A lone goal just prior to half-time proved the difference as Ghana edged a 1-0 win over Germany to become the first team to win through to the last-eight at Costa Rica 2014. The match was played at an impressive tempo despite the draining late afternoon heat and sun in the first half in Liberia.
Ghana’s Lily Niber Lawrence could have nailed a contender for goal of the tournament midway through the opening half but, after dribbling at pace past several defenders, she lost control at the final moment when presented with an opportunity to shoot.
The best chance of the half for Germany saw Lea Schueller’s strong header tipped over the crossbar onto the roof of net. However, it was all Ghana in the later stages of the opening period. There was another chance for Niber Lawrence but she hooked the ball over from close range with an awkward chance from close range with her back to goal.
Two minutes before came the goal as Gladys Amfobea delivered a strong back post header from a sideline free-kick to give Ghana the lead. The second period started much like the first started and a 40-metre free-kick from Ghana’s Niber Lawrence dipped at the last moment and struck the crossbar.
Germany attempted to force the pace in the final stages mostly with long-range shots but, despite some end-to-end action, Ghana’s physical strength prevailed.
FIFA