World Cup Live game analysis:
Live score: Serbia 0 - Ghana 1
Goal scorer: Asamoah Gyan
Venue: Loftus Versfled stadium, Pretoria
My prediction: Serbia 2 - Ghana 1
Serbia squad: Vladimir Stojkovic (GK), Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Vidic, Aleksandar Lukovic, Aleksandar Kolarov, Dejan Stankovic (Captain), Milos Krasic, Milan Jovanovic, Nenad Milijas, Nikola Zigic and Marko Pantelic
Ghana squad: Richard Kingson (GK), Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Isaac Vorsah, John Pantsil, Mensah (Captain), Stephen Appiah, Anthony Annan, Boateng, Prince Tagoe, Asamoah Gyan and Matthew Amoah.
Click here to read my preview on Serbia Vs Ghana game.
Match timing: June 13, 7:25 PM IST.
Live World Cup analysis:
09:52 AM IST: Serbia will take on Ghana in the first game of the Group D. Germany will take on Australia in the other game. Just like group G, group D is also a tight group especially for second spot.
10:28 AM IST: According to media reports, Serbia star, Nimanja Vidic will play for Manchester City from next season. He followed Tevez by moving to city from Manchester United.
10:51 AM IST: Serbia is very strong in defence and rarely concede goals. Stankovic is an experienced midfielder while Zigic is a tall attacker and can trouble any defence. Serbia is dangerous in setpieces with Vidic and Zigic.
11:28 AM IST: This is the first world cup for Serbia as an independent nation.
11:48 AM IST: Serbia was humiliated by Argentina in 2006 world cup (0-6). But, they come a long way after that demolition. They topped qualifying group that also has France. But, they once again humiliated by New Zealand in a recent warmup game.
01: 12 PM IST: Surprise! Ghana coach is a Serbian. He needs to plan strategies to defeat home nation. No place for national pride in professional football.
01: 26 PM IST: Serbia regained form by defeating Cameroon in last warmup game. Ivanovic is in terrific form for Chelsea in this season. On current form, he is among top 3 rightbacks in world behind Brazil’s Maicon and Alves.
01:32 PM IST: Serbian Legend and Inter Milan midfielder, Dejan Stankovic is a highly experienced midfielder who played for Yugoslovia (Serbia’s old name) at 1998 world cup. He was a teenage sensation
01:38 PM IST: Ghana is weaked due to exit of Michael Essien. Without him. Midfield with Annan-Essien-Appiah-Muntari is one of strongest in tournament. Without Essien, they are now vulnerable.
01:44 PM IST: It may be difficult for Ghana attackers to break Serbian defence (Ivanovic-Vidic-Lukovic-Kolarov). But, they conceded many goals in recent friendlies in the absence of Vidic – that is a warning signal.
01:47 PM IST: But, Serbia has wonderful coach - Randomir Antic. Tosic is impressive against New Zealand.
06:28 PM IST: Sulley Muntari is not in starting lineup of Ghana squad. No surprises in Serbia squad.
06:30 PM IST: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Algeria) received Red card. Second red card in tournament. Algeria 0 – Slovenia 0
06:36 PM IST: GOAL. Robert Koren (Slovenia captain) scored. Slovenia will top group C if they keep this lead (England drew with USA in first game).
06:52 PM IST: Slovenia 1 – Algeria 0. Slovenia recorded first victory in world cup and topped group C.
Man of the Match: Robert Koren (Slovenia)
06:54 PM IST: Welcome to Serbia Vs Ghana game. 30 minutes left for game start.
07:20 PM IST: It might have been for Ghana if Michael Essien is in team. This young Ghana squad plays without any inhibitions.
07:32 PM IST: Good start by Ghana. They got so much space. Ghana got free kick in dangerous area but shot wide.
07:41 PM IST: Ghana is attacking fearlessly through wings and are dominating game but their final ball is too bad.
07:45 PM IST: Serbia’s strength lies in set pieces. But, Ghana not conceding like Serbia.
07:46 PM IST: Ghana is most impressive in the first 15 minutes. They are playing with a lot of vigour especially on right side.
07:49 PM IST: Yellow card to Zigic. Strong Serbian defence is under lot of stress from impressive Ghanians.
08:04 PM IST: For Serbia, it is all about height. They can protect from set-peices using height and then, they pass ball to Zigic (tall forward). Unlike in normal games, we are seeing less ball in centre of midfield. Most of the game is going through wings and at near penalty area.
08:09 PM IST: Very good move by Ivanovic but good defending by Nigeria. He might have delayed in giving pass.
08:16 PM IST:
Half time: Serbia 0 – Ghana 0.
Both teams missed 1-2 definite goal scoring chances. Serbia is exceptional in defence but no creative play in their game – too much one dimensional. Young Ghanians are fighting hard but missed a top class forward. Serbia still has edge.
08:45 PM IST: Is it good defending or poor finishing? Lot of opportunities but no clear shots on goal.
08:54 PM IST: Ghana has 9 shots on target. 8 shots are off-target. Serbia has 5 shots on target. 4 shots are off-target.
That is all about this game. Poor quality in attack but good defending from both sides.
08:56 PM IST: Serbia substitution – Zigic out – Lazovic in.
09:01 PM IST: Red Card to Lukovic. Advantage Ghana.
Third red card of tournament reduced Serbia to 10 men. I expected a lot from these Serbians. But, they failed to deliver. Even without Essien, Ghana impressed everyone.
09:05 PM IST: Two wonderful saves from Ghana goalkeeper. Serbia is playing well with 10 men!!
09:08 PM IST: Ivanovic is terrific once again. Is Serbia really playing with 10 men?
09:10 PM IST: Penalty to Ghana. Kuzmanovic handball.
Goal. Gyan scored. Ghana 1 – Serbia 0
5 minutes left.
Serbia is saved by goal post. Ghana is unlucky.
Final result: Ghana 1 – Serbia 0 (Ghana is the first African nation to register a win in 2010 world cup).
Man of the match: Asamoah Gyan
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