FORTALEZA, Brazil – Germany central defender Mats Hummels was in the starting lineup for the Group G match against Ghana, which started with Germany-based striker Kevin-Prince Boateng and kept midfield star Michael Essien on the bench after he fought to return to fitness from a toe injury.
Boateng's half-brother Jerome was in the Germany lineup, making it the second time they play against each other at a World Cup.
Coach James Appiah also switched goalkeepers to start with Fatau Dauda, while defender Daniel Opare is out injured.
Hummels was doubtful because of a thigh injury but coach Joachim Loew stuck with the 11 that beat Portugal 4-0.
___
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Jerome Boateng, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Hoewedes, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Mueller, Mario Goetze.
Ghana: Fatau Dauda; Harrison Afful, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Asamoah Gyan.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.