2010 World Cup Group D Preview

Check out other Group previews:
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

Australia

Australia has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, earning much international recognition in the process. Their FIFA World Ranking peaked at 14 in 2009 and currently sits at 20. The recent glamour Australia has achieved can be primarily attributed to their coach, Pim Verbeek. Since Verbeek was appointed manager in 2007, he has enforced a more defensive style of play that is more advantageous to the type of personnel the country employs. However, Verbeek has already announced that he will leave the team after the tournament, so there is a sense of urgency to win now. Pim Verbeek’s stern demeanor must be used to enforce unity and unselfishness within the team.

Ghana

The main concern for Ghana heading into June is how their injury situation will play out in the long run. Star midfielder Michael Essien injured his knee in the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Manager Milovan Rajevac included Essien in his preliminary 30-man roster, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play in the tournament. In addition, Ghana’s captain, Stephen Appiah, has had a history of injury problems and remains a question mark for June.

Germany

Germany is arguably the most successful team in the history of the World Cup. They have won the tournament three times and have advanced to at least the quarterfinals in every tournament since 1982. But Germany faces a significant challenge this year. Michael Ballack, the captain of the national team, will miss the tournament due to torn ligaments in his ankle. Germany has the depth to deal with the loss of talent, but Ballack’s on-field leadership will sorely be missed.

Up front, Germany puts forth some of the most feared forwards in the tournament. Miroslav Klose, Thomas Müller, and Lukas Podolski are all talented scorers that are capable of carrying the team by themselves. On defense, Heiko Westermann will play a crucial role stifling opposing wingers on the wing.

Serbia

Competing in previous World Cups as Yugoslavia, the national team has enjoyed moderate success. They have appeared in the tournament 10 times, failing to advance out of the first round only two times. However, they have never finished as the world’s best team. Looking to reverse this trend, Serbia brings to the table a lineup that has considerable experience among Europe’s most competitive leagues. They will field 16 players who play with top European clubs. Furthermore, Serbia looked impressive in qualifying play, placing first in a group that included France and Austria.

Players to Watch

Mark Schwarzer (Australia)

Schwarzer, Australia’s premier goalkeeper, serves as a cornerstone behind Pim Verbeek’s stout defense. At age 37, Schwarzer is the most experienced player on the roster, so he will surely be looked upon to step up as an active leader. Considering that he has 73 international appearances to his name, Schwarzer shouldn’t have any problem commanding respect from his teammates. If any questions were to arise about his age, his recent performance in Australia’s final qualifying round would be enough to prove any doubters wrong. Schwarzer went 6-2-0, allowing only one goal in the process.

Michael Essien (Ghana)

Assuming he is fit to play, Essien will be the most important player for Ghana in 2010. His versatility from the midfield position is only undermined by his exceptional class. Essien has earned various accolades throughout his career, most notably being nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006. His ability to score from both long and short distances as well as his creative passing will have a significant impact on how far Ghana is able to advance.

Miroslav Klose (Germany)

The 2006 Golden Boot award winner has made quite a name for himself in recent World Cups. Klose scored five goals in both 2002 and 2006, so it isn’t hard to imagine that expectations going into 2010 are very high. Klose is keen at scoring goals with his head, but that doesn’t mean his arsenal is limited. In and around the box he is capable of finishing with either foot, with his head, on the volley, or any other way you can think of. Germany is fortunate Klose chose them over his native Poland because a combination of talent and courage this profound doesn’t come along very often.

Miloš Krasic (Serbia)

Krasic doesn’t play club football in Europe, but he has favorably displayed his skills with CSKA Moscow. In nine Champions League games played this past season, Krasic has scored four goals and has been CSKA Moscow’s most consistent player. Krasic is versatile in that he can play on the wing or as a center midfielder, a strength that will open up other options for manager Radomir Antic.

2010 World Cup Group D Prediction

Team	W	D	L	GD	Points
Germany	2	0	1	+3	6
Australia	1	1	1	+1	4
Serbia	1	1	1	0	4
Ghana	1	0	2	-2	3