Ghanaian-born Player Makes History for Germany

BREMEN, Germany (AP) -- A player born in Ghana scored a goal Tuesday in a game in which he became the first African to play for Germany's national team.

Gerald Asamoah scored in the 50th minute of a 2-0 exhibition victory over Slovakia. He dribbled past a defender, then left-footed a low shot inside the left post.

Asamoah has lived in Germany for 12 years. He left the field in the 64th minute to a standing ovation from the crowd of 20,000 at Weserstadion.

``I thank God that my dream has been fulfilled,'' he said. ``It shows me it was the right decision to choose Germany.''

The 22-year-old forward has turned down numerous invitations to play for Ghana's national team.

His promotion to the German national team was widely regarded as a symbolic gesture against anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.
``I want to show a few idiots that a black man can do some good for Germany,'' he said.