Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, GhanaPlayers to Watch:
Miroslav Klose (Germany)
Tim Cahill (Australia)
Dejan Stankovic (Serbia)
Michael Essien (Ghana)
Match to Watch:
Germany vs. Ghana
June 23, 2:30 P.M. (ESPN)
Predictions:
Serbia vs. Ghana
June 13, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ABC)
Defense will make or break this group and in this first match has a world class back line against a hap-hazard transitional defense. However, once again, I'm going to value Ghana's recent victory at the U20 World Cup and the impending rise of African soccer over Serbia's battle-hardened class.
Result: SER 0 - 1 GHA
Germany vs. Australia
June 13, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ABC)
Never underestimate Germany. Or Australia's sporting prowess. This match will be indicative of each country's run this time around. In the end, Australia's class will show and they'll scrape away with a point out of this encounter.
Result: GER 1 - 1 AUS
Germany vs. Serbia
June 18, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Germany's hopes going into this World Cup are measured, guarded. Their roster is aging and lacks the one or two superstars they've been accustomed to. Serbia, on the other hand, is filled with a giddy optimism coming off a sensational qualification run. However, this is the match that will bring about reality for both teams.
Result: GER 2 - 0 SER
Ghana vs. Australia
June 19, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
As with every other team aiming for a second place finish, this match will be crucial for both Ghana and Australia. Expect an exciting match with Australia's experience to come out on top.
Result: GHA 1 - 2 AUS
Ghana vs. Germany
June 23, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
By the third game, it will be clear that Ghana's ambitions have exceeded the squad's capabilities. Hoping for points against a warmed-up Germany team will not be enough to get Ghana through. On the other hand, Germany will be hungry for the win to sew up top spot against a threatening Australia.
Result: GHA 1 - 2 GER
Australia vs. Serbia
June 22, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Vidic, Ivanovic and Stankovic may be a force to be reckoned with in the backfield, but Serbia will have problems going forward against an Australian midfield packed with athletic, scrappy players who can keep up with the toughest of them. This game will not be nice to watch, but the Socceroos will come out on top and sew up second place, even with Germany on points, but behind on goals.
Result: AUS 1 - 0 SER
Final standings:
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