24 June 2010 12:00:00 AM ISTMbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)
In the final round of group fixtures, Australia require a miracle to progress to the knockout stages. Gaining a single point from two matches and a goal difference of 4 is probably not what the Australians had in mind. Serbia are much better positioned having gained an invaluable 1-0 win against Germany in their previous match. Group D is wide open and there for the taking by any of the 4 sides which should make for an exciting final round of matches.
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FORM GUIDE
June 19: Ghana 1-1 Australia
Tim Cahill wil be back to the side after serving a suspension
June 13: Germany 4-0 Australia
June 5: USA 3-1 Australia
June 1: Australia 1-0 Denmark
May 24: Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Probable Line-Up {4-5-1}: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Neill, Beauchamp, Chipperfield, Emerton, Culina, Holman, Valeri, Bresciano, Cahill
Australia have quite frankly been poor in this year’s world cup. They are still in with a slim chance of progressing due to the inability of the other sides to effectively take control of the group. Tim Cahill makes a much needed return for the Socceroos. Lucas Neill will be charged with holding the Australian defense together against a strong and physical Serbian attack. A win for Ghana against Germany will see the side progress second into the knockout stages provided they defeat Serbia.
June 18: Germany 0-1 Serbia
Nemanja Vidic will be leading the defense of the Serbs
June 13: Serbia 0-1 Ghana
June 5: Serbia 4-3 Cameroon
June 2: Serbia 0-0 Poland
May 29: New Zealand 1-0 Serbia (Friendly)
Probable Line-Up {4-4-2}: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Vidic, Lukovic, Kolarov, Krasic, Kuzmanovic, Stankovic, Jovanovic, Zigic, Lazovic
Serbia bounced back strongly against Germany in their previous match. Their narrow 1-0 win keeps them firmly in control of their own destiny. Serbia require a win against Australia to assure themselves of qualification. Even a draw coupled with a German loss against Ghana will see them through. They seem to be a fast improving unit and will enter the match full of confidence. Once again, Vidic will be key to keeping the Socceroos attack quiet.
Prediction: Serbia are a strong cohesive unit once more and appear to be in good form. Australia will have much work to do in order to keep the Serbian attack quiet. Expect a tight, tense affair that neither side can afford to lose but Serbia still seem to have enough to comfortably see of the Aussie challenge.
Predicted Scoreline: Australia 0-2 Serbia
