Ghana v. Australia 1-1 19/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group D, Day 9. (25 of 64)


Rosetti sends Kewell to the showers: two matches, two expelled.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


In the sunny evening at Rustenburg the Aussies were held in a one-goal match against the Ghana Stars in what is a new draw of the 452nd we have seen in this tournament. As in particularly every match so far, the referees made themselves clear and present as Rosetti sent off the poor Harry Kewell in what appeared to be an off-the-ball situation. To me, the ball came into his hand rather than the opposite. This tournament really needs something to lift its horrid and dreadful lull. Probably in future stages we will encounter some precious and memorable games nevertheless somebody sent a terrible terrible curse on the competition and so far I dread this awful start.

Again all options will be left in the final moments of this group since the panorama looks decent enough for a late surprise by any of the contending teams. We saw the Germans fall and in the following matches at the exact time in Johannesburg - in which Ghana will face Germany - we could watch the EURO runners-up fall in an outrageous fashion whilst in the other side, at Nelspruit, the Aussies will look to upset the onlooking Serbians. This group seems to be one of the most balanced in terms of results and the final day will be massive for home supporters and neutrals.



"Asamoah Gyan hit his second penalty of the tournament".
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


The hectic pace of the start saw the Australians taking some advantages regarding the Africans; in the second minute Kewell fell in the box in what was supposed to be an alleged penalty. Bresciano took a freekick, in the 11th, that the keeper Kingson managed to pull in a Green-esque fashion; Hollman scored afterwards. Again as in so many previous games the terrible approach from the keeper, the incomprehensible trajectory of the ball and the torrid moment made the scene even more dramatic.

Ayew, the pacey right winger, was the main threat as his 13th minute shot got deflected. In another well crafted, yet lucky play, he managed to scrub two defenders off and set a cross. The result was a fierce shot that occasionally landed in the moving arm of Harry Kewell; Gyan converted from the penalty spot. Tagoe's shot and an effort from Kevin Prince Boateng were denied in the final minutes. The hunger from the Black Stars to get the lead was enough to see them winning.


The drive of the Africans continued nearly a quarter of an hour into the second half with the main chance used in the form of a Gyan shot. The Aussies had their chance with the sub Chipperfield, as he headed wide off the mark after a pretty decent effort from Wilshire in the 66th. The African response was a violent cross from Gyan and another failure in delivering by Boateng.

Kingson, who previously committed that Jabulani mistake, was becoming a factor in the game as he saved a solo effort by Wilkshire; the Australian was alone and virtually had the open goal to score. In the last minutes the Africans went with all their might for the lead as they produced two dismal chances, both late: the first, a Mensah header; and the second, a shot by the ex-Gunner Quincy Owusu.