JOHANNESBURG — Germany won. Ghana lost, then won.
Mesut Ozil scored on a left-footed blast from outside the box Wednesday to give Germany a 1-0 victory over Ghana and first place in Group D at the World Cup.
Still, Ghana had reason to party.
Moments after the game was over, Ghana learned Australia had defeated Serbia 2-1 — a result that meant Ghana took second place in the group and also will move on to the round of 16.
“It was a very difficult match, but we fought and it was enough to get us through,” Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew said. “We had opportunities but the important thing is that we went through.”
Ghana, the first of the six African teams in the tournament to make it to the knockout phase, will face the United States on Saturday.
England 1, Slovenia 0
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Playing more aggressively than they did in draws with the Americans and Algerians, the Three Lions went ahead when Jermain Defoe put in James Milner’s cross from 5 yards out with a right- footed shot.
“I’m lost for words to be honest,” Defoe said. “What a moment. Everyone was focused before the game. We are through, that’s the most important thing.”
England continued to dominate after the goal, and Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to make two saves within a few seconds of each other to stop shots from Defoe and Steven Gerrard.
Australia 2, Serbia 1
NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Tim Cahill put Australia ahead with a glancing header off Luke Wilkshire’s cross in the 69th minute, and Brett Holman scored from long range four minutes later.
The Associated Press
