Ghana vs Australia – Black Stars grab point against 10-man Australia
Published:Ghana came from behind to draw with Australia but could yet rue not taking full advantage of having a man extra for three quarters of the game.
Harry Kewell was sent off in the 25th minute for handball after stopping a goal-bound Jonathan Mensah effort with his arm.
Kewell’s protests were loud but unwarranted and Asamoah Gyan coolly sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way from the spot, converting as he did against Serbia. His second goal in two games makes him an attractive 33/1 bet for top tournament scorer.
Australia had earlier begun brightly and took the lead through Brett Holman, who tapped in from close range after Richard Kingson had spilled a fairly simple long-range Mark Bresciano free-kick.
The result means that all Group D teams can still make the knock-out stages and lays the platform for an intriguing final round of matches.
A point for Ghana against Germany will assure their progression but with Joachim Low’s side needing a win they will be irrepressible opponents.
Serbia will go through with a victory over Australia while Pim Verbeek’s side need a win to have any hope, relying on the Black Stars to beat Germany.
It was strange to see Ghana not press home their man advantage, seemingly satisfied with a point until the last few minutes.
Kevin-Prince Boateng went closest for the unbeaten Africans with a superb run and shot bringing a finger-tip save from Schwarzer
But it was Australia and Luke Wilkshire who had the best chance to win it. The Dynamo Moscow player was sent through on the right of the area and his low shot was fabulously stopped by Richard Kingson.
Late on John Pantsil took needed treatment for a face wound after being caught in the middle of two headers and if concussed could be doubtful for the match with Germany.
Should that happen Ghana would looked very brittle at the back. The centre-back pairing of Mensah and Lee Addy were deputising for the injured first-choice duo and looked uncertain throughout.
Will Ghana regret not getting three points here? Germany will doubtless be gunning for a win to cement their qualification while Serbia look equipped to beat Australia.
