World Cup Group E - Ghana Gives Africa the First Win (Czech Republic 0 - Ghana 2)

What a game! This game had everything, goals, a penalty, a missed penalty, superb goalkeeping and brilliant attacking play. There was never a dull moment in this match as both teams pushed forward for goals, resulting in a football spectacle. For most parts of the game it looks like a boxing match, each side taking turns to throw punches at the opponent. In the end the Czechs were the ones who fell.

Right from the start whistle, the Ghanians signalled their intent by pushing forward and scoring a wonderful goal via their 20 year old striker Asamoah. He controlled a cross from his teammate, turned and shot the ball past Peter Cech, giving Ghana their first goal of the tournament inside 2 minutes.

The Czechs without striker Jan Koller, were a shadow of the team that beat USA by 3 goals. For the entire first half, both Rosicky and Nedved were superbly marshalled by the Ghanian back four. Both teams were taking long shots and rarely threatened to make either keepers work.

In the second half, the tempo of the game increased tenfold. The Czechs know they had to get at least a point from this fixture, pushed forward for more purpose. Their attacking play was fluid, but were matched by a stout Ghanian defence. Without Koller nor Baros leading the Czech attack, the Ghanians found it easy to cut the supply to Lokvenc, who was playing up front alone.

On the other side of the pitch, the Ghanian counter was swift and pierced the practically non-existent Czech defence time and time again. The Czech defence wasn't just caught napping, they were in a coma! It had gotten so bad that Ujfalusi was sent off in an incident that I didn't catch. I was watching from a peer to peer connection from the internet and the visuals were not clear. In any case, a penalty was awarded and Asamoah stepped up only to ram the ball into the post, to the relief of the Czechs.

Things however did not improve for the Czechs. Their defence was still nowhere to be found and the Ghanians ripped it apart everytime they went forward. Had it not been for Peter Czech's superb performance, this game could easily have had a rugby-like scoreline.

In the 82th minute, the irresistible Ghanians were not to be denied. They, yet again tore the Czech defence to ribbons and Sully Muntari powered home a goal from close range, finally giving the Ghanians the second goal that they have been threatening to score. It probably could've been more had they not been so overly enthusuastic in going forward and getting flagged for offside.

Now the Czechs have an uphill task of facing Italy and probably have to win that game to move to the last 16. Whatever the result in the Italy - USA game, this should be a really interesting group to watch.