Klose equals record as Germany draw with Ghana

Germany and Ghana shared four goals in an engrossing Group G game in Fortaleza, substitute Miroslav Klose equalling a FIFA World Cup finals record.

After an uneventful first half at the Estadio Castelao the game burst into life in the second period, Mario Götze heading Germany in front. Ghana responded swiftly, André Ayew levelling within three minutes before Asamoah Gyan gave them an unexpected lead. Klose was once again Germany's saviour, however, coming off the bench to score with his first touch – the striker's 15th World Cup finals goal, matching the record of former Brazil striker Ronaldo – to rescue a draw.

Germany had overwhelmed Portugal in their opening fixture but were on the back foot throughout the first half against an energetic Ghana side who refused to allow their opponents time and space on the ball. Although clear chances proved elusive at both ends, Germany's Manuel Neuer was the busier goalkeeper, making necessary – if regulation – saves from Christian Atsu and Sulley Muntari.

Joachim Löw's side finally displayed their attacking prowess to devastating effect six minutes after half-time. Thomas Müller had scored a hat-trick in Germany's first game but was the provider, capitalising on the space on the corner of the penalty area to deliver a perfect cross for Götze to nod past Fatau Dauda.

The lead proved short lived as Ghana drew level in similar circumstances. Again a player found himself with time and space on the right and punished the opposition; this time it was Harrison Afful, André Ayew getting on the end of the cross to mark his 50th game for Ghana with the equaliser.

Three minutes past the hour Ghana were in front, Muntari intercepting Philipp Lahm's pass and slipping the ball through to Gyan who, with only Neuer to beat, made no mistake. Jordan Ayew then skipped away down the left but, with Gyan in support, opted to shoot straight at Neuer, before Kwadwo Asamoah's left-wing cross skimmed off André Ayew's head.

Löw introduced Bastian Schweinsteiger and Klose, and the results were instantaneous as Toni Kroos' corner was flicked towards goal by Benedikt Höwedes and Klose prodded in at the far post. Both teams might have won it in a pulsating finale but a point each was reward for a thrilling second half.