Guide to the Group
Along with Group G, this is probably the toughest group to predict. Germany have by far the greatest World Cup know-how and should have no real difficulties in reaching the last 16, despite the absence of captain Michael Ballack through injury. Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez will be the men that coach Joachim Low relies upon for the vital goals. The other three sides in the group are arguably on a par with each other. Ghana are without injured Chelsea star Michael Essien, but they did reach the African Nations Cup final despite missing a number of key players and could still match their progress to the last 16 in 2006. Serbia saw off France in their qualifying group and combine physical presence with superb technique, but Australia could just be the team to join Germany in the knockouts. Their squad is packed with experience and allied to traditional Australian doggedness, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Harry Kewell et al should be equipped to get out of this group, but not without a fight.
Qualifiers: Germany, Australia
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Serbia
Chances:
Qualified ahead of France and with quality through the spine of the team in the shape of Nemanja Vidic, Stankovic and the giant Nikola Zigic up front, they would be a good bet for a last-16 place, and possibly a quarter-final.
Strange but true
Zoran Tosic goes by the nickname “Bombi”. While most thought it was a reflection on the dear boy’s slight frame and spindly legs he begs otherwise. His mum used to send him off to training with biscuits in the shape......
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Germany
Chances:
Perennial strong performers in tournaments, Low's side are sure to be contenders again in South Africa. If the likes of Ballack, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez click then a quarter-final spot could be the very least......
Strange but true
Having played in 16 World Cup finals, Germany have failed to get past the first round only once, in 1938. After Austria was annexed by Germany earlier that year, Nazi politicians ordered six star Austrian players too compete......
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Ghana
Chances:
The Black Stars are a sound unit with their top stars playing at the very highest level in Europe. A repeat of their 2006 success would be an excellent achievement, though, especially after a tough draw.
Strange but true
Ghanaian second division club Keta Sandlanders FC launched a novel membership model this year in a bid to become the first club to survive and thrive entirely on internet pledges from around the world. They......
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Australia
Chances:
Impressive under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 finals, they will believe they have a good chance to at least match their run to the last 16 in South Africa but the group stage draw will have caused some consternation.
Strange but true
In the entire 1988 World Cup campaign, from first qualifier to the final, only two teams didn’t lose a match. Champions France was one and Australia, under Terry Venables, was the other. Australia was knocked out in......
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