Germany 2, Ghana 2: A thrilling second half ends in deadlock, as Klose ties a World Cup record

It almost seems unfair that Germany and Ghana should only receive a point each for the 2-2 draw after an incredibly entertaining half of football couldn't separate the two sides.

Adding to the thrilling back-and-forth affair was Miroslav Klose coming off the bench to score his 15th World Cup goal, tying Ronaldo's record (which oddly enough, was also set against Ghana).

The Goals

GOAL! Mario Gotze (GER), 51 min. An incredible ball from Thomas Muller on the right side finds Gotze between two Ghana defenders. He heads it off his knee and in.

GOAL! Andre Ayew (GHA), 54 min. Two goals, two equalizers. Harrison Afful feeds a fantastic cross into Ayew, as the midfielder rose a foot above his marker.

GOAL! Asamoah Gyan (GHA), 63 min. Sulley Muntari dispossesses the ball from a sloppy German defense. He slides a perfect pass into space for Gyan, who runs onto it and adds an excellent finish, shooting the ball across Neuer and into the back of the net.

GOAL! Miroslav Klose (GER), 72 min. Toni Kroos’s corner is flicked on by Benedikt Howedes to Klose at the far post who scores the most Miroslav Klose goal in the history of Miroslav Klose to tie Ronaldo’s record for most goals at the World Cup.

Man of the Match - Asamoah Gyan

Asamoah Gyan was incredible for Ghana on Saturday. In attack, he was a jack of all trades, holding up play, passing, striking and constantly in the right position at the right time. 

Given his immense offensive abilities, none of that is particularly surprising.

However, where Gyan stood out was in defense. His pressing while not in possession held and hurried Germany's attacking play, forcing the insanely talented midfield unit to only find themselves effective on quick counters.

The Controversy

The Boateng brothers, who played on opposite sides today, agreed not to speak with each other over the course of the tournament. Before the match began, the two exchanged an awkward handshake contrasted with the warm hug Kevin-Prince gave Mesut Ozil immediately after greeting his half-brother in the most perfunctory manner possible.

Both were subbed off by the 52nd minute.

How did Germany and Ghana try to win?

Ghana did an exceptional job with their high-pressing midfield and forwards, giving the German back line little time and space to connect with their midfield. We saw this tactic executed in a similar fashion when Australia played the Netherlands, but Ghana's pace and durability kept them in the match for the full 90 minutes despite the tiring high-octane defense.

When Germany did muster an attack, it was almost always on the counter and going through Mesut Ozil. The Arsenal midfielder was all over the pitch, consistently linking up with Muller and Goetze in attack. 

The Takeaway

Group G is wide open, and will likely remain so heading into Matchday 3. With the U.S. and Portugal set to do battle on Sunday, Portugal will need at least a point to ensure it's not out of contention, but Germany and Ghana will both have meaningful matches in their future no matter what happens.

The 1,000 Words

Stray Thoughts

Germany started with Muller up front, and Ozil in a center forward/right forward role that created the majority of their chances in the early going. Later, Gotze seemed to push up more in that same position as Ozil slid back to presumably link up play between the rest of midfield and the attack.

Not a good look:

Kwadwo Asamoah was not only charged with keeping Ozil on the right side in check, he seemed to provide service for the entirety of Ghana’s attack, despite playing in a fullback position.

Asamoah’s game-saving tackle on Thomas Muller in the 84th minute was probably the best tackle of the tournament. Brilliant stuff. Clean, outstretched leg right on the ball just before Muller unleashed his shot. Perfect all around.

Because this will never get tired, Enzo Ferrari and Mesut Ozil:

Nice record-tying goal. That’s from distance for Klose.

The quad fake-out thingy on that Germany free-kick had me expecting players to run in circular routes like a perpetual merry-go-round.

Not the best match of the tournament, but certainly the best half (2nd).

The dancing at this tournament has been unmatched. Not as good as Colombia, but a good display by Ghana.

It was a frightening moment at the end of the match when Thomas Muller collided with John Boye, opening up a gash on the German forward's face. Fortunately, he managed to leave the pitch under his own strength.