By Andrew Chua
Andrew Chua of RI. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
South Africa, Saturday, June 19, 2010 — Three consecutive Group D matches, three red cards, it’s an absolutely puzzling trend. However, while the dismissals of Tim Cahill (Germany vs Australia) and Miroslav Klose (Germany vs Serbia) were contentious, there was nothing controversial about Harry Kewell’s sending-off in the 25th minute, as he blatantly stopped the Ghanaians from scoring with his arm.
With both teams having everything to play for, Ghana vs Australia was an energetic affair, with Australia pressing high and hard early on in the game in search of an early goal. This tactic nearly paid off. Harry Kewell surged in and was felled in the penalty box after just two minutes, although referee Roberto Rosatti waved away the subsequent penalty appeals.
Ghana, too, were not content to take things lightly, and laid siege to the Australian goal, although none particularly threatened Mark Schwarzer in the Australian goal. Then, in the 12th minute, disaster struck for the Black Stars. The otherwise solid Richard Kingson failed to adequately deal with Marc Bresciano’s powerful free kick, and Brett Holman duly smashed the rebound into the back of the net.
There was more drama to come. Less than 15 minutes after taking the lead, Australia conceded a clear penalty, with Harry Kewell blocking Jonathan Mensah’s powerful goal-bound shot. Asamoah Gyan stepped up and scored his seond penalty in as many games, equalising for Ghana.
Both sides pressed hard for the winner but neither side was able to make their numerous chances count. Australia came close to securing a historic win, but Richard Kingson denied Jack Wilshere when the latter seemed more likely to score. Ghana too came close to securing victory and progress to the next round, but Asamoah Gyan spurned countless opportunities to score while Mark Schwarzer saved brilliantly from Quincy Owusu-Abeyie deep into stoppage time.
Contrary to initial opinions that this match would be drab and lacking any sort of intensity, both sides showed their immense fighting spirit and pushed for goals right till the death. A draw was a fair result, although an Australia win would have seen all the teams tied on 3 points, making Group D a whole lot more intriguing.
Man of the Match: Richard Kingson
The Ghana keeper bravely shutting out the Australia strike force. Despite his calamitous error that gifted Australia their goal, it was a solid and commanding performance by Kingson who, along with club colleague Vladimir Stojkovic (who saved Podolski’s penalty against Germany for Serbia), spends most of his professional career warming the bench behind Chris Kirkland at Wigan Athletic.
More News and Reactions
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac satisfied with draw
Ghana captain John Mensah wants credit for draw
Australia coach Pim Verbeek proud of fighting spirit
Australia forward Harry Kewell angry after dismissal
Socceroos left to rue misfortune
Video highlights of the game
| GROUP D | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GERMANY  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
GHANA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
AUSTRALIA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 |
SERBIA  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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