In a sentence
Ghana waste their one man advantage, while Australia rally strongly in the second half.
Don’t shoot!
Hopeful long shots formed the bulk of Ghana’s attacking efforts. They needed to be more ambitious and create quality chances. Their best moment was Boateng’s pass to Gyan in the 71st minute: a simple ball that allowed the striker to expose the defence’s lack of pace. No goals in three hours of open play suggest a need for a change.
Big, hairy and effective
Hitting long balls up to a target-man is not clever but it can work. From the moment he was introduced, Josh Kennedy caused Ghana’s young defence problems. He should start against Serbia.
Weaker but braver
Despite being a man down and lacking an attacking player of real class, Australia were bolder in attack. They were willing to gamble and commit men forward. Too many teams have been too defensive in this tournament: it was great to see a team go for it.
What next?
Ghana will lose to Germany and be left sweating on the result in the other game. Australia showed enough today to suggest they might just pick up a draw against Serbia.
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