Serbia 0 Ghana 1

From the opening minute both teams adopted a well-organised and aggressive game-plan, which saw a first half of end-to-end football punctuated by half chances for the two Serbian coaches’ sides: Radomir Antic’s Serbia and Milovan Rajevac’s Ghana.

After the break, Ghana had the best chance of the game on 54’, A. Ayew heading just wide after beating Vidic. A minute later the same player send a shot over. Serbia grew again, Zigic just failing to control his header in front of goal on 58’. 59’, A. Gyan (FIFA Man of the Match) headed against the post.

Antic tried to give Serbia more consistency, taking off Milijas and sending on Kuzmanovic after 62’ then on 70’, Lazovic for Zigic. Rajevac replied for Ghana, sending on Appiah for Asamoah. Lukovic received his second yellow, sent off on 74 for arm-pulling.

Antic used his last card, Jovanovic replaced by Subotic. Serbia grew. On 79’, a brilliant defence by Kinson, denying Krasic. Seconds later, Vidic headed just over. Ghana came back.

84’ Kuzmanovic committed handball in the area, was booked and a penalty was awarded to Ghana. A. Gyan smashed it into the back of the net. 1-0 (85’). 90’, the same player sent the ball against the post. If anyone deserved to win this well-balanced game, it was Ghana, for the opportunities created and converted.

Line-ups

Serbia: Stojkovic, Kolarov, Vidic, Ivanovic, Pantelic, Stankovic, Milijas (Kuzmanovic), Lukovic, Jovanovic (Subotic), Zigic (Lazovic), Krasic

Ghana: Kinson, Sarpei, A. Gyan (Owusu Abeyie), Pantsil, Mensah, Annan, Tagoe, A. Ayew, Vorsah, A. Asamoah (Appiah), Prince (Addy)