Three-time world champions Germany face Ghana, Wednesday June 23, in a must win match for Germany to secure a place in the last 16. Ghana requires only a draw to guarantee progress. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have the Germany as -225 moneyline favorites over Ghana (+600) with a DRAW at (+330) . Be sure to get your Ghana vs Germany Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group D in now at BODOG.com
Germany beat Australia 4-0 but then lost 1-0 to Serbia in their Group D fixtures. Germany have never failed to progress beyond the first group round of a World Cup tournament. The Germans will rely on International stars Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Podolski was named Best Young Player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, and the Schweinsteiger featured for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final little more than a month ago. The pair helped their country to third spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and second at UEFA EURO 2008. The likely lads have grown into senior figures with responsibilities to match, and their leadership qualities are now required. It boils down to whether Podolski and Schweinsteiger can stand up and be counted when the going gets really tough. For Podolski, Schweinsteiger and Co, this is the kind of situation that can mark the final transition from solid international to world-class star. Germany will be without Miroslav Klose. Klose, the top scorer at the 2006 World Cup, is suspended for the Ghana clash
"There's no reason to change anything. We have to keep playing the same way. We played badly in 2008, but we’ve been good in both our games here at the World Cup. The pressure's on now, but there's always pressure in any case. We're well able to cope, and that includes the younger players. I'm not in the slightest bit worried that we might not win the game. We'll neutralise Ghana," Philipp Lahm, Germany captain
Ghana beat the Serbs 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Australia. They’ll be pinning their goal scoring hopes on 24-year-old Gyan, scorer of both their goals at the tournament so far from the penalty spot. The striker is likely to be marked by German Per Mertesacker, who’s been solid at the finals and starting the match with a definite height advantage at 1.98 metres to Gyan's 1.86. Ghana are very physically robust and often unpredictable. They are fast and can play well on the counter, they don't shy away from one-to-one duels as they are strong, they have players who can put in fantastic sprints.
"I've spent all of my career in Germany. This is a very big match, and it's even more significant because of the permutations in the group. They're a strong and experienced team, but they have weaknesses in defence. We'll definitely create a chance or two ," Hans Sarpei, Ghana defender
Ghana vs Germany
When: Wednesday, June 23- 2:30 PM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Germany -225
Point-Spreads.com Ghana vs Germany Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group D
The Bottom Line: Germany have too much goodness and skill. Be sure to get your Ghana vs Germany Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group D in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% deposit bonus.
