Finally an African nation goes through! Very glad about Ghana getting out of the group stages considering the Bafana Bafana couldn't. I'll certainly be looking forward to USA - Ghana and England - Germany...
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| Holman celebrating his goal for Australia |
Australia and Serbia were both eliminated from the World Cup despite the Socceroos going out with a 2-1 victory over Serbia, but Serbia started well with an early drive by Milos Krasic which signaled their intentions to get out of the group. Krasic had another chance in the 12th minute as he was 1 on 1 with Australia goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer, but the shot flew wide as Schwarzer came off of his line. The Serbians were the best side in the first half but missed plenty of chances Nikola Zigic heading wide with nowhere near him inside the penalty area.
In the second half, it was Australia that came out to win it as in the 69th minute, the Aussies broke through with Luke Wilkshire's long right-wing cross finding the head of Tim Cahill for the pinpoint finish inside the post. Four minutes later, Australia had hope of advancing when Brett Holman's long-range drive beat Vladimir Stojkovic to the right-hand post for a 2-0 lead. But Australia's hopes faded as Marko Pantelic pounced on a rebound after Schwarzer spilled a shot by Tosic in the six-yard box to make the final score 2-1 for Australia.
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| Ozil celebrating his wonderstrike |
Germany are up for an epic clash against England after they secured the top position in their group. Die Mannschaft beat Ghana 1-0 which was also enough for the Africans, who saw how Australia beat their main competitors Serbia 2-1. The Black Stars will now face the USA in the next round. Germany started well as they knew they had to win to avoid elimination. They should've taken the lead when Mesut Özil escaped the offside trap and came 1 on 1 with Ghana goalie Richard Kingson. His shot was right at the goal-keeper and was blocked by the African goalie leaving the Germans in despair.
At the other end, Asamoah Gyan came close to scoring when he headed the ball past Manuel Neuer only to see Philipp Lahm clear the ball off the line. An even contest developed and this continued in the second half. Only difference came on the hour mark when Özil placed a beautiful shot in the left hand corner out of Kingson's reach to give Germany the lead.
The match came to an uninspiring end but Germany will now prepare for a match that's very inspiring. Joachim Löw's men will face England on Sunday.
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