A second half curler from Mesut Ozil, slicing the ball around Richard Kingson from 20 yards out, gave Germany a 1-0 win over Ghana and first place in Group D.
Ghana also advances to the knockout stage of World Cup 2010, their goal difference allowing the Black Stars to advance on a tiebreaker over Australia.
Germany looked the better side throughout, creating more opportunities before Ozil’s 60th minute opener. While Kevin Prince Boateng had gone closest in the first half by flicking on a corner that Philipp Lahm saved off the line, Ozil nearly put Germany ahead when put through on goal, only to have Kingson come off his line to smother his shot from 16 yards out.
In the second half, Özil made amends with his curling left-footer, putting Germany up to stay, winning the Germans the group with six points.
Ghana finishes second in Group D on four points, winning the goal difference tiebreaker with Australia. They will take on the United States in the Round of 16.
Germany moves on to take on England.