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Ghana and Germany gave us the best 45 minutes of the World Cup

Themba Hadebe/AP

Themba Hadebe/AP

It was only a group stage game, but Ghana-Germany quickly became one of the most memorable games in recent World Cup history Saturday. With the Group of Death still wide open and all four teams still vying for a spot in the knockout rounds, Germany and Ghana each earned a point after a classic second half that included four goals, ending 2-2.

Javier Soriano/Getty Images

Javier Soriano/Getty Images

Mario Götze scored the game’s opening goal in the 51st minute. Thomas Müller sent in a perfect cross that Götze headed downward onto his knee. Luckily for Götze, the ball bounced directly in front of him, and past Fatawu Dauda.

It only took Ghana three minutes to find an answer. Christian Atsu swung a cross into the German penalty area, and Andre Ayew hit a powerful header to the far post.

ayew

Asamoah Gyan, the man who knocked the United States out of the World Cup in 2010, gave Ghana the lead nine minutes later.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Sulley Muntari’s pass split the German defenders and found Gyan with no one but Manuel Neuer to beat. Gyan took two touches and blasted a shot across Neuer’s goal that found the side netting.

It was a familiar face that saved Germany in Fortaleza. German striker Miroslav Klose, playing in his fourth World Cup, was substituted on for Götze in the 70th. One minute later, he found the back of the net. Klose arrived at the far post just in time to tap in Benedikt Höwedes header and make the game 2-2.

Martin Rose/Getty Images

Martin Rose/Getty Images

The goal was Klose’s 15th career World Cup goal, tying him atop the all-time leaderboard with Brazilian legend Ronaldo. The 36-year-old was so happy he did a front flip.

Martin Rose/Getty Images

Martin Rose/Getty Images

The draw means that Germany leads Group G with 4 points, but all four teams are still alive. If the United States beats Portugal Sunday, it will qualify for the knockout stages.

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