Why Germany vs Ghana was the most spectacular match of WC 2014 so far

After a 4-0 demolition of Portugal in their opening Group G match, the Germans looked to be cruising against Ghana when Mario Goetze struck in the 51st minute in Fortaleza. However, the Africans had other ideas and came roaring back, Andre Ayew heading the equalizer three minutes later and a great interception and pass by Sulley Muntari set up Asamoah Gyan, who lashed home. [caption id=“attachment_1582931” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Germany levelled in the 71st minute thanks to a sharp finish by substitute Klose. Reuters[/caption] Germany levelled in the 71st minute thanks to a sharp finish by substitute Klose with his first touch of the ball, moving him level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Here are more than a few reasons to believe that it was the most spectacular match played at World Cup 2014 so far: IT WAS ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK - It had a total of 31 shots on goal — only 12 of these were off target and six were blocked. In effect, the goalkeepers were peppered with shots from all distances and angles.  Germany and Ghana total shots in the match - A total of 37 crosses were attempted. Both teams also created a total of 19 goal-scoring chances and all of these came through key passes and crosses — there were no lucky breaks. This was gung-ho.  Germany and Ghana total chances created - It was not offence vs defence. Both teams did both, with Germany seemingly the stronger opposition, they still had to make 29 clearances. Ghana made just one extra — 30. There also just 28 fouls. IT HAD KLOSE - Miroslav Klose scored with his first touch of the ball, 112 seconds after coming on as a sub. He now has 15 goals in the last four World Cups, only one fewer than their next opponents, the United States, have in the last four World Cups combined. - Klose and Ronaldo both scored their 15th World Cup goal vs Ghana. - Klose joined Pele and Uwe Seeler as the only players ever to score at four different World Cups. - Klose is now the oldest German goalscorer at a World Cup at 36 years and 12 days, beating Rudi Voller’s record of 34 years and 80 days when he scored against Belgium on 2 July 1994. - Germany have not lost when scoring 1st at a World Cup since the 1994 quarterfinal vs Bulgaria but this is only the 12th time in 62 matches the Germans haven’t won when scoring first. - Ozil had 20 of Germany’s 88 attacking third touches in the second half. - Last time Germany scored 1st and tied in the World Cup was the 2002 group stage vs Ireland. They had won 15 straight when scoring first. - Muller has scored or assisted on four of Germany’s six World Cup goals. - Gotze scored his first World Cup goal. That was the 16th goal for the Bundesliga at this World Cup, most of any domestic league. - The last time Germany and Ghana played in the World Cup (2010 group stage), it was also 0-0 at the half. Germany won that game 1-0. - Germany completed more passes in the first 15 minutes than Iran did in their entire match against Argentina. IT HAD GYAN - Asamoah Gyan is the first African player to score at three different World Cups. Teammate Sulley Muntari, Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o can still match that feat at this World Cup. - He’s scored five of Ghana’s 12 World Cup goals. - With five, he has tied Cameroon’s Roger Milla for most by an African player. - Andre Ayew scored in consecutive matches for Ghana for the first time in his career (51st match). - Ghana completed three passes into the attacking penalty area in the 1st half, as many as Portugal in their entire WC opener. - Before 2010, no pair of brothers had ever faced each other in a World Cup match. Now, the Boatengs are making it a tradition. - Oh, and in case we forget — it was the 800th World Cup match. Stats courtesy Opta, InfoStrada, Squawka and ESPN