Group D could be the group hardest to qualify, all four teams have some excellent players and great team spirit, as ever you cannot ever discount the Germans, always organised and well drilled, they have some younger creative players, the Aussies who have some real class through out their team and have a real team bond. Serbia have some awesome prospects and one of the best defenders in the world Man Utd’s Vidic and then world cup unknowns Ghana could ruin the three way party.
Germany
Possibly the most constituent and organised team in world football. The Germans have already lost their captain and arguably their key man Michael Ballack, Ballack was injured in the FA cup final last weekend. Joachim Low who was Jurgen Klinsmann’s assistant at the last world cup 2006, now takes charge for his second major tournament. The German’s will expect nothing less than winning the group and have a mouth watering potential tie against the old enemy England.
Key player – Phillipp Lahm, probably best full back in the world will be key in helping shape the attacks and defence. Miroslav Klose will need to lead from the front to assist Lahm.
Prediction – 1st – Germany are no mugs but in the group of death as its dubbed they will need to beat the Aussies on June 13th.
Australia
The socceroo’s although in one of the toughest groups will fancy causing big upsets, they were the first team to actually qualify for the world cup and had an impressive 14 match qualification. Guus Hiddink’s influence is still running through the team which has been emphasised by Pim Verbeek. Strong defence and good wing play makes Australia second favourites to qualify in my eyes.
Key player – Everyone suggests Tim Cahill who is clearly a national hero but for me Mark Schwarzer, the record cap holder is the key to the Aussies progressing passed qualifying and onto potentially quarter finals.
Prediction – 2nd if they dont roll over to the Germans. The second match against Ghana on the 19th is the Aussies best opportunity to get the ball moving.
Serbia
This is Serbia’s first independent appearance at the world cup finals. Maybe the team is a bit too green for this world cup but have some impressive wins under their belts. Radomir Antic who had a really good record in Spain including managing both Madrid sides will fancy his chances against Ghana and Australia.
Key player – Dejan Stankovic currently at Inter has had a great career for Lazio and now playmaker at champions Inter will need to be the spark in the final third whereas Nemanja Vidic is essential at the back.
Prediction – 3rd
Ghana
Milovan Rajevac’s black stars have a great chance to turn heads in Group D. Ghana have one of the most powerful midfield in international football, including one half of Inter’s bad boys Sulley Muntari and captain Stephen Appiah. Althought currently sweating on world class midfielder Michael Essien’s fitness, Ghana will fancy their chances. Their only weakness appears to be their goalkeeper Richard Kingston who has proven in a few performances in England he is not always on his game.
Key player – Michael Essien, without a doubt their best player and could easily fit into any side at the world cup
Prediction – 4th, think they might lose all their games
Danny Denhard