes later Gyan gave Ghana the lead with a wonderful finish to the far post.

The ball was given away by Germany at the half way line and Sulley Muntari picked out Gyan’s run beautifully. The striker then composed himself to fire past Neuer expertly into the far post. Ghana could have made it 3-1 on 67 minutes when Jordan Ayew broke down the left, cut inside on his right foot and shoot straight at Neuer. The youngster had Gyan in the centre, wide open but opted to have a go at goal himself.

Two minutes after replacing Gotze, Miroslav Klose at the age of 36, brought Germany level with his 15th World Cup goal. Toni Kroos’ corner was flicked on by Benedikt Howedes and Klose was there to force the ball into the back of the net to equal Ronaldo’s World Cup goal record. Substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger was taking control of the game but Ghana stil looked dangerous on the break especially down their left side.

Kwadwo Asamoah may have won Ghana a point on 85 minutes when Mesut Ozil’s pass split the Black Star defense but as Muller was about to pull the trigger, the Juventus man got his foot in the way to clear for a corner. Just a minute later, Jonathan Mensah had to make a last ditch clearance again from Ozil who tried to pick out Klose and Muller who were breaking in the penalty area.

Germany had a free kick at the end but Ghana cleared and the final whistle was blown by referee Sandro Meiro Ricci. It was another exciting encounter a the World Cuo and produced more goals for the fans to cheer.

Germany is still in a very good position but the group remains open with Portugal and the United States still to play their second game. It could become more interested if Portugal get the better of the USA as that would mean all four teams have a chance to make it to the Round of 16 in their final group games.