Germany's Arne Friedrich (3) hugs Per Mertesacker as they celebrate after their 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match against Ghana at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 23, 2010. [Agencies]

Ghana's Dede Ayew (L) and John Pantsil run with the Ghana flag after the 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match between Ghana and Germany at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 23, 2010. [Agencies]

The three-time champions reacted with Mesut Oezil's one-on-one meeting with Kingson, who blocked the Werder Bremen forward's fierce shot.

As the clocked ticked down to halftime, Kingson pushed out Bastian Schweinsteiger's free kick.

Seven minutes after the restart, Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah broke down from the middle and with just Neuer to beat, he fired into the keeper's legs.

A draw would send the two sides into the second round but neither looked like playing for a tie.

The deadlock was broken in the 62nd minute as Ozil smashed a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net from the edge of box.

Ghana then went all out for an equalizer and they almost did it when Ayew burst into the box and shot from a close range, but Philip Lahm's legs deflected it over the bar.

Germany, who have never failed to move beyond the first group round of the tournament, will next take on old foes England.

Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted England would be a handful but he believed his side would emerge winners.

"England are stronger than Ghana but I believe we will beat them," he said.