Germany through and Ghana survive

Three-time world champions Germany advanced to the Round of 16 by surviving a strong Ghana side 1-0 to win Group D and join the Africans in the knockout stage.

In front of 83,391 spectators at Soweto's Soccer City Stadium, Mesut Oezil - named FIFA Man of the Match - scored the winner in the 60th minute for the 1954, 1974 and 1990 title-winners Germany, who avoided getting bounced from the first round of the World Cup - which would have been the first time in their history.

In Image: Germany's Mesut Oezil, center, is surround by teammates as they celebrate his goal during the World Cup group D soccer match

Text: IANS

Images: AP

Coverage: FIFA World Cup