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On Monday, in the last match of group E, the favorite Italy defeated Ghana 2-0 and secured their first victory. The goals for Italy were scored by Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta.
AWD Arena, Hanover, 43,000 spectators Referee: Carlos Eugenio Simon Italy 2 - 0 Ghana 40‘ [1 - 0] A.Pirlo 83‘ [2 - 0] V.Iaquinta
Italy: Buffon, Zaccardo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Grosso, Totti (55’ Camoranesi), Perrotta, Pirlo, De Rossi, Toni (81’ Del Piero), Gilardino (63’ Iaquinta)
Ghana: Kingston, Pantsil, Kuffour, Mensah, Pappoe (45’ Alhassan Iliasu), Muntari, Essien, Appiah, Eric Addo, Gyan (88’ Tachie-Mensah), Amoah (67’ Pimpong)
The Italians, clear favorites of the match and the tournament, started much more actively in this game. Especially active was Luca Toni, the discovery of last season in Italy and Europe. The striker from Fiorentina was very involved throughout the match.
Italy had their first chance in the 12th minute when a poorly played ball by Ghana's defenders found its way to the post and went out of bounds.
Perhaps the best opportunity for last season's "Golden Boot" winner L.Toni came in the 27th minute, when after a perfect pass from Alberto Gilardino, his strong shot hit the crossbar and bounced back into play.
Ghana also tried not to fall behind and launched counterattacks. The most dangerous player among the Africans was Stephen Appiah, while further chances were not taken by Addoquaye Pappoe.
Just before halftime, the first goal of the match was scored - after a corner, the ball fell to A.Pirlo, and his powerful shot from about 30 meters found the back of the net.
After the break, Ghana started to activate their game and took the initiative, but their attacks were often stuck in the Italian defense, while the Italians, even with minimal chances, continued to attack. Simone Perotta had a dangerous shot, but Ghana's goalkeeper Richard Kingston played confidently and was undoubtedly his country's best player.
Later in the game, the Italian coach sent in Vicenzo Iaquinta, who scored the second goal of the match. Not far from his own penalty area, one of the most experienced Ghanaian defenders, Samuel Kuffour, made a serious mistake, giving the ball to V.Iaquinta, who outsmarted the goalkeeper and scored into an empty net.
Match statistics
Italy - Ghana
Ball possession Italy 45.5% - Ghana 55.5% Goals Italy 2 - 0 Ghana Attempts Italy 17 - 20 Ghana Shots on goal Italy 10 - 4 Ghana Shots off target Italy 5 - 11 Ghana Blocked shots Italy 2 - 5 Ghana Corners Italy 12 - 4 Ghana Fouls Italy 8 - 21 Ghana Offsides Italy 3 - 3 Ghana Yellow cards Italy 3 - 2 Ghana Red cards Italy 0 - 0 Ghana Throw-ins Italy 23 - 17 Ghana Shot accuracy Italy 87.0% - 100.0% Pass accuracy Italy 74.8% - 82.3% Passes Italy 405 - 486
