Germany’s Defensive Issues Exposed by Gallant Ghana

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 22, 2014

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Germany's old Achilles' heel came back to haunt them in a 2-2 draw against Ghana in Fortaleza.

Despite taking the lead through Mario Goetze’s head (and knee) on 51 minutes, the defensive frailties of Joachim Low’s side were twice exposed by the gallant Ghanaians.

And the Germans had to rely on substitute Miroslav Klose’s record-equaling 15th World Cup goal to earn a share of the spoils in a pulsating second half.

Low stuck with the tried and trusted 4-3-3 system that worked so well in the pummelling of Portugal, employing four centre-backs spread across the back line. Mats Hummels recovered from injury sufficiently to join Per Mertesacker at the heart of the defence, while Jerome Boateng at right-back and Benedikt Hoewedes on the left provided height and cover on the flanks.


Manuel Neuer was arguably the busier of the two goalkeepers during a pedestrian opening period, making some smart saves in sweltering temperatures. Sulley Muntari brought out the best of the Bayern keeper just after the hour mark as the two sides went in goalless at half-time.


Given Low’s liking for four centre-backs, it shouldn't come as a surprise that another in the shape of Shkodran Mustafi entered the fray after the break to replace the indisposed right-back Boateng. 

However, the inexperienced Mustafi inexplicably failed to rise at the back post, and Andre Ayew rose well to nod past the stranded Neuer for the equaliser: 

 

Andre Ayew scores 1-1 Ghana https://t.co/0UJgUhO4S8

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) June 21, 2014

Captain Philipp Lahm had a low-key game by his standards, remarkable only perhaps for his mistake that led to Ghana’s go-ahead goal on 63 minutes. The normally ultra-reliable Lahm gave the ball away in midfield, and Muntari sliced open the Germany defence with a...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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