FORTALEZA // Two opposing strikers and two World Cup records equalled. Al Ain forward Asamoah Gyan became Africa's joint-highest World Cup scorer after netting for Ghana, while Miroslav Klose's equaliser shortly after in an enthralling 2-2 draw equalled Ronaldo's 15-goal all-time finals record.
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Mario Gotze had opened the scoring for Germany early in the second half, but two goals in nine minutes shared between Andre Ayew and Gyan saw the pendulum swing in the favour of the Africans. With just 19 minutes remaining, however, Klose – having entered the fray as a substitute just seconds earlier – had the final word snatching a typical poacher's finish.
The tap-in was Klose's 15th goal, a figure matched only by Brazil's Ronaldo, who struck his last goal on the game's grandest stage in 2006. The veteran German, 36, also became only the third player to score at four World Cups, joining compatriot Uwe Seeler and Brazilian legend Pele.
The Lazio forward celebrated it with a jumping somersault that belied his years. "I don't know how long it's been since I did a somersault, but at least it worked out," Klose said. "You come in and want to turn the game around. Twenty (World Cup) matches and 15 goals isn't bad at all."
Ronaldo tweeted his congratulations, writing: "Welcome to the club" and "I imagine your happiness! What a beautiful World Cup!"
Gyan added: "To score 15 goals at the World Cup is an amazing achievement. He came on and proved to everyone what he is capable of. To tie a legend like Ronaldo is a great achievement for him because Ronaldo is one of the best ever and Klose has now equalled his record. Sometimes in football you need luck. His first touch was a tap-in, but great players make that and he is always in the right place at the right time."
Gyan's own strike, an emphatic finish to give his side the lead after a perfect through-ball by Sulley Muntari, also tied a World Cup record. The Al Ain striker's goal was his fifth at Fifa's showpiece tournament, equalling the African record set by Cameroon's Roger Milla. "Personally, I am very happy because it is not easy to score five goals at a World Cup," Gyan said. "I am a striker and have been working for my country for the past four years, so it is a good achievement for me."
The fate of Ghana, who lost 2-1 to the United States on Monday, now sits in the hands of others. The US face Portugal on Sunday, capable of securing progress if they can take three points. Gyan and Ghana are hoping for victory for Cristiano Ronaldo and co, meaning their match with the Portuguese next week would enable them to qualify for the knockout stages.
"We saw the real Ghana [against Germany]," Gyan added. "We were tactically perfect, but we had to work hard because Germany are so good in possession. We didn't want to run around and waste energy. Now we have to go all out against Portugal in our last game. We have to focus and believe we can beat them."
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
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