After a nerve-wracking last few minutes in group C, all eyes will be on group D.
Germany vs Ghana
Serbia vs Australia
These are the current standings (points, goal difference, goals scored/goals conceded)
Ghana 4, +1, 2/1Germany 3, +3, 4/1Serbia 3, 0, 1/1Australia 1, -4, 1/5
Ghana: Asamoah Gyan and Co. sit on top of group D and know fully well that a draw will be enough to take them through to the round of 16. Even a loss to Germany may take them through provided Serbia do not beat Australia.
Ghana have looked the most impressive of the African nations. With the host nation bowing out along with Cameroon and Cote D’Ivoire on the brink, Ghana is the only African team left in the competition. Ghana’s performances should come as little surprise for those following the Ghanaian team. Ghana is the reigning U-20 world cup champion having beaten Brazil in November last year. There are plenty of the players who played in that team in the current Ghana squad.
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Germany: If Germany win, they are through. If they lose, they are out. If they draw then they will have to hope that Serbia do not beat Australia. The romp over Australia means that the Germans have a superior goal difference and will go through if they are tied on points with Serbia or Australia (barring a mirracle).
For Germany, Ozil has looked really good (has been linked with a move to Arsenal, though every decent player is these days). Klose is unavailable and Podolski missed a host of chances against Serbia. Mario Gomez does not inspire too much confidence. So, there are a few problems for Germany up-front which would need some sorting out.
Serbia: If Serbia win, they are through. If the lose, they are out. If they draw, they will have to hope that the Germany-Ghana game does not end in a draw. For of both games are drawn, then Germany will progress along with the African nation.
Vidic and Ivanovic will again be the key at the back for Serbia. Jovanovic looked spightly on the flanks for the Serbians and he will hope to continue his form.
Australia: Not only do the Socceroos MUST win their game against Serbia, they also have to hope that Ghana beat Germany. Only a Ghana win and Australian victory over Serbia will see them go through to the next round.
Tim Cahill will be back for the OZs but Harry Kewell will be missing following his controversial red-card after a hand-ball on the goal-line. The Socceroos have been unlucky with two border-line red-cards and will be hoping that the luck-gods start smiling on them.
