Germany came through with a 1-0 win over Ghana on Wednesday vs. the online betting odds to win Group D. Mesut Oezil scored the only goal of the match but it was enough for Germany to get the win. Even though Ghana lost vs. the Internet betting odds, they advanced to the knockout round by finishing second in the group.
Online betting odds are very close on the knockout round match between Germany and England on Sunday. Both teams were considered strong contenders to win the World Cup but only one will be left after Sunday. Germany has had their moments in their first three matches as they routed Australia and then totally shutdown Ghana. Germany easily could have scored more than one goal against Ghana but goalkeeper Richard Kingson was very good.
Part of the Internet betting story between Germany and Ghana was the rivalry between half -brothers Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jerome Boateng. The two were born and raised in Germany and have the same Ghanaian father but different German mothers. Kevin-Prince played for Germany’s junior team but then switched to Ghana while Jerome plays for Germany. Kevin-Prince is responsible for taking out Captain Michael Ballack. Kevin-Prince plays for Portsmouth and he made a hard tackle on Ballack who plays for Chelsea. The tackle resulted in an ankle injury to Ballack that has kept him out of the World Cup. There was no revenge talked about in this match though since Germany had to win to guarantee they made the knockout round.
Germany had to play without striker Miroslav Klose who was suspended but he will be back for the match against England on Sunday. Germany had to rely upon Oezil’s goal to get the through. After Oezil scored the game really turned towards Germany and Ghana rarely threatened.
Germany coach Joachim Low is excited to be playing England in the knockout round but he has warned his team that Wayne Rooney is ready to explode with a big game. England has really not played very well so far in the World Cup, yet they made the knockout round. Germany has been the stronger side but it could be that England is primed for a big performance in the round of 16.