Saturday 19 June, 2010
In a dramatic Group D clash of the FIFA World Cup that saw the ejection of Miroslav Klose in Port Elizabeth South Africa on Friday Serbia pulled off a 1-0 upset win over 10-man Germany. Serbia, playing in their maiden World Cup finals after separating from Montenegro, scored in the 38th minute match winner through Milan Jovanovic.
It was the third upset of the tournament after Switzerland’s 1-0 victory against Spain and Mexico’s 2-0 shock win over France. Beside seven other yellow cards, the Germans also paid the price of Lukas Podolski’s shocking profligacy of a penalty in the 60th minute of match which saw discharge of German striker Miloslav Klose after his second bookable felony. After Friday’s result, Group D remained open with Ghana, Serbia and Germany with three points each.
In the campaign openers Serbia had lost 0-1 to Ghana and Germany had beaten Australia 4-0. Germany failed to penetrate the Serbian defence and three-time champions Germany were nowhere near their superb performance against Australia. The Germans upfront comprising Mesut Oetzil, Klose, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Mueller and Bastian Schweinsteiger failed to produce clear opening, the last minute of the first half is the only exception. With Klose getting the marching orders from Spanish referee Alberto Undaio for his second booking in the 37th minute the match turned on his head and Serbia immediately took the advantage with Jovanovic next minute found the back of the German net.
In the 38th minute Nikola Zigic, who stands at six feet eight inches, headed down a Milos Krasic cross from the right flank for Jovanovic to fire home with a left footer. Germany one-man short than their opponent, still had more shots at the goal but failed to find the target. In the 68th minute the Serbians though came close to scoring twice with goal scorer Jovanovic ratting the crosspiece and then six minutes later Zigic heading sailing over after glancing the bar.
