Feb
18
Ghana through to the Round of 16
Filed Under World Cup 2006 |
Ghana advanced to the knockout phase after defeating the USA 2-1. Making its first ever appearance in this tournament, the African team was able to qualify after defeating the Czech Republic (2-0) and USA teams that are ranked 2nd and 5th, respectively, according to the FIFA world ranking system. Draman opened the score in the 22nd minute with the Americans responding with a Dempsey goal just minutes before the end of the half. Appiah netted the wining goal in the first half’s added time with a penalty kick. The result means that a very hopeful USA team will now be returning home unable to repeat their 2002 success of reaching the quarter finals.
At the same time, the Czechs were being eliminated from the competition by the Italian team who won top spot in Group E. Playing without Koller and with Baros coming back from an injury, the Czechs could not score against a well organized Italian side. The Azzurri’s opened the score on the 26th minute with a Marco Materazzi header from a corner kick. Trailing in the score, Jan Polak’s ejection in the 46th minute of the game worsened the Czech team’s already difficult position. In the 2nd half, while pressuring for the equalizer, they opened up defensively and Inzaghi was able to seal the victory with an 87th minute goal. Italy will now play Australia on June 26th.