Former Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson
MOTD analyst

"This is not a great game, but it is intriguing. There are so many sub-plots to it. It is very competitive."

Ghana have responded well to falling behind, with Asamoah Gyan heading wide from a testing cross.

Mats Hummels strides out of defence with the bal at his feet, a bodyswerve in midfield takes him clear and he's suddenly at the edge of the area. Lukas Podolski's cross comes to nothing but that was majestic from Hummels.

Matthias Sammer-esque.

Former England striker Gary Lineker
MOTD analyst

"Could be goodnight Ghana thanks to John Boye."

If you're too young to remember The Waltons, ask an older relative...

On second viewing that own goal from John Boye was extremely unlucky. The ball came off his thigh, hit the crossbar, hit the inside of the post and then went in. More deflections than a John Virgo trick-shot.

Image source, AFP/GETTY

Alan Green
BBC Radio 5 live

"Am I jinxed? How many goalless draws have I seen in Brazil? This is the sixth game I've commentated on at this World Cup, and I've only seen seven goals so far."

Germany look extremely comfortable, popping it around on the slick surface. And Mesut Ozil then skips into the area neatly before firing in a left-footer which Tim Howard gets firmly behind. Solid stuff.

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Brasilia:

"How many more things can go wrong for Ghana this week?

"Money troubles, allegations, bust-ups, players sent home and now a very unlucky own goal.

"The players insist they are still united despite the off-field controversies. Now they have to prove it."

Former England defender Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm watching the United States playing in an all-white strip, and I'm thinking: It could be England out there. Except - and it pains me to say it - the United States are better than we are. I cannot believe I'm saying that, but it's true."

Portugal are still a long way away from qualifying, they need to pile in the goals against Ghana and hope for a winner in the game between Germany and the USA.

Former England defender Martin Keown
MOTD analyst

"You have to say it's the ball in from Miguel Veloso, it's the pace of it. He whips it in near post, Boye throws a foot at it and it's the bounce which does him. He committed with his foot but might have been better trying to head that away. That's your worst nightmare as a defender."

Image source, Getty Images

A disastrous own goal! It comes from a Ghana attack which was stopped when the referee got in the way, and Portugal punish them on the break.

Joao Moutinho keeps it with some wonderful skill before finding Miguel Veloso on the left, he delivers a teasing cross and Ghana centre-back John Boye can't resist, turning it home off his thigh, looping the ball in off the post.

Bright, lively stuff still between the two sides in Brasilia.

Both of these teams can still mathematically qualify with a win, but not if Germany and USA draw.

Tom in Long Sutton: Germany have five players starting and one on the bench from the 2009 Euro Under-21 final, where they beat England. How many of our squad regularly make our squad today? Answer: One - James Milner. Success comes from developing young successful teams, not continually playing tried, tested and failed teams and systems.

Justin Lau:, external "Ghana probably lost their chance to qualify for the round of 16 when they played very well against Germany but failed to win that match.

The States are seeing much more of the ball now, looking a very tidy outfit indeed. As Danny Mills has to concede on BBC Radio 5 live, they look a much better side than England...

Image source, Getty Images

Some transfer news on a busy Thursday: Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao on a four-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months.

The 24-year-old, a former Spain Under-21 international who is pictured here shaking hands with United director Sir Bobby Charlton, tells his new club's website:, external "Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true. I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far."

United assistant manager Ryan Giggs says: "Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans."

Ben Smith
BBC Sport in Recife

"It is clear that Germany feel they can get at DaMarcus Beasley down their right hand side. There have been three or four occasions when the Germany right-back has found space out wide and driven low, teasing crosses across the penalty area. The US have survived the onslaught so far and have started to find some rhythm to their passing.

"Their system is not the most adventurous but they have shown that they will get forward when the opportunities present themselves. The stadium is now almost full. Perhaps hundreds, rather than thousands, of empty seats here."

Pretty even game in Brasilia, as Asamoah Gyan sees a low shot well saved by Beto in the Portugal goal. Ghana then threaten from a few corners but Portugal stand firm.

You can see Cristiano Ronaldo hit the crossbar in the highlights tab at the top of the screen.

Former Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson
MOTD analyst

"The USA's best attack of the game and you could argue it is the best attack of the whole game. Nice crisp passing from the USA in the build-up, that makes such a difference. And if they offer an attacking threat then it means Germany can't pour forward willy-nilly."