FIFA WC Soccer 2010 , GROUP D: all previews, reviews and match thread

[al-Sagar]

GROUP D


POINTS TABLE

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Germany	3	2	0	1	5	1	4	6
2	Ghana	3	1	1	1	2	2	0	4
3	Australia	3	1	1	1	3	6	-3	4
4	Serbia	3	1	0	2	2	3	-1	3

FIXTURES & RESULTS

Sunday, June 13
14-00 - Serbia 0 : 1 Ghana, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
18-30 - Germany 4 : 0 Australia, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Friday, June 18
11-30 - Germany 0 : 1 Serbia, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Saturday, June 19
14-00 - Ghana 1 : 1 Australia, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

Wednesday, June 23
18-30 - Ghana 0 : 1 Germany, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
18-30 - Australia 2 : 1 Serbia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

* All times are GMT

TEAMS

SERBIA:

Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic, Bojan Isailovic, Andjelko Djuricic
Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic, Antonio Rukavina, Nemanja Vidic, Neven Subotic, Aleksandar Lukovic, Ivan Obradovic, Aleksandar Kolarov
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic, Gojko Kacar, Nenad Milijas, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Radosav Petrovic, Milos Krasic, Zoran Tosic , Milos Ninkovic, Milan Jovanovic
Forwards: Nikola Zigic, Marko Pantelic, Danko Lazovic, Dragan Mrdja
Coach: Radomir Antic

GHANA:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson, Daniel Agyei, Stephen Ahorlu
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom, Jonathan Mensah, Lee Addy, Rahim Ayew, Hans Sarpei, John Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, John Paintsil
Midfielders: Sulley Muntari, Derek Boateng, Anthony Annan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew, Stephen Appiah, Quincy Owusu Abeyie, Kevin-Prince Boateng
Forwards: Matthew Amoah Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Dominic Adiyiah
Coach: Milovan Rajevac

GERMANY:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese, Hans-Jorg Butt
Defenders: Dennis Aogo, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng, Arne Friedrich, Marcell Jansen, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Serdar Tasci
Midfielders: Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Marko Marin, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Piotr Trochowski
Forwards: Cacau, Mario Gomez, Stefan Kiessling, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski
Coach: Joachim Low

AUSTRALIA:

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer, Adam Federici, Brad Jones.
Defenders: Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield, David Carney, Luke Wilkshire, Mark Milligan, Michael Beauchamp.
Midfielders: Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano Vince Grella, Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Harry Kewell, Brett Holman, Carl Valeri, Mile Jedinak, Richard Garcia, Dario Vidosic.
Forwards: Josh Kennedy, Nikita Rukavytsya
Coach: Pim Verbeek

[Ashraf-FTP]

Germany

This group is tough too. Germany should be able to make it, but the recent form of the players is not encouraging tbh. Hopefully they will get it back though.
Australia and Ghana, who will it be?
Serbia has some decent players too, can they show some magic?
wow wow, I would call this the group of death.

[Rabz]

Germany??? Ewwwwww..... hate that team.
Would love to see them crushing out in the first round, but not gonna happen.

Ozi Ozi Ozi, oi oi oi.

Ghana is good too. Tough battle between them two.

Serbians are most likely to make up the number.

[al-Sagar]

Originally Posted by Rabz
Serbians are most likely to make up the number.

what are u talking ...........

a team that has Vidic, subotic, kolarov, stankovic the legend, kuzmanovic, krasic, jovanovic, tosic, zigic, pantelic is no Pushovers .....

just remember the names .... they are all top performers in europe

i think they will surprise a lot

[AsifTheManRahman]

Loved what Klinsmann did with the team last time. Looking forward to more of that this year. Germany and Australia. But will Ghana knock the Socceroos out?

[Rabz]

আরে ভাই, এত ইচ ভিচ মিচ কিচ শুনতে কানে লাগে ।

[Ashraf-FTP]

You have the right to hate, so go ahead

Serbia will be playing good. But it would be the next WC where they will actually shine

[CricFanBD]

This thread exactly reflects the real expectation from German Team. Very few supporters are in this thread and very few star players (probably none) in the team. Anyway Except 1978, Germany always went to the QF at least. I hope that they will keep this pride. Germany first played in 1954 and became the champion in their first World Cup.

Positions in all World Cups:
1) 1954—Final
2) 1958--Semi Final
3) 1962—Quarter Final
4) 1966—Final
5) 1970—Semi Final
6) 1974—Final
7) 1978—2nd Round
8) 1982—Final
9) 1986—Final
10) 1990—Final
11) 1994--Quarter Final
12) 1998--Quarter Final
13) 2002—Final
14) 2006—Semi Final

[Rabz]

There's always a first time.
Hope the Germans get out first round this time.

[al-Sagar]

serbia and ghana are cabaple of producing wins against germany .... ....

[al-Sagar]

serbia came first in a qualifying group featuring france. france was second in that group

[Ashraf-FTP]

So many people hate Germany. Lmao, wow, they always bring up the NAzi crap. Anyways, doesnt bother me. I cant wait to draw with Australia (Yes I want a draw so that Australia moves to second round )

[AsifTheManRahman]

They're gonna pepper 'em with crosses to tear 'em apart.

Originally Posted by Ashraf-FTP
So many people hate Germany. Lmao, wow, they always bring up the NAzi crap. Anyways, doesnt bother me. I cant wait to draw with Australia (Yes I want a draw so that Australia moves to second round )

[al-Sagar]

Ghana Vs Servia preview

At one stage seen as many pundits' tip to be dark horses at this World Cup, the loss of talismanic figure Michael Essien to injury means they are now considered outsiders. Stephen Appiah will now find his role in the side increasingly important but, as in 2006, the forward line looks paper thin.

With Germany also in the group, it is expected to be a three-way fight for second and defeat in the opening game could almost end someone's World Cup campaign.

Serbia, who suffered in the Group of Death with Argentina, Ivory Coast and Netherlands four years ago when competing as Serbia & Montenegro, have been seen as a defensive team in the past but now have much more in their locker and scored 22 goals in qualifying.

Serbia player in focus: Milos Krasic. The attacking force in the Serbia side, Krasic's reputation was enhanced greatly during CSKA Moscow's Champions League campaign in the past season. That form, as he scored four goals in Europe's premier club competition, has led to interest from Juventus and he is set to sign for the Serie A giants after the tournament. He is a speedy and elusive right-winger or attacking midfielder.

Ghana player in focus: Kevin Prince-Boateng. This German-born midfielder finds himself in the World Cup finals having only made his international debut for Ghana on June 5. An experienced Germany youth international, where he was once named Young Player of the Year, Boateng is a figure of hate in Germany for his defection which was not helped after his tackle on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final ruled Germany's skipper out of the finals. Boateng reignited his career at Portsmouth last term after a move to Tottenham proved to be a disaster and will be vital in the opposition's half.

Key battle: Nemanja Vidic v Richard Kingson. Set pieces are crucial in modern football, and Serbia have a band of towering defenders who join the attack to form a fearsome weapon which leads to most of the country's goals. For Ghana, on the other hand, they have a goalkeeper in Richard Kingson who has come in for much criticism. Despite having played only five games in three seasons with Birmingham and Wigan he remains Ghana's first choice stopper. The likes of Vidic will look to take advantage of his uncertainty on crosses.

Trivia: Ghana's Sulley Muntari's former boss at Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho, sparked a wave of protest from the Muslim world when he complained that Muntari's fasting for Ramadan had left him ill-prepared for match days.

Stats: Only Burkina Faso had a worse shots-to-goals record than Ghana at the African Nations Cup earlier this year.

Odds: Serbia (2.10), the draw (3.25), Ghana (3.75) with Bet365. There could be plenty of goals in this game, a punt on the 2-2 draw, at 19.00, could be a wise investment.

Prediction: The loss of Essien is every bit as damaging as you might expect. A confident Serbia side can claim all three points.

[al-Sagar]

Germany vs Australia preview

Germany may have restored some international pride four years ago as they reached the semi-finals on home soil, but the perception of Germany as one of the pre-tournament favourites is a thing of the past.

The loss of Michael Ballack to an ankle injury, thanks to a late tackle from the German-born Kevin-Prince Boateng in the FA Cup final last month, meant coach Joachim Low effectively had to rip up his plans for South Africa and start again. The Germany captain was the fulcrum of the team both on and off the pitch, and the loss of such an inspirational figure is hard to cope with at such a late stage. Replacing the experienced 33-year-old Ballack with a 21-year-old international rookie in Mesut Ozil is a risk, but it could be a master-stroke if Ozil adapts to the pace of the World Cup quickly.

Much will rest on the shoulders of new captain Phillip Lahm, while Bastian Schweinsteiger will become the lynchpin of the midfield, allowing Ozil to push on in search of goals and become the key to open up Australia's defence.

With Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose woefully short of form, Germany may have to rely on their defence performing well to reach the latter stages. There's certainly no reason why Australia should not go into the game with some confidence.

Australia's main worry is a lack of depth to their squad and any striker worthy of the name. With Harry Kewell struggling with injury and and Scott McDonald surprisingly left at home, coach Pim Verbeek is left to rely on the untried Nikita Rukavytsya, Brett Holman for Joshua Kennedy goals.

With the Australia squad ageing, the athleticism and drive which the side possessed under Guus Hiddink four years ago could be missing, and without that the Socceroos will become a very one-dimensional side. And the threadbare nature of Verbeek's squad also makes any Plan B difficult to execute.

Brett Emerton and Mark Bresciano will look to add creativity and width for Australia but without a focal point for the attacks it could be that they too find themselves sitting deeper than they would like. This may especially be the case for Emerton who now plays as a right-back for his club, Blackburn Rovers.

Germany player in focus: Mesut Ozil. The loss of Michael Ballack to injury means Ozil will come into the side and get the chance to make his mark on the World Cup earlier than he would have expected. The Werder Bremen midfielder was a central figure in the Germany team which won the European Under-21 Championships last year and, with just 10 international caps to his name, now gets the chance on the biggest of stages. A player with a cultured left foot, his lack of consistency could be Germany's downfall.

Australia player in focus: Tim Cahill. While it might be obvious to say that the threat of Cahill from set-pieces will be no surprise to the German defence, his ability to lose his marker time and again in the Premier League proves that even the best prepared teams struggle to deal with his threat. With a dearth of attacking options open to Pim Verbeek, he will rely on Cahill's heading prowess to help power the Socceroos through to the Second Round for the second successive finals. With 20 goals in 40 international appearances, Cahill is more prolific than any of the nation's current strikers.

Key battle: Lucas Neill v Miroslav Klose. Klose may only be behind Gerd Muller in goalscoring for Germany, but the 2009-10 season was one to forget for the Bayern Munich striker. After scoring only three goals all season, Klose was woeful in Germany's warm-up games. But coach Joachim Low has thrown his support behind Klose, a proven and dangerous tournament performance. Despite his recent woes, his bustling style will mean Lucas Neill will need to be on his toes at the heart of the Australia defence. An out-of-sorts Klose is still more troublesome than most of the strikers at the World Cup.

Trivia: Australia scored the most goals in any World Cup qualifier after beating American Samoa 31-0 in 2001.

Stats: Germany's Miroslav Klose has scored 48 goals in 96 games for Germany, but he managed just three in the league for his club this seasaon.

Odds: Germany (1.50), the draw (4.20), Australia (7.00) with Bet365. Tim Cahill to score the last goal at 13.00 is a tempting offer.

Prediction: Australia may not have strength in depth and little to offer up front, but this Ballack-less Germany side still has plenty of questions to answer. Germany should win, but it won't be as straight forward as the odds suggest.

[CricFanBD]

Good and comfortable win by Germany...I am happy..I am 100% satisfied by the shorelines (4-0 against Australia).

[al-Sagar]

Germany momentum mounting

Undoubtedly the form team at the World Cup after their 4-0 demolition of Australia, Germany go into the match with confidence flowing and their hopes of qualification almost assured if they pick up another win.

Almost forced into playing an extremely attacking formation with the injuries to Simon Rolfes and Michael Ballack pre-tournament, the Germans line up without a holding midfielder - preferring instead to play Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira in the two central areas with Mesut Ozil in an advanced attacking role ahead of them - and it works. Fluid in attack, Lukas Podolski can use his pace down the left with Thomas Muller providing the vision and guile on the right for main man Miroslav Klose.

Before the tournament, many were talking of the German striking conundrum but the first match won over the critics and a tough Serbian defence will have a lot to do if they are to keep a clean sheet. They do, of course, have two of the best in the Premier League - Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic - to aid their cause, but the lack of attacking options shown by the Serbs in their first game suggests that their defence will find itself under a lot of pressure.

A lot more can be expected from giant striker Nikola Zigic, while Milos Krasic and Dejan Stankovic were just as toothless in the first game defeat to Ghana and will need to come to the fore if they are to have any hopes of causing an upset.

Germany player to watch: Lukas Podolski. Having failed to fire for Bayern Munich, the Cologne striker moved back home but had a pretty poor season by his standards last year. Still, he seems to turn it on when he pulls on the Germany shirt and his opening goal against Australia proved he hasn't lost his touch. Full of pace and direct running, his role down the left flank is crucial in getting behind the opposition defence.

Serbia player to watch: Neven Subotic. Linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, the young Dortmund defender is one of the hottest properties in the European game and will come in for the suspended Aleksandar Lukovic. A tough tackler with good aerial ability, Subotic chose to play for Serbia over USA (having settled in the country in 1999) and will have the eyes of the world upon him as he auditions for a possible big move in the summer.

Key battle: Thomas Muller v Aleksandar Kolarov. Muller has been one of the form players in Europe this season and has been keeping Klose and Mario Gomez out of the Bayern Munich side. His versatility allows him space on the right for this country, but he carries a good goal threat when he cuts in and he will also be keen to banish the Champions League final from his memory after he missed a one-on-one chance against Inter that would have levelled the scores at 1-1. Kolarov is another to have had a good season (albeit in a poor overall one for Lazio) and has many admirers in the Italian game - most notably champions Inter Milan. Tall and strong, his pace and power are vital to Serbia's defence.

Trivia: If Miroslav Klose scores against Serbia he will go level with the greatest of all-time, Pele, on 12 goals in the competition. Ronaldo has the record with 15 though.

Stats: Serbia have lost all four of their matches at the World Cup and have conceded three goals to penalties in their last three World Cup matches.

Odds: Germany (1.66), Serbia (5.75) and the draw (3.60) are all on offer at Bet 365, but given Serbia's aerial ability, Nemanja Vidic at 15.00 to score anytime looks good.

Prediction: German confidence is high and their attacking prowess suggests that they should win comfortably, most likely sending Serbia out.

[al-Sagar]

Flying Ghana hold African hopes

The display Australia put in as they went down to a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the opening game suggests that it cannot get much worse for the Socceroos. Ripped apart by the Germans, Australia now have to rebuild and somehow gather their confidence as they face a Ghana side who picked up Africa's first win at this year's World Cup by beating Serbia.

To add to the Socceroos' woes, they have to play the game without talisman Tim Cahill after he received a one-game ban for his sending off against the Germans. The Everton midfielder formed the focal point of their 4-6-0 formation and such a lack of attacking ambition will surely be punished again if Pim Verbeek does not alter his plans.

For their part, Ghana are flying after a hard-fought win over the Serbs and, although they did not set the world alight with their display, morale is at an all-time high. Shorn of Michael Essien before the tournament, Ghana have dealt well with his absence and will look to rework the history books by beating a side that are unbeaten in their last three meetings against them.

Ghana player to watch: Anthony Annan. He may play his club football in Norway, but Annan is one of the young stars of this Ghana side and does his best work in the centre of midfield winning the ball back. Rumoured to be on the radar of some big European clubs, he has a lot of strength for a man measuring just 5' 7'' and his tough-tackling and never-say-die attitude will be a key component in keeping the Australian attack quiet.

Australia player to watch: Lucas Neill. After a defensive performance against Germany that saw the former Blackburn defender screaming at anyone who would listen, he will have to do a lot better if he is to keep the Socceroo defence together. Alongside Craig Moore, Neill was guilty of playing a few German attackers onside, but he should be more confident of keeping a lid on the attacking ambitions of the Ghanaians.

Key battle: John Paintsil v Brett Emerton. They have come up against each other in the Premier League playing for Fulham and Blackburn respectively, and the battle down the flank at the World Cup could prove crucial. Paintsil likes to get forward when he can, while Emerton is a converted right back himself, so both are capable of making an impact at either end of the pitch. As Australia may not play with a recognised striker, Emerton's forays down the right will be key if they are to get behind the Ghana defence, but Paintsil is as committed as they come on the pitch - even if his reputation off it is that of dressing-room joker.

Trivia: Ghana have been awarded three penalties in just five World Cup finals games, and their last two goals came from the penalty spot (against USA in 2006 and Serbia in their 2010 opener).

Stats: Australia have won only one of their eight matches at World Cup finals and have failed to score in six of these fixtures, while Ghana are yet to draw after five games at the finals.

Odds: Ghana (2.00), Australia (3.80) and the draw (3.40) are all on offer at Bet 365, but Kevin-Prince Boateng could score first at 13.00.

Prediction: Australia were dire against Germany and something really has to change if they are to make an impact. Ghana are strong and talented and should overcome the Aussies.

[al-Sagar]

another group where all 4 can still qualify

ghana: win or draw they are through. if serbia vs aus game is draw then they still go though even if they lose. if serbia wins they and ghana lose, ghana are out. if ghana lose and aussies win it will come down to GD betwen aus and ghana.

serbia: win they go though. if ghana wins they can go through by a draw.

german: a win they go through. a draw, they are out if serbia wins, GD will come into count if aus wins.

aus: win and hope ghana wins too.

[al-Sagar]

another group where all 4 can still qualify

ghana: win or draw they are through. if serbia vs aus game is draw then they still go though even if they lose. if serbia wins they and ghana lose, ghana are out. if ghana lose and aussies win it will come down to GD betwen aus and ghana.

serbia: win they go though. if ghana wins they can go through by a draw.

german: a win they go through. a draw, they are out if serbia wins, GD will come into count if aus wins.

aus: win and hope ghana wins too.

[al-Sagar]

Discipline required to seal progress

With both sides suffering some discipline issues so far this tournament, the time for cool heads is now as both sides have a mathematical chance of getting through. If Germany lose, then whoever wins this match will take the second spot behind Ghana, so there is all to play for.

Serbia will certainly be favourites as they upset the odds to beat ten-man Germany - although they rode their luck and had a missed penalty to thank for their win. A strong spine of established players like Nikola Zigic, Milos Krasic and Nemanja Vidic give them a good chance of making it to the second round.

However, the Socceroos showed their resilience in drawing 1-1 with Ghana after having Harry Kewell sent off. It was their second red card in as many games and while Kewell won't be available, they will have Tim Cahill back and raring to go after his sending off in their opener.

Australia player to watch: Brett Holman. Having become the youngest ever goalscorer for Australia in the World Cup, beating Tim Cahill by 105 days, Holman's star is on the rise and he has become an important part of the Socceroos' setup. Strong, quick and aggressive, he could be the key to the attacking ambitions of the side.

Serbia player to watch: Dejan Stankovic. He has not fulfilled the hype he was given before the tournament, but the Inter Milan midfielder is never one to let his side down and he will make the most of the space he is afforded by the Australian midfield. His defensive role means he doesn't get as far forward as he does for his club, but he is still a threat from free-kicks and will look to give his team-mates a platform on which to build.

Key Battle: Tim Cahill v Nemanja Vidic. Having had a nice rest for a game, Cahill will be back and ready for action against the Serbs. Likely to play in an advanced attacking role, the Everton midfielder will come up against Vidic on more than one occasion and the duel in the air will be crucial. Cahill, for his height, is excellent in the air, but there are few better than Man Utd's Vidic. It will be a tough battle, but whoever wins it could impact on the result.

Trivia: Australia have only ever had foreign coaches at the World Cup. Yugoslavian Rale Rasic in 1974 and Dutchmen Guus Hiddink in 2006 followed by Pim Verbeek in 2010.

Stats: The entire first-choice defence for Serbia have kept a clean sheet in six of their last ten internationals.

Odds: Australia (4.20), Serbia (1.90) and a draw (3.50) are all available at Bet 365, but Tim Cahill to score first comes in at 9.00.

Prediction: With a place in the second round potentially up for grabs, and a possible clash with England, both sides should go all-out to win and Serbia might just have too much for Australia to cope with.

[AsifTheManRahman]

My money would be on Serbia. Their defense is too strong for the Aussies to be able to score too many.

[al-Sagar]

Africa expects Black Stars to shine

The eyes of the African continent will be focused on Ghana as their only representative with a realistic chance of making it to the second round. After some good displays in their win and draw thus far, facing the experienced Germans in their final game is a tall order, but not one that is beyond them.

Having coped admirably with the loss of Michael Essien before the tournament, Ghana have impressed more than any other African side with their style of football and won't be expected to lie down as Germany look to rebuild their form after a crushing defeat to Serbia.

In fact, the Germans are under a great deal of pressure as a point will not be enough to secure their progress if, as expected, Serbia beat Australia. And they must manage without Miroslav Klose, who was sent off for a second yellow card against the Serbs as well. Coach Joachim Low has targeted the Africans' fitness and stamina as something to watch out for and revealed that ''fitness is written with a capital 'F' in the Germany squad'' so he remains confident of progress.

Ghana player to watch: Kevin-Prince Boateng. The focal point of Germany's anger before the World Cup as he injured Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final - thus ruling the Chelsea midfielder out of the tournament - Boateng actually spurned Germany's advances and chose to play for Ghana before the tournament as well. You couldn't write such a story but, amidst some loud booing from the German fans, he will surely have an impact on the match.

Germany player to watch: Bastian Schweinsteiger. If the Germans are to make it through the group, the Bayern man will have to show a lot more than he did against Serbia. Often caught up in a heated discussion, Schweinsteiger's head has to keep cool against a physical Ghanaian side, but he has shown in the past that he has the experience and skill to rise to the big occasion.

Key Battle: Asamoah Gyan v Per Mertesacker. Gyan has netted 50% of Ghana's goals in the World Cup so far (three out of six) and uses his pace and strength up front to cause problems for defenders. One of the star performers at this tournament, his nerve from the penalty spot has been tested already and he has shown no fear in his attacking forays; but he comes up against a 6' 5'' defender that won't shirk a physical challenge. Mertesacker oozes class on the ball and has the positional sense to make vital interceptions with his giant frame. He will have to cover if Ghana choose to attack the right side of defence (and 5' 7'' Philipp Lahm) from the air.

Trivia: Germany have won their final group matches in the last four World Cup tournaments, without conceding a single goal in the last three and, before Serbia, had not lost a group game in 24 years. In the preliminary stages of the 1986 World Cup they were beaten 2-0 by Denmark.

Stats: Germany have won all of their last 11 games against a non-European or South American side at the World Cup finals, keeping a clean sheet in five of the last six of these; while the last three goals scored by Ghana in the World Cup have all come from the penalty spot.

Odds: Ghana (6.00), Germany (1.53) and a draw (4.20) are all available at Bet 365, but Asamoah Gyan to score first and Germany to win 2-1 gets you 81.00

Prediction: Ghana have the passion, the support and a burning desire to make an impact on their own continent, but Germany are ruthless and experienced in this situation and it would be a shock if they didn't progress

[al-Sagar]

so germany and ghana goes through

unlucky serbia they have only them selves to blame. also aussies with their red card problems.....