2010 FIFA World Cup: Ghana Blows Tremendous Chance Against Australia

So far in this World Cup, there haven't been any sides that have been able to secure a spot in the round of 16.  But at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, Ghana were able to get closer to making the round of 16 with a 1-1 draw with Australia.

To start off the match, Australia responded to the loss of Tim Cahill due to suspension by replacing him with Harry Kewell.

And the Socceroos came out hungry in Rustenbrug as they started to attack a Ghanian side that was too relaxed to start off the match.

In the 10th minute, the Aussies were able to capitalize on the mistakes by the Black Stars defense, as a free kick by Mark Bresciano got juggled by Ghana keeper Richard Kingson and Brett Holman was able to capitalize on the rebound to give the Aussies an early 1-0 lead.

After the goal Ghana started to slowly spring to life, and in the 23rd minute it appeared that the entire match was about to turn in Ghana's favor.

Off a corner, Harry Kewell handled the ball off of the line causing Italian referee Roberto Rosetti to send off Kewell and give Ghana a penalty, which Asamoah Gyan was able to convert to tie the match at one apiece.

After the goal, Ghana continued to be on the attack, but were not able to beat Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer, as Schwarzer looked much better today than he did against Germany in Durban six days earlier.

And with that, the score was 1-1 at the half.

In the second half, Ghana continued to push themselves forward, but instead of trying as a team to tie the match, the Ghanaian players tried as individuals to tie the match, which almost never works.

As a result, as hard as Ghana tried in the second half, they were never seriously able to get a legitimate charge at goal.

With that, Ghana were not able to score again, and despite some solid chances from Australia, they too couldn't score and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

With the draw, Ghana are now at four points in Group D, which puts them in first place.

Meanwhile for Australia, they are at one point and will need a miracle to advance onto the round of 16 again.

Ghana's next match will be on June 23 at Soccer City in Johannesburg against Germany in what should be one of the best matches of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Australia will also play on June 23 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit against Serbia in a must-win game.