Sweet Wisdom

The competition in this group will be interesting to watch. While it seems like there is a prominent presence of Germany that could overwhelm their competitors, the other three cannot be underestimated. Since being part of AFC, Australia has become a strong force in Asia. They did not face too much difficulties in qualifying to the World Cup, and considering their last performance on this stage, it appears that they are not to be taken lightly in this group. Serbia is one of those European countries that have to live under the shadow of a few other powerhouses of Europe, but when the right opportunity comes along, oh boy they will shine! Ghana is also a strong African nation composed of quite a few players playing in the big leagues, and they are not to be overlooked either.

Soccer-oos!

In 2006, the Aussies returned to the big stage for the first time in 34 years, and their performance was definitely something they could be satisfied with. Ever since then, they never slowed down their gear and started preparing strongly for the next opportunity, and they succeeded without too much trouble. This is a fairly well experienced team led by veterans Tim Cahill (MF) and Mark Schwarzer (GK). However, their chances of advancing to the Round of 16 does not look too bright as they were put into the other 'group of death' in this World Cup. (The most obvious one being Group G)

Player to Watch: Harry KEWELL (FW) - This well experienced former Liverpool striker was the most integral part of Australia's offense in 2006 World Cup, and he will be, once again, for this tournament. His ability to strike might not be as sharp as it once used to be, but he is not to be taken lightly by any of the defenders in this group.

Expected Result: Group Stage

Not Quite There Yet!

The three-time champions, Germany, is always a force to be reckoned, and in recent tournaments, they have been proving their name-value. However, they were always just a little bit off from taking home their fourth trophy. In 2002, after a fantastic run, with the help from their MVP goalie - Oliver Kahn, they had to settle for the runner-up position as they fell powerlessly to the greatest soccer nation - Brazil. 2006 was not too different. Until they reached the semi-finals, their performance was fantastic. Well, in all honesty, their performance in their match agasint Italy was fantastic as well, they were just out-performed by their opponent who eventually became the Champions. So, how will they perform this year? They are still very much a strong team, and there are a few returning players from 2006, and some from 2002 such as their top scorer in the World Cup, Mirsolav Klose. However, they were dealt a deadly blow when it was announced that their captain, Michael Ballack, will not be joining to due to a serious injury he picked during English FA Cup. They are most likely to advance from this group, but we'll have to wait and see how they will be able to perform once they get out of the group stage.

Player to Watch: Philipp LHAM (DF) - This Bayern Munich left-back was a crucial part of Germany's defence (and offence occassionally), and he will definitely need to perform at his top level once again if Germany wishes to win this tournament. I love him, because while he is a good defender, he can also be so quick in the transition to offence. In addition, he can also score, when he needs to. It is a joy to watch this little guy running up and down the entire field!

Expected Result: Quarter-Finals

No Essien!

Ghana was the first African nation to advance to the World Cup (well next to South Africa, but they technically did not 'advance') and they were also considered, by many, to be the other nation to advance from this group along with Germany [despite the tough competition]. However, I think this strong African nation will not be able to meet that expectation, and many of the fans' expectations were lowered as well when it was announced that their star midfielder Michael Essien will not be joining the team due to his injury. It is true that Ghana still has many players who play in the top class clubs in Europe, but the presence of Essien, or lack of it, will hugely influence them and their performance. If it was any other group, then they still might be able to get by, but considering the nature of this group being so competitive, even the smallest damage can deal a huge blow; and that is what I expect to see.

Player to Watch: Sulley MUNTARI (MF) - This midfileder had a successful season with his club team, Inter Milan, who became the UEFA Champions League champions. He is very powerful in keeping the midfield area strong for Ghana, and he did a great job doing it in 2006 as well. We will just have to wait and see how much he can do without his collegue Essien on the field.

Expected Result: Group Stage

White Eagles Will Fly

Serbia is not exactly a new comer to the World Cup, as the matter of fact you could consider them a veteran who already has 10-previous appearances (as Yugoslavia, and Serbia and Montenegro). They proved themselves to be worthy of entering this tournament by coming out first in their qualifying group stage after beating the 2010 runner-ups, France. They have a number of extremly talented players on the squad. An experience Inter Milan midfielder, Dejan Stankovic, along with Milan Jovanovic will lead their midfield to provide the right support for their forwards. They were put in a tough group, but they most certainly have the ability to fight through it and fly into the Round of 16.

Player to Watch: Nemanja VIDIC (DF) - This player's name should not be unfamiliar to you if you are a football fan and if you follow either the English Premier League or just European Soccer leagues in general. This world-class defender from Manchester United have had quite a bit of success with his club team and he made tremendous amount of contributions. It is now time for him to see if he can do the same for this mother nation!

Expected Result: Round of 16

Match-Ups:
GER vs AUS - 3:1
SRB vs GHA- 1:0
GER vs SRB - 2:1
GHA vs AUS - 2:1
GHA vs GER - 0:2
AUS vs SRB- 1:1

Team	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Germany	3	0	0	7	2	5	9
Serbia	1	1	1	3	3	0	4
Ghana	1	0	2	2	4	-2	3
Australia	0	1	2	3	6	-3	1