Germany wins, Ghana advances in World Cup Group D

Germany won. Ghana lost, then won.

Mesut Oezil scored on a leftfooted blast from outside the area Wednesday to give Germany a 1-0 victory over Ghana in Johannesburg and first place in Group D at the World Cup.

Still, Ghana had reason to party.

Moments after the game was over, Ghana learned that Australia had defeated Serbia, 2-1, That result 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," said Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew. "We had opportunities but the important thing is that we went through." Once the scoreboard flashed the Aussie final, Ghana players hugged each other, waved their country's flag and ran to the corner where their supporters were cheering and dancing.

The Germans, too, were saluting their fans and enjoying the moment.

"It was a tense game. We could have made more out of our opportunities," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. assured of advancing. They'll play England Sunday, another European power that won to stay alive Wednesday.

Ghana will face the United States Saturday. The Black Stars pushed the United States out of the tournament in 2006.

Oezil had a chance to score in the 25th minute but Ghana goalie Richard Kingson blocked his shot. The German playmaker struck his winner in the 60th minute.

Australia 2, Serbia 1

Tim Cahill and Brett Holman scored second-half goals to help Australia beat Serbia, 2-1, in Group D at Nelspruit, South Africa. But both teams did not advance to the second round. Marko Pantelic pulled a goal back for Serbia, which finished last with three points, one behind Australia. Ghana got second place on goal differential (even to minus-3) over the Aussies.

- AP