(From Caesar Abagali, GNA Special Correspondent in Seoul, South Korea. Courtesy - Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)
Seoul (SK), Sept. 9, GNA - An Alexander Esswein goal in 90 (+2) minutes was enough to deny Ghana of a bronze medal in this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament in Korea.
This is the Starlets' second defeat to Germany in this tournament, the first at the group stages where they lost 3-2 and the second at the third place stage to say, "Good bye" back to Ghana with empty hands with a final defeat of two goals to one.
The defeat has once again brought disappointment to Korean and Nigerian fans who thronged the Seoul World Cup stadium to lend their support to Ghana and Nigeria and for the fans to say "Good bye" to Korea 2007.
The match was also witnessed by FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and other Korean Sports dignitaries at which stage the Ghana flag this time failed to fly high.
The German's took the lead in the 17Th minute when dangerman and captain, Toni Kroos scored from a free kick, which beat the defense and went beyond the reach o f sprawling Joseph Addo, in goal for Ghana to record the first goal.
The Starlets fought back gallantly but could failed to utilise any of their few chances to redeem the goal as they also defended so well to prevent the Germans from creating another doom as happened at the group stage when the Starlets conceded three goals in the first half of the game.
For the first time in ball possession, Ghana fell to 48 per cent as against 52 per cent by the Germans in the second half, an indication that the Germans were in full control.
Isaac Donkor who was warming the Ghanaian bench was quickly introduced in the 46th minute and his determination, brilliant moves and resilience fetched the Starlets the needed equaliser in the 67th minute to open the way for the teams.
The resilient Donkor wove his way through the German defense and connected to Abeiku Quansah who added some speed with brilliance and crossed the ball into the Germans goal area. Ransford Osei who was also in the goal-king race made no mistake to head in the much needed equaliser to mark his sixth goal in the tournament.
The Starlets took control of the game from then on as they entertained the fans with accurate passes but could failed to find the net.
The game became balanced towards the dying minutes and as if it was heading towards the straight penalty shoot-out, substitute Alexander Esswein was able to beat the Ghanaian defense to score the most "Valuable" goal to finish third and take the bronze medal. This is the first time the Starlets have lost in a third place match, which Korean journalists attributed to the absence of Sadick Adams and the wrong player set-up of the team by Coach Sellas Tetteh to end the Ghanaian dream of Korea 2007.
