Germany is through to the second round at the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win over Ghana Wednesday in Johannesburg.
Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 in the other Group D game Wednesday in Nelspruit, but Ghana still beat out the Aussies for second place (behind Germany) and a spot in the round of 16.
The Ghanaian perspective
“It was a very difficult match but we fought and it was enough to get us through. We had opportunities but the important thing is that we went through.” — Midfielder Andre Ayew
Man of the match
Oezil decided the game with his sublime goal, but he looked dangerous the entire match, putting Ghana’s defence under constant pressure with his probing runs.
The German perspective
“I simply shot the ball. I had a lot of support from my teammates. It doesn’t matter whom we play next, we have to keep winning.” — Midfielder Mesut Oezil
What this result means
Germany (six points) wins Group D, followed by Ghana and Australia (four points each) and Serbia (three points). Ghana finished ahead of Australia by virtue of a better goal difference (0 vs. -3).
The Germans will meet Group C runner-up England in the second round, while Ghana will face the United States, the Group C winner. Serbia and Australia have been eliminated.
