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World Cup 2010: Know Your Rivals - Group D Predictions
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Dec 27, 2009 9:51:00 PM
Welcome to Goal.com - Know Your Rivals for the World Cup 2010!
In this special series we bring you the local knowledge of the world's leading football tournament. With our worldwide team of experts, each one based in the country in question - from Brazil to North Korea - you'll hear first-hand the latest team news, exclusive interviews, and fan opinions of your World Cup opponents.
Stay on Goal.com for all the World Cup build-up from right across the world, starting with predictions of all eight groups from the local experts...
GROUP D
How do the experts of Group D think that the group will go? Here we ask our local experts for their thoughts on their teams' three games, in order of play.
Germany
With Dennis Weinacht
Germany-Australia 1-0
This will be a hard work against a very strong team. Germany will not underrate the Socceroos after their great performances in 2006 in Germany. I foresee that our stalwart captain, Michael Ballack, will break the deadlock with a match-winning header.
Germany-Serbia 2-0
When Serbia was drawn with the Germans, the first thing that sprung to everyone's mind was that memorable 4-1 opening-day win against Yugoslavia in 1990. But without reminiscing too much, Germany have a great record against teams from that area, meaning Serbia should be light work for the mighty Germans.
Germany-Ghana 1-1
One point form this fixture should be enough for the top of the group. And so, I think a 1-1-draw will be the result, both teams can live with that. The duel of this match is for sure the meeting between the Micheals - Chelsea players Ballack and Essien will shake hands after this friendly draw.
Serbia
With Milena Zuric
Serbia-Ghana 2-1
This is the most important game for Serbia, everything depends on the outcome of this match. Our team, led by coach Radomir Antic, know to play well under pressure. Additionally, Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac is well known to us, so it will be interesting to see a match in which both teams are set up in a similar tactical fashion. However, I believe Serbia has more match-winning players in its side, so we should scrape a win.
Serbia-Germany 1-1 or 2-2
Part of what was formerly Yugoslavia, history is not on Serbia's side in this clash - neither incarnation of the team has defeated Germany since the World Cup in 1962 - but Radomir Antic's team doesn't care for tradition, they are fighters. Also, a few of the Serbs have served some time in Germany, so we will be prepared for the German style of play.
Serbia-Australia 1-0 or 2-1
I think that the result of this match could ultimately decide Serbia's World Cup future. I think that it will be a very intense game, but we must play very carefully. However, that is one of our national teams' finest qualities: we never judge a book by its cover and treat every rival with the respect they deserve.
Australia
With Chris Paraskevas
Germany-Australia 2-0
Quite simply, Germany have too much individual quality and experience for a competitive but ordinary Socceroos outfit. I just can't see a way past a powerful midfield and back-line, particularly given Australia's lack of goal-scoring threat outside of Tim Cahill. Defensively also, we look susceptible to pace.
Australia-Ghana 1-1
This is a match from which Australia can take points by virtue of the fact that African teams are far more erratic than those from Europe or South America. Here Australia can take advantage of a less reputable back-line and perhaps sneak a goal - and maybe even three points.
Serbia-Australia 1-0
The Serbs were quite outstanding during qualifying and again, present a formidable defensive obstacle to an Australian outfit that really lacks a punch in front of goal. While they'll be difficult to break down, they have technical quality in midfield and size from set pieces, which should give them the edge.
Ghana
With Kent Mensah
Ghana-Germany 0-0
Germany is undoubtedly the best side, but holding them to a goalless game would be a huge morale booster for the West Africans. It would be a game to watch as Chelsea team mates Michael Essien and Michael Ballack would try to prove who is superior this time on the opposite side.
Ghana-Serbia 1-0
This would be the biggest game for the Ghana coach as he comes face to face with his home side. Milovan Rajevac can lose all matches but not this particular one that could cost him his job.
Ghana-Australia 0-2
Statistically the Socceroos have a upper hand over the Black Stars but it would be a perfect platform for the Ghanians to revenge against Australia. They would need all points here to move on to the next stage.
In this special series we bring you the local knowledge of the world's leading football tournament. With our worldwide team of experts, each one based in the country in question - from Brazil to North Korea - you'll hear first-hand the latest team news, exclusive interviews, and fan opinions of your World Cup opponents.
Stay on Goal.com for all the World Cup build-up from right across the world, starting with predictions of all eight groups from the local experts...
GROUP D
How do the experts of Group D think that the group will go? Here we ask our local experts for their thoughts on their teams' three games, in order of play.
Germany
With Dennis Weinacht
Germany-Australia 1-0
This will be a hard work against a very strong team. Germany will not underrate the Socceroos after their great performances in 2006 in Germany. I foresee that our stalwart captain, Michael Ballack, will break the deadlock with a match-winning header.
Germany-Serbia 2-0
When Serbia was drawn with the Germans, the first thing that sprung to everyone's mind was that memorable 4-1 opening-day win against Yugoslavia in 1990. But without reminiscing too much, Germany have a great record against teams from that area, meaning Serbia should be light work for the mighty Germans.
Germany-Ghana 1-1
One point form this fixture should be enough for the top of the group. And so, I think a 1-1-draw will be the result, both teams can live with that. The duel of this match is for sure the meeting between the Micheals - Chelsea players Ballack and Essien will shake hands after this friendly draw.
Serbia
With Milena Zuric
Serbia-Ghana 2-1
This is the most important game for Serbia, everything depends on the outcome of this match. Our team, led by coach Radomir Antic, know to play well under pressure. Additionally, Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac is well known to us, so it will be interesting to see a match in which both teams are set up in a similar tactical fashion. However, I believe Serbia has more match-winning players in its side, so we should scrape a win.
Serbia-Germany 1-1 or 2-2
Part of what was formerly Yugoslavia, history is not on Serbia's side in this clash - neither incarnation of the team has defeated Germany since the World Cup in 1962 - but Radomir Antic's team doesn't care for tradition, they are fighters. Also, a few of the Serbs have served some time in Germany, so we will be prepared for the German style of play.
Serbia-Australia 1-0 or 2-1
I think that the result of this match could ultimately decide Serbia's World Cup future. I think that it will be a very intense game, but we must play very carefully. However, that is one of our national teams' finest qualities: we never judge a book by its cover and treat every rival with the respect they deserve.
Australia
With Chris Paraskevas
Germany-Australia 2-0
Quite simply, Germany have too much individual quality and experience for a competitive but ordinary Socceroos outfit. I just can't see a way past a powerful midfield and back-line, particularly given Australia's lack of goal-scoring threat outside of Tim Cahill. Defensively also, we look susceptible to pace.
Australia-Ghana 1-1
This is a match from which Australia can take points by virtue of the fact that African teams are far more erratic than those from Europe or South America. Here Australia can take advantage of a less reputable back-line and perhaps sneak a goal - and maybe even three points.
Serbia-Australia 1-0
The Serbs were quite outstanding during qualifying and again, present a formidable defensive obstacle to an Australian outfit that really lacks a punch in front of goal. While they'll be difficult to break down, they have technical quality in midfield and size from set pieces, which should give them the edge.
Ghana
With Kent Mensah
Ghana-Germany 0-0
Germany is undoubtedly the best side, but holding them to a goalless game would be a huge morale booster for the West Africans. It would be a game to watch as Chelsea team mates Michael Essien and Michael Ballack would try to prove who is superior this time on the opposite side.
Ghana-Serbia 1-0
This would be the biggest game for the Ghana coach as he comes face to face with his home side. Milovan Rajevac can lose all matches but not this particular one that could cost him his job.
Ghana-Australia 0-2
Statistically the Socceroos have a upper hand over the Black Stars but it would be a perfect platform for the Ghanians to revenge against Australia. They would need all points here to move on to the next stage.
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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