Ghana gifts Africa first victory at 2010 World Cup
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Thanks to Asamoah Gyan's late spot kick, Ghana on Sunday notched the first win for Africa in the ongoing 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In Tshwane, Ghana became the fourth of six African teams appearing in the arena, beating 10-man Serbia 1-0 in Group D.
Serbia was one man short at the 74th minute when Aleksandar Lukovic picked up a second yellow card after he stopped Gyan by grabbing his arm.
The mastermind of the victory, Milovan Rajevic, is the second Serbian coach to lead a team against his home nation, after Blagoje Vidinic watched his Zaire side whitewashed by former Yugolavia 9-0 in 1974.
Serbia coach Radomir Antic responded to the defeat with gracious manner, saying referee Hector Baldassi's decision in expelling Lukovic was without controversy.
Before Ghana's win, hosts South Africa tied Mexico 1-1 in the tournament's opener, Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0, and Algeria were upset by Slovenia 1-0.
Today in Polokwane, Slovenia snatched their first-ever win in the World Cup finals, edging 10-man Algeria 1-0 in their first Group C match.
This was the first Africa-Europe clash in 2010 World Cup and the first meeting of the two national sides.
A stunning goalkeeping error from Faouzi Chaouchi in the 79th minute gifted Slovenia the victory. Robert Koren tried a speculative shot from 25 yards out and the keeper moved to the right position but failed to hold the ball.
The fatal error was like a photocopy of that in last night's England-United States duel where a U.S. shot slipped in from England keeper Robert Green's hands.
"Everyone saw what happened with the ball, and what happened yesterday with England's goalkeeper," said Algeria coach Rabah Saadane. "You have to adjust to the flight of the ball."
A red card in the second half acted as the turning point of the lackluster match.
Algerian forward Abdelkader Ghezzal came off the bench in the 58th minute to replace Rafik Djebbour. Only playing for 15 minutes, he was sent off for collecting two yellow cards.
In Durban, Germany crushed Australia 4-0 in Group D. Podolski opened the scoring, followed by Klose, Mueller and Cacau.
Germany tore through the Australia defences time and again with fast pace and better teamwork.
After Cahill's sending off, Germany's domination was absolute.
Now, Germany are topping Group D and serving warning to their rivals in South Africa.
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