Charles Klein
I have to say, the D in the headline has to be short for death. All four of these teams are in the top 25 in the FIFA rankings and each team has a host of players on big club teams in Europe. Germany becomes the group winner almost by default, considering their history of success in this competition. In spite of the fact that there remains a bit of uncertainty between the sticks and who will step up in the absence of captain Michael Ballack, they are still Germany the most well-oiled winning machine in world football. Questions remain about who will lead the line, but I expect manager Joachim Low to find the right combination by the time the knockout stages roll around. Will this be the year that Mario Gomez finally finds his international scoring boots? And can Miroslav Klose keep up his scoring rate for the national team?
Even in the absence of Ballack, the German midfield maintains its strength and skill. When this tournament is all over, everyone the world over will know who Mesut Ozil is, and every club will want the lad's signature. He really is that good. The Werder Bremen attacking midfield player has tremendous skill and at 21, has bags of potential. Bastian Schweinsteiger comes into this competition off of his best season with Bayern Munich and has the experience necessary to run the German midfield.
The most difficult to divine is which team finishes behind them.
I think that Serbia are that team. As a Manchester United supporter, I have come to admire the passion and play of Nemanja Vidic. His physical abilities in the air will be important for Serbia in the defensive and offensive thirds of the pitch. His likely partner in central defense, Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea is no slouch either. Serbia are incredibly strong in the middle of their defense. The biggest key for them will be the effectiveness of their wingers, Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic respectively. Both have shown an eye for goal, with Jovanovich leading Serbia in goals scored in the qualifying round. The two center forwards will be expected to hold up play more than score goals, but I am sure Serbia would not mind if they put in a few as well.
For me Ghana and Australia are pretty similar. I do not expect much out of either, but it would not surprise me if either one goes on a run and advances in this tournament. The Ghanaian cause suffered a major setback when their talismanic all-everything midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out of the tournament with an injury. And their play versus Holland in a friendly did not exactly build confidence in the side's defensive capabilities. Ghana is still a talented squad and could be boosted by playing on their home continent, but I do not think they will shock as many in this year's World Cup as they did in 2006.
Australia has made it into the tournament without any significant injuries. I still doubt the talent on their roster. Mark Schwarzer had an excellent season with Fulham and I have been continually impressed by the play of midfielder Tim Cahill, but the rest of the roster leaves a bit to be desired.
Predicted XI's
Germany
GK: Manuel Neuer
DEF: Phillip Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Serdar Tasci, Jerome Boateng
MF: Bastian Schweinsteiger (C), Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller
ST: Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez
Serbia
GK: Vladimir Stojkovic
DEF: Aleksandar Lukovic, Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Ivan Obradovic
MF: Milan Jovanovich, Nenad Milijas, Dejan Stankovic (C), Milos Krasic
ST: Marko Pantelic, Nikola Zigic
Ghana
GK: Richard Kingson
DEF: Samuel Inkoom, John Pantsil, Isaac Vorsah, Lee Addy
MF: Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Stephen Appiah
ST: Kwado Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan
Australia
GK: Mark Schwarzer
DEF: Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill (C), Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield
MF: Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Vince Grella, Mark Bresciano
ST: Harry Kewell
Players To Watch: Nemanja Vidic (Serbia), Milos Krasic (Serbia), Milan Jovanovich (Serbia) Mesut Ozil (Germany), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Tim Cahill (Australia).
Predicted Group Standings
1. Germany
2. Serbia
3. Ghana
4. Australia
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