His Germany had suffered, his leading scorer left the field covered in blood and his reunion with Jürgen Klinsmann had assumed critical importance, yet Joachim Löw was unruffled. Exhausted yes, troubled no, after Ghana’s relentless performance forced Germany to reveal the character essential in any team who consider the World Cup a realistic prize.
A World Cup campaign is never one seamless procession and following the comfortable defeat of a self-imploding Portugal Germany confirmed their resolve and composure in the furnace of Fortaleza. Composure may seem at odds with the pulsating second half that served up another classic in Brazil but Löw’s team did not lose belief in their ability or game-plan after falling behind to Asamoah Gyan’s goal. Ghana’s superb display stretched Germany. Kevin-Prince Boateng had accused them of lacking leaders but they refused to break.
“That was a really tough fight,” said Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker. “It deserved to be my 100th game for Germany. I’m proud of that number. We expected Ghana to perform physically and the way we came back was magnificent. We are proud of that performance even if it’s just a draw. In a special way our comeback was good. We showed that we are a strong team. We are still in a good position and our confidence is high.” No wonder with the World Cup insurance of Miroslav Klose on the bench.
Ghana and Germany delivered an enthralling contest while taking an equal share in World Cup scoring records. Gyan drew level with Cameroon’s Roger Milla as the leading African goalscorer in the competition with his fifth goal, swept emphatically beyond Manuel Neuer from Sulley Muntari’s through ball. It was a merited moment of redemption for the striker who missed the last-gasp penalty that would have put Ghana into the 2010 semi-finals at the expense of Uruguay.
“Scoring five goals on the biggest stage like these finals is not easy,” said Ghana’s captain. “I would like to thank the players for all these years; they have supported me through the ups and downs, especially the last World Cup. I’m a legend now and I feel great for that.”
His joy at scoring five on the World Cup stage puts Klose’s incredible achievement into context. Germany led when Mario Götze’s converted Thomas Müller’s cross only for André Ayew to level with a magnificent soaring header. Gyan’s strike would have spread fear through lesser teams but Löw summoned Klose from the bench and the 36-year-old poacher converted his 15th World Cup goal 112 seconds later. “Welcome to the club,” tweeted Brazil legend Ronaldo, with whom he now shares the all-time record.
Müller finished the game poleaxed after a collision with Ghana’s commanding defender John Boye but Löw insisted the injury is not serious. He was more concerned about the hip problem that prompted Jérôme Boateng’s withdrawal at half-time. Germany’s defence is a concern for Thursday’s meeting with Klinsmann’s USA. “The situation hasn’t changed a lot,” the unflappable Löw said. “We cannot afford to lose the last match but I still believe we are in a good position and one point will help us into the next round.”