Group D hits its crucial stage on Friday with the clash between Germany and Serbia in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The Germans set the world alight with their opening display, meaning the Serbs face a daunting task to produce the win they need to keep their last 16 hopes alive.

For many this group has produced the best football of the tournament so far and that’s mainly down to the Germans who battered Australia 4-0 in Durban. It was the first game of this year’s finals to produce three goals as Germany ripped through the Australian defence like a knife through butter. Four of Joachim Loew’s forwards got on the scoresheet, with Mesut Ozil standing out as man-of-the-match. But the German coach still feels there’s room for improvement ahead of the Serbia clash.

“We can get better. In terms of closing the space between defence and midfield, we were too defensive,” said Loew.

“But we can be very satisfied, happy and confident with the performance. I am very happy about the performance, we showed some quick passing and good speed.”
 
“It was very important that we won because we gained a lot of self confidence. Our defence was excellent, they performed very well and I was very happy with our counter-attacks”, he added.

The Serbs had been tipped to go a long way by many before the tournament began but they went down went to a late penalty against Ghana in their opening game earlier on Sunday. A bizarre piece of defending which quite literally handed Ghana a late penalty could prove to be a pivotal moment in Group D. Ghana ran out winners 1-0 and Serbia now have a mountain to climb. Coach Radomir Antic had already seen his side reduced to ten men and would have settled for a point but he must now revise his plans for this game. Serbia edged possession against Ghana but chances were few and far between, giant striker Zigic disappointed and despite some individual flashes of quality from Milan Jovanovic, they lacked the creativity to break down the Black Stars.
 
It all means Ghana are also in a strong position in the group and they will be fancied to heap more misery on Australia in a match which takes place 24 hours after this one. The Serbs will probably have to approach this game assuming Ghana will beat Australia and that leaves them needing maximum points here as even a draw would be highly likely to leave them with too much to do in their final game whilst a defeat would effectively end their campaign. Meanwhile the Germans will know another win here will guarantee their place in the last 16 and they will obviously have aspirations of topping the group.

It all means Germany go into the fixture with the only pressure to produce the same standard of football as the first game. If that happens, the Serbs can book their flights home.

Prediction: Germany 2 Serbia 1

Germany commenced their World Cup quest in magnificent style by hammering Australia 4-0 in Group D on Sunday.

It was the first match to take part in Durban during the tournament and Germany treated the stadium to a fitting christening with a compelling performance that’ll have those who wrote off this young German outfit scratching their heads.

Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose will take particular satisfaction from this encounter as they fired their side into a two goal half-time lead, despite a recent lack of form, while youngster Thomas Muller and substitute Cacau added second half goals.

Australia, who had began both halves encouragingly, finished the match with 10 men as talisman Tim Cahill was harshly sent off for battering into Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Germany now leads the group ahead of Ghana on goal difference, who beat Serbia 1-0 in Sunday’s earlier match in Pretoria.

“It was very important that we won because we gained a lot of self confidence,” said coach, Joachim Loew, whose side next faces the Serbians on Friday in Port Elizabeth. “We can now hope to make the last 16 with just one more win. All players were very, very focused. We did many things right but this is just the start.”

It was the contributions of captain, Philipp Lahm, Mesut Ozil and Muller that was the catalyst for German victory as an expansive game plan tore apart the Socceroo’s defence and left them chasing shadows for long spells of the match.

After only eighth minutes, Ozil found Muller in a potentially offside position and his cutback allowed Podolski to smash the ball into the net via Mark Schwarzer’s flailing arm.

Klose should have doubled the lead in the 24th minute but he blasted wide when Podolski’s cross left him free in front of goal. It was only a brief respite for the Australian goal, however.

Lahm found space and lifted a high cross into the area from the right. Schwarzer came running out to claim the ball only for Klose to nip in ahead of him and head into an empty net for his 11th goal at the World Cup finals.

After Cahill’s red card Australian hearts began to drop and Muller exploited the extra space when he created some freedom in the box to seal victory with a shot that went in off the inside of the post.

Muller had enjoyed an excellent World Cup debut and the strike was no more than he deserved to celebrate his class down the German right.

Cacau, who had just replaced Klose, then completed the scoring a couple of  minutes later after Ozil had beaten the offside trap to play in the striker to drill the ball into the net.

“It was not the day for us,” said a clearly disapointed Australia coach, Pim Verbeek. “They were better and the reality is the next two games we have to win. There is no discussion about that. Drawing is not enough. We have six days to recover physically and mentally and then we have to show the right spirit.”

Verbeek added Germany had shown they were a “fantastic side” and warned that no side should take them lightly on the basis of them having a young squad.

‘Every player they brought in made the team not weaker but stronger,’ the Dutchman added.

Australia now have to get back to the drawing board, but for Germany, every nation in South Africa will have just sat up and taken notice.

Germany: Neuer , Lahm, Friedrich , Badstuber , Mertesacker , Khedira , Ozil  (Gomez ), Schweinsteiger , Podolski (Marin ), Muller , Klose  (Cacau ). Booked: Ozil, Cacau.

Australia: Schwarzer , Emerton  (Jedinak ), Neill , Chipperfield , Chipperfield , Moore , Culina , Grella (Holman ), Wilkshire , Cahill , Garcia (Rukavytsya), Valeri . Booked: Valeri, Neill Moore. Sent off: Cahil

And that is exactly the mentality Germany hope to continue as they head into the World Cup with their youngest captain since 1934 in Philip Lahm. While Brazil, Spain and Argentina have entered South Africa accompanied by a media circus, Germany appears to have sneaked in under the radar. Not topping the bookies list for outright glory may be something they are unfamiliar with, however the lack of world renowned stars is not a subject coach, Joachim Loew is concerned with. “We are not typically German anymore. We want to embarrass opponents with our playing skills”, said Loew ahead of this fixture.

Despite such words of intent Germany will be more than happy to start things off with three points. Continuing their attacking pattern of 2006 they most likely will enforce a 4-3-3 formation, with Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski playing either side of out of form striker, Miroslav Klose. Much will also depend on the abilities of Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, who will need to ditch potential for substance while sitting alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger in the engine room. Per Mertesacker is the rock at centre-half, while Lahm’s responsibility to dart forward and provide defensive solidity will be key.

The Australians have unexpectedly had to deal with Loew abusing their playing style in the build-up. Coining words and phrases such as “boring” and “anything but a spectacle”, he has openly ridiculed the more defensive playing style imposed by Pim Verbeek since Guus Hiddink’s departure after 2006. Harry Kewell is now deployed as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tim Cahill playing a supporting role.

“Let them throw stones, we’ll just cop it on the chin,” said the Everton midfielder. “It definitely doesn’t bother us. There is a lot of talk about the Germans talking us down and how well they are going to do and for us that is a positive.”

However, with Germany breaking from the old workmanlike set-up and promising some flair, one tradition they hope to continue is that of Klose scoring in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker has hit five in the last two tournaments and lies just six off the all-time record goalscorer, Ronaldo, in the competition.

“He was very agile, quick in his actions in training,” said Loew after Klose’s poor season domestically. “He’s getting his form back, and he’s getting fresher physically as well. Miro can still be very important to us.”

In rehearsals Germany have recorded victories over Malta, Hungary and Bosnia-Herzogovina, scoring nine goals in the process. A preceding home defeat to Argentina in March, however, caused panic, with many considering the performance unacceptable. Australia’s preparations produced defeats to New Zealand and USA, although they did beat Denmark. Current form, history and players favour a German win, but it won’t come easy.

Prediction: Germany 1 Australia 0

Manuel Neuer (Schalke, age 24, caps 5, goals 0)

Part of the victorious Under-21 side at the 2009 Euros. Has been with his hometown club since childhood. Excellent reflexes and distribution. Prone to lapses in concentation.

Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen, age 28, caps 2, goals 0)

Massive personality. Fine shot-stopping ability. A reputation for saving penalties. Struggles with crosses and often makes bizarre, impulsive decisions.

Hans-Jorg Butt (Bayen Munich, age 36, caps 3, goals 0)

In the squad to replace Rene Adler, who is missing through injury. Was third choice keeper at Euro 2000 and 2002 World Cup. Known as a regular penalty taker.

Defenders

Marcell Jansen (Hamburg, age 24, caps 30, goals 2)

Tall left-back known for accurate passing, crossing and pace. Will be understudy to Philip Lahm. Can also play left-midfield or as an auxiliary striker.

Arne Freidrich (Hertha Berlin, age 31, caps 72, goals 0)

Versatile central defender or right-back who has struggled to win popularity amongst German fans. Has been round the national set-up for eight years now.

Dennis Aogo (Hamburg, age 23, caps 2, goals 0)

Regular in the Hamburg team since signing from Freiburg. Holds Nigerian descent but turned down calls to switch allegiance. Unlikely to feature often in South Africa.

Jerome Boateng (Manchester City, age 21, caps 5, goals 0)

Just signed with Man City for £10 million. Likely to start at right-back. Can also switch to centre-half. Sent off in debut against Russia last Autumn.

Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart, age 23, caps 12, goals 0)

Starting centre-back of Turkish descent. Technically competent and extremely energetic. Positioning is sometimes questioned. Easily turned.

Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich, age 21, caps 2, goals 0)

Centre-back or left-back and one for the future. A successful product of the Bayern Munich academy. Just completed first full season as professional.

Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, age 26, caps 65, goals 4)

Captain and talismanic full-back. Dangerous going forward and happy on either flank. Defensive capabilities are gradually improving. Will cut across defenders and offers goal threat.

Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen, age 25, caps 62, goals 1)

Huge centre-half who is excellent in the air and calm under pressure. Lacks pace, but is a good foil for Tasci with plenty of experience.

Midfielders

Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg, age 26, caps 32, goals 2)

Considerable technical ability, great vision and trickery. Polish born, but ignored by the Polish FA after making his allegiances clear. May start in absence of Michael Ballack.

Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen, age 20, caps 4, goals 0)

Has enjoyed an incredible season after being loaned from Bayern Munich. Can play left or central. Free-kick expert, powerful shot and precise passer.

Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, age 21, caps 9, goals 1)

Excellent winger who has the potential to become Germany’s impact sub in South Africa. Bosnian born, before settling in Germany at a young age.

Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart, age 23, caps 5, goals 0)

Captained the Under-21’s to Euro success in 2009. Won a late fitness race to secure squad place. Could also become Ballack’s replacement.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich, age 25, caps 75, goals 21)

Pivotal to German hopes of glory. Effective as central or right-sided midfielder. Certain starter and indispensable to the team. Goal threat.

Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen, age 21, caps 10, goals 1)

Playmaker that will start in front of Schweinsteiger. His left foot helps provide guile and elegance in a workmanlike unit. Lacks consistency.

Forwards

Lukas Podolski (FC Koln, age 25, caps 73, goals 38)

Polish born and has just endured a horrendous season. Likely to play as a left-sided forward. Enjoys a healthy partnership with Miroslav Klose.

Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen, age 26, caps 4, goals 0)

In the squad on the back of a wonderful season for Leverkusen. Workhorse who covers every blade of grass and knows where the goal is.

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich, age 20, caps 2, goals 0)

Wonderful breakthrough season for Munich. May not start but will definitely feature. Incisive, calm and good crosser. Needs to prove he has big game composure. Lacks physicality.

Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich, age 31, caps 96, goals 48)

Also Polish born. Out of the first team with Bayern, but will lead the German line. Incredible in the air and loves tournament football. Must rediscover best form.

Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich, age 24, caps 34, goals 12)

Most expensive ever Bundesliga player. Prolific at club level, but yet to excel at international level. Can be both brilliant and frustrating.

Cacau (VfB Stuttgart, age 29, caps 8, goals 3)

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Brazilian born, but recently acquired German citizenship. Clever, quick, good finisher and makes intelligent runs. Faces stiff competition for a starting berth.

1. Bastian Schweinsteiger

The Bayern Munich star seems to have been round forever, and after accumulating 74 caps is set to take part in his fourth major finals aged just 25. Facing a fight to keep his place in the Munich starting XI since the arrival of Arjen Robben last summer, Louis Van Gaal ingeniously moved Schweinsteiger from the right side of midfield into the centre. A move many consider the catalyst for Bayern’s run to the Champions League final and domestic title.

The burden of expectation will weigh heavily on Schweinsteiger in South Africa, especially considering Ballacks’s absense. Despite this, the accomplished midfielder should hold the experience to seize the initiative in a big-game arena. Mostly playing off his right foot, Schweinsteiger’s key attributes include delivering pin-point crosses from both flanks or accurate shooting from anywhere within 25-yards of goal. No slouch in the tackle either, his importance cannot be underestimated. Indeed, Schweinsteiger’s form may well decide whether the German bid falters or ignites.

2.  Philip Lahm

Captain in the absence of Ballack, Lahm is another Bayern Munich star who’s amassed a staggering amount of caps at a young age – 64 at 26-years-old to be exact. A regular feature at full-back in the German team since Euro 2004, Lahm is best known for his scintillating strike against Costa Rica in the 2006 World Cup’s opening match. He went on to secure a place in the All Star Team of that tournament after a string of highly competant performances.

Now considered amongst the best full-backs in the world, Lahm’s individual talent stands out in an era where Germany are lacking in that area. Comfortable on either side of the full-back, though it’s likely to be the left he patrols in South Africa, Lahm loves to get forward. And his resourceful ability of cutting inside could well expose numerous defences. His own defensive attributes have improved steadily with experience, although his slightly light frame can be cause for concern.

3. Miroslav Klose

A century of caps could be reached in South Africa were the 32-year-old to see his team reach the semi-finals. Despite struggling for form this season and finding himself regularly left out of the Bayern Munich starting line-up, Klose holds a healthy appetite for tournament football. Bursting on the international scene at the 2002 World Cup he notched up five goals, all of which were headers. Repeating that feat four years later enabled him to finish top of the goalscoring charts at the competition. Klose requires six goals at this year’s festival to become the highest World Cup goalscorer of all time.

His dearth of first team action has not affected his status with the national team. And it’s coping with his ability in the air that will give many defenders sleepless nights. The forwards mobility in the final third is not to be shrugged at either. Very technically astute, Klose has a long and experienced partnership with fellow Polish born striker, Lucas Podolski. You need only think back to both World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008 to remember the amount of assists he provided the Koln striker. A return to those days is essential if Germany are to impact in 2010.

One to watch – Thomas Muller

With only one cap to his name and youth very much on his side, Muller has enjoyed a remarkable first season as a professional. Assisting Bayern Munich to the title and Champions League final, his 19 goals have resulted in a surprise call-up to the World Cup squad. He can be deployed anywhere from attacking midfielder, winger, striker or impact sub. Expectation will not weigh down the starlet and exuberant youthfulness, plus a knack of scoring goals, marks him out as one to keep an eye on in South Africa.

The German football team represents little difference. Where personality, plus a touch of flamboyancy is found lacking, a stubborn mentality supplements any loss to the point where triumph in adversity has prevailed more than any other nation. Their psyche has somehow instilled a machine-like attitude, void of nerves and programmed to believe that failure is not an option. In Germany there are no enigmas whom only produce their talented best when the mood suits. There, they are just thrown off the production line to be replaced by the next cog that oils the machine more efficiently.

And if efficiency is your game, sifting through Germany’s World Cup history tells a story of repeated victory and pedigree. Three-time champions, seven-time finalists and 11-time semi-finalists are feats that can only be bettered by Brazil and Italy.

But it’s not just the sheer consistency and victories that make Germany so unique. Even in defeat they tend to force rivals beyond the limits of their capabilities to claim what is always the most hard fought of scalps.

Who could ever forget the Argentina team of 1986, where a late German double so nearly snatched the title away from a tournament obsessed with Maradona? Or the controversy England’s Geoff Hurst required to finally extinguish their 1966 bid. And how an under talented and uninspired German team managed to kick, claw and scratch their way to the 2002 Final, only to succumb to a Brazil team with Ronaldo at his peak.

Vulnerability rarely appears to enter the German state of mind. Their composure and an inability to panic backs up those who argue football is more a battle of the mind. Four times Germany have decided the outcome of matches by penalty shoot-out at the World Cup. And each time they have emerged intact, most notably progressing to the Final of 1982 and 1990, accounting for both France and England respectively. While in 1986 the heroically backed hosts, Mexico, were dismissed at the quarter-final stage.

Can this uncommon and insane trait to prevent defeat be traced back to its foundation? Some would argue it’s embedded in the national culture. However, a starting point may be the 1954 World Cup Final, famously nicknamed, “The Miracle of Bern”.

Facing the classy Ferenc Puskás inspired Hungarians, and playing with an all amateur team, West Germany began the final as massive underdogs. Hungary entered on an unbeaten streak of 32 consecutive matches, including an 8-3 victory over their opponents in the group phase. It looked as though a sequel was in store as they raced into a quick two goal lead. However, the German amateurs rallied to pull level by half-time, and then lead six minutes from time as Helmut Rahn forced home a corner. A disputed Puskás offside goal caused carnage late on, but luck smiled on West Germany to complete their inaugural World Cup success.

Title number two came on home soil in 1974. With Franz Beckenbauer leading and Gerd Muller making his international swansong, West Germany cruised to the final with five wins out of six, the only blemish losing to their Eastern neighbours 1-0 on a politically fuelled tidal wave.

The final paired them against Johan Cruyff’s, “total football” enforcers, Holland. Again West Germany fell behind, conceding from the first ever penalty awarded in a World Cup final. The second penalty only had to wait 24 more minutes as Paul Breitner fired level, and then Muller further enhanced his legendary status by netting the winner with a customary finish before half-time.

1982 was Italy’s time as the Paolo Rossi World Cup accounted for the Germans 3-1 at the final stage. Though it was on Italian soil where they next reached the summit in 1990 and served up some revenge on their conquerors from four years previous, Argentina. Ploughing their way passed Holland, Czechoslovakia and England; the Germans won the Cup 1-0 thanks to a late penalty from Andrea Brehme, in a woeful match that saw two Argentine red cards.

Since then the country has seen reunification, a final appearance and a semi-final loss as hosts in 2006 to eventual winners, Italy. Historically, Germany represents the team who exploit those whom suffer from overconfidence and complacency. 2010 sees them being written off again. It all sounds a little familiar.

Rene Adler out of the World Cup for Germany

25-year-old Adler has had a history of rib problems, his career was nearly ended in 2006 by a complicated injury that required a titanium plate and four screws to repair.

Adler made a comeback for his club in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin, but a post-match check revealed the injury was worse than first feared. Adler could have played through the pain at the World Cup, but he said not to the best of his ability;

“The pain is so great that I would not have been able to perform at my best over the longer term both in training and during matches, in such a long and intensive tournament, that is unacceptable. You need players who are totally fit.”

Also missing out with injury is Adler’s teammate at Bayer, midfielder Simon Rolfes. Rolfes is out following knee surgery, having not played since having knee cartilage surgery in January and he needs longer for recovery.

The 1996 European Champions have been a major force at the latter stages in the majority of recent international tournaments. The team will be attempting to win their fourth World Cup in South Africa in June 2010 after qualifying comfortably from their group with eight victories and two wins. One of these draws came in the final match after Germany had already qualified following a 1-0 away victory against nearest rivals Russia. The team will have to perform well in South Africa as they have been drawn in a tricky group with Australia, Ghana and Serbia.

The new Germany 2010 away shirt is predominately black with slightly darker thin vertical pinstripes that run throughout the body and a single red vertical pinstripe that runs down each side. Manufacturers Adidas place their gold logo below the red and black V neck collar whilst the three traditional gold stripes run down the shoulders. The national badge is place in the top left with a red border  and includes three gold stars that represent Germany’s three World Cup triumphs. A large gold squad number is also placed in the top right of the shirt.

Germany

Australia

Ghana

Serbia

World Cup stalwarts Germany have been handed a tricky 1st round which they will have to overcome if they are to go deep into the tournament as they so often do. The Germans qualified with few worries but lack the depth of talent that they have had in prior tournaments. Nevertheless, the strength of their mentality almost makes up for this and quite often ensures that they are competing in the latter stages. They will be expected to qualify even though Australia, Ghana and Serbia are all capable of springing an upset.

Should they qualify top of the group, they are likely to face the USA in the second round. The Americans showed during the Confederations Cup that they are not to be underestimated. However, the Germans with all their World Cup pedigree would be expected to advance. The quarter finals could possibly see a clash against Argentina whilst a semi final match against Spain may occur if they dare to look that far ahead.

GERMANY SQUAD

The majority of the German internationals are based in the Bundesliga allowing for a tight knit atmosphere when they come together as a nation. The depth of talent is not quite as vast as in previous years yet there is still significant talent that is capable of strongly contesting a major tournament. Below are the near certainties to make the 23 man Germany Squad in June.

GOALKEEPERS

Tim Wiese

Rene Adler

DEFENDERS

Arne Friedrich

Phillip Lahm

Per Mertesacker

Heiko Westermann

Marcell Janson

MIDFIELDERS

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Thomas Hitzlsperger

Michael Ballack

Piotr Trochowski

FORWARDS

Lukas Podolski

Mario Gomez

Miroslav Klose

PREDICTION

Despite receiving a tricky looking group, few would bet against Germany from progressing to the knock out stages once again. The nation has also been given a fairly favourable prospective knock out draw with struggling Argentina as the possible last eight opponents. Germany have a reputation for going deep into tournaments despite not necessarily always being blessed with riches of talent. With the right mindset, who’s to bet against Germany reaching the Semi finals.

Although there was nothing but pride up for grabs in Gelsenkirchen as both nations had already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, there was still a strong sense of emotion about the meeting. This was the first Germany match since goalkeeper Robert Enke tragically comitted suicide. This was unexpectedly the main focus of the match build up as many tributes were made to the late German stopper. Injured skipper Michael Ballack laid a shirt sporting Enke’s name and the number one on the German substitutes bench, whilst there was the obligatory minutes silence. Prior to the match the German’s issued an open letter, saying: “we are playing for Germany, for the fans but above all for you. For a good friend whose death brought us closer together.”

The game was an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Robert Enke

Both teams were missing influencial players. Chelsea midfielder and Germany captain Michael Ballack was ruled out with a knee injury whilst his Chelsea team mate Didier Drogba was still recovering from Johnny Evans’ impression of the karate kid!

It was Germany who started the brightest and Podolski gave them the lead after 12 minutes. Stefan Kiessling was upended by Guy Demel in the area and the Cologne striker stepped up to cooly convert the spot kick. It was just desserts for Joachim Low’s men who looked the more lively of the two teams throughout the first half. This isn’t to say that the Ivorian’s didn’t have their chances though as Emmanuel Eboue and Sekou Cisse both had good chances.

Lukas Podolski’s two goals grabbed a draw for Germany

The equaliser came in comical fashion in the 57th minute. Keeper Manuel Neuer, a half time replacement for Tim Wiese, received a back pass from Heiko Westermann. The Shalke stopper made the clearance but it only went as far as Eboue, as it cannoned off him and flew into the back of the net. Eboue clearly didn’t know much about it but a goal’s a goal.

This goal seemed to spark the Germans into action as Mario Gomez and Podolski both saw good chances go begging, so it was perhaps a surprise to see the Ivory Coast take a late lead in the 85th minute. Substitute Doumbia Seydou took on Westermann and Per Mertesacker and fired a fantastic effort into the far corner.

Doumbia Seydou thought he’d won the game for the Ivory Coast

You could be forgiven for thinking that the victory was safe for the Ivorians but it was to be Podolski who had the last laugh as he popped up three minutes into stoppage time, turning Kolo Toure and finished fantastically, bending the ball into the corner of Aristide Zogbo’s goal.

Despite the Germans disappointment at not sealing a win, the whole atmosphere around the stadium showed that the result was a secondary concern. This game was about paying tribute to Robert Enke, and they did exactly that.