Veteran Klose saves Germany from defeat against Ghana

Klose scored the 2-2 equalizer in the 71st minute two minutes after coming on as substitute, to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record of 15 goals held by Brazil's Ronaldo.

After a goalless first half, the Germans opened the scoring with a goal by Mario Goetze in the 51st minute, and Andre Ayew made it 1-1 for Ghana three minutes later.

Asamoah Gyan gave Ghana the lead in the 63rd minute, making a fast run down the right of the German box to make it 2-1.

The result leaves Germany top of the group with 4 points, meaning they need only to draw against the United States in the final group game to reach the knockout round.

Germany had a late chance to score a winner after they were granted a free-kick in added time for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger but Toni Kroos shot wide of the target.

Klose narrowly missed another chance when he failed by inches to connect with a pass across the goalmouth by Mesut Ozil.

Germany failed to break through Ghana's disciplined defence in the first half, which ended 0-0 despite each team having several chances.

Asamoah Gyan tested Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer in the opening minutes with a shot over the bar after Sulley Muntari played a long ball to Christian Atsu, who made a fast run before making a cross from the right of the German box.

Neuer also parried Atsu's shot on goal from outside the box minutes later, and again denied the Ghanaians a goal after bad defending by Philipp Lahm gave Muntari space to rifle a shot.

Lahm created the first chance for the Germans, playing a ball into the Ghanian box that was intercepted before it reached Mesut Ozil.

Sami Khedira had a shot on goal saved by keeper Fatau Dauda and Ghana defender John Boye intercepted a cross from Ozil to Thomas Mueller from the right of the box.

The Germans kept the pressure up and Toni Kroos rifled a shot from outside the box that went flying over the bar.

Boateng, who was replaced at half time, played a long ball down the right for Goetze, who made a fast run but his cross into the box for Mueller was stopped by Boye.