World Cup Previews: Group D
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Group D
Each World Cup has one group christened the ‘group of death’ and in 2010 it may well be Group D.
All four teams have a chance of qualifying and of beating any of the other teams in the group.
Germany are favourites to win the group, and Die Mannschaft have high hopes of going one better than they did in 2006 and reaching the final. Germany have been rocked by injuries to Michael Ballack and Rene Adler, but have looked good in qualifying and warm-up matches. The highly-rated Mesut Ozil will fill the gap left by Ballack, and the Germans do have a strong midfield.
‘Dark horses’ Serbia are one team worth keeping an eye on. Their lack of household names belies their attractive style of football and strength in depth. Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic marshal the defence, Dejan Stankovic and Milos Krasic star in midfield, while Nikola Zigic and Marko Pantelic are a real threat up front. The one weakness in the Serb team is in goal, as Vladimir Stojkovic has had an awful season with Wigan Athletic.
Australia are hoping to emulate their 2006 progression to the second round, but the Socceroos are a wholly different tactical proposition than they were under Guus Hiddink in Germany. Hiddink’s former assistant Pim Verbeek prides himself on defensive organisation, and has set the Socceroos up to be difficult to beat. Goals will be at a premium though, as the Aussies usually play a 4-5-1 with Harry Kewell (on form after a great season with Galtassaray) up front.
Many regarded Ghana as one of Africa’s strongest teams coming into the first World Cup on African soil, but the Black Stars have suffered with a few injuries to high-profile players. Michael Essien missed a large chunk of Chelsea’s season, and Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah are also racing to be fit for Ghana’s opening match against Serbia next week. Ghana still have a fighting chance of qualification though, mainly due to their young talented players like Kwadwo Asamoah of Udinese and Dominic Adiyiah of AC Milan.
Prediction:
Serbia
Germany
Australia
Ghana
Each World Cup has one group christened the ‘group of death’ and in 2010 it may well be Group D.
All four teams have a chance of qualifying and of beating any of the other teams in the group.
Germany are favourites to win the group, and Die Mannschaft have high hopes of going one better than they did in 2006 and reaching the final. Germany have been rocked by injuries to Michael Ballack and Rene Adler, but have looked good in qualifying and warm-up matches. The highly-rated Mesut Ozil will fill the gap left by Ballack, and the Germans do have a strong midfield.
‘Dark horses’ Serbia are one team worth keeping an eye on. Their lack of household names belies their attractive style of football and strength in depth. Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic marshal the defence, Dejan Stankovic and Milos Krasic star in midfield, while Nikola Zigic and Marko Pantelic are a real threat up front. The one weakness in the Serb team is in goal, as Vladimir Stojkovic has had an awful season with Wigan Athletic.
Australia are hoping to emulate their 2006 progression to the second round, but the Socceroos are a wholly different tactical proposition than they were under Guus Hiddink in Germany. Hiddink’s former assistant Pim Verbeek prides himself on defensive organisation, and has set the Socceroos up to be difficult to beat. Goals will be at a premium though, as the Aussies usually play a 4-5-1 with Harry Kewell (on form after a great season with Galtassaray) up front.
Many regarded Ghana as one of Africa’s strongest teams coming into the first World Cup on African soil, but the Black Stars have suffered with a few injuries to high-profile players. Michael Essien missed a large chunk of Chelsea’s season, and Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah are also racing to be fit for Ghana’s opening match against Serbia next week. Ghana still have a fighting chance of qualification though, mainly due to their young talented players like Kwadwo Asamoah of Udinese and Dominic Adiyiah of AC Milan.
Prediction:
Serbia
Germany
Australia
Ghana
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile