GHANA Kingson – 6 - Dropped a real clanger with the Australian goal and had already looked uncertain in the early stages, making a couple of poor errors. As the experienced figure in the defensive unit, better was needed, and he was lucky the Australians didn’t get a chance to exert more pressure. Admittedly coped fairly well in the closing stages, with a crucial save from Wilkshire. Pantsil – 6 - His long throw is a weapon, though he wasn’t especially adventurous from open play. Australia made good headway down his flank in the closing stages of the match. The victim of a very nasty stoppage time head knock and had to be withdrawn. Jonathan Mensah – 7 - Winning just his third cap, the Free State Stars centre-back looked composed, flicking a cheeky backheel by a charging attacker in the early stages. His laid-back attitude nearly cost his side a goal when a ball was pinched from his toe on the edge of the box. It was his shot that Kewell cleared from the line with his hand. Addy – 5 - Very difficult start to the game for the inexperienced centre-back. Got in a mix-up with the goalkeeper that Ghana were lucky to escape unscathed from and looked a little nervous in his all-round play. Booked for a naive challenge and lacked composure throughout. Sarpei – 6 - Not available as an offensive option frequently enough for the Ghanaian side, who lacked impetus when they should have been turning the screw. Largely sound defensively, though a poor header might have cost his side. Annan – 6.5 - Conceded an unnecessary foul to allow Bresciano the shot that led to the first goal. Worse, Annan was the player caught napping as Holman zipped in to score the opener. On the plus side, his tackling was generally strong. Boateng – 6.5 - Started to come into his own in the latter stages of the first half, when Ghana really started to find some space, but didn’t maintain that momentum. A couple of excellent surging runs down the right, including one that ended in a shot tipped wide by Schwarzer. Substituted midway through the second half. Tagoe – 6 - Didn’t offer a massive threat from the Ghanaian point of view, though he did have a shot go close just after the equaliser. Perhaps should have done better with the effort though. Replaced early in the second half. Asamoah – 7 - Was the fulcrum of the side once again, setting the tempo for many of Ghana’s forward forays, but was not effective as he was when pitted against Serbia. Did improve in the second period, with a great pass to Gyan that was wasted. Deadball delivery was lacking somewhat, as well-placed free kicks were wasted. Ayew – 7 - The youngster can be a little unpredictable, but he can also be very good. Cut in from the right to have a first half shot deflected over by Neill, and also proved the catalyst for the equaliser as his tenacious run down the right created mayhem. Sparked on occasion after the break. Gyan – 6.5 - Showed flashes of strong play leading the line. A couple of good surges worried the Australians, with Neill doing well to turn one shot wide for a corner. Converted his penalty kick very coolly. Too often wasteful in good areas at crucial moments. Substitutes Owusu Abeyie – 6 - Provoked a reaction from the crowd because of his individual skill, but had little end product. Muntari – n/a - Given only 13 minutes to have an influence. Amoah – n/a - The striker only had three minutes at the end. AUSTRALIA Schwarzer – 7.5 - With all the hype surrounding the Jabulani ball, Schwarzer dealt with the problem superbly, making a number of terrific stops and good claims. Only beaten by a penalty kick. Wilkshire – 7 - Tremendous in the latter stages of the game, charging forward to provide much-needed support for the offence. Threw in one magnificent cross that should have been converted by Chipperfield but missed Australia’s best chance aside from the goal. Neill – 7.5 - Stationed in the centre of the Australian defence, Neill needed every ounce of his experience to handle this match. His commitment certainly wasn’t lacking as he made several telling blocks as the Socceroos came under pressure. Moore – 7 - The veteran defender may have made a couple of silly challenges that conceded free kicks in useful areas for the Ghanaians, but he grew in stature as the game wore on. Lacking pace, he instead used his experience well. Carney – 6.5 - The left-back was introduced into the team for his first game of the World Cup and gave a sound account of himself. Made a couple of penetrative runs down his flank but was occasionally caught when trying to defend. Valeri – 7 - Worked tremendously hard in the centre of the park to keep the shape of the Australian side. His discipline was admirable, and his passing was generally sure, but the Sassuolo player was not especially stretched by Ghana. Won the free kick that led to the goal. Culina – 6.5 - Stood tall stoically in the centre of the park, shutting to all areas of the field for the good of his side. A hard working performance that required an awful lot of dirty work. Emerton – 6.5 - The wide player ran over 11 kilometres for his side against Ghana and popped up all over the park. Generally retained possession well and was always willing to dig in to try and win the ball for his side. Holman – 6.5 - Scored the Australians’ opening goal of the World Cup when he reacted quickest to shoot home from inside the box. Was pushed into a solo role in attack after the expulsion of Kewell and proved to have a thankless task. Bresciano – 6.5 - Strong free kick that was fumbled by Kingson created the opening Ghana goal but rarely looked a threat going forward otherwise. Solid enough for the Socceroos, but was by no means spectacular. Kewell – 6 – Had a very strong penalty shout rejected in just the second minute and was then sent off as a shot cannoned against his arm. Harsh in the respect that there was little he could do to get out of the way of the ball, but rules are rules. Substitutes Chipperfield – 7 - Provided great impetus down the left flank for the Socceroos, who until his arrival had lacked a real threat since the red card. Missed a good headed chance. Kennedy – 7 - A veteran of the 2006 World Cup campaign, the targetman’s introduction caused Ghana fresh headaches, and such was Kennedy’s impact, coach Pim Verbeek may rue not introducing him earlier. Rukavytsya – n/a – Had only five minutes at the end of the game. --

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