By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Day 2 finished on a disappointing note with powerhouses England and Argentina kicking off with unconvincing results. England drew 1-1 with USA while Argentina edged Nigeria 1-0. However South Korea did Asia proud by beating 2004 European champions Greece 2-0 earlier in the day.
Let’s move on to Day 3 where debutants Serbia take on Ghana while 2006 semi-finalists Germany take on Australia.
Will Serbia’s physicality hold the edge? Or will Ghana’s physical fitness prove stronger in the end?
Will a Michael Ballack-less Germany manage a winning start? Or will Australia replicate their form in the 2006 World Cup?
Let our Group C pundit Andrew Chua bring you a preview of the two key match-ups.
Andrew Chua of RI. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Serbia vs Ghana
Andrew Says: 1-0 to Serbia
Serbia will probably win narrowly, probably by or or at most two goals.
Ghana could likely repeat the “success” of South Africa on the first match day, emulating a spirited Bafana Bafana side that did brilliantly to soak up the pressure from a Mexico team that was clearly more talented and skilful on the ball.
Similarly, the Ghanaian side, famed for their aggressive no-nonsense defensive football, may offer stiff resistance against Serbia, which is led by Dejan Stankovic.
Man to Watch: Milan Jovanovic (Serbia)
The dead ball ability of the latest Liverpool signing could make all the difference in this game.
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Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic speaks
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah ‘scared’ of Serbia
Germany vs Australia
Andrew Says: 3-0 to Germany
Despite being labelled the “weakest Germany team for decades”, I expect Germany to, as they always do on the big stage, prove their detractors completely wrong and put up a competent footballing show.
The German team can and should pressure the mediocre Australian backline, which looked especially frail in their recent 1-3 loss to an average USA team in a friendly. Also, expect the likes of Phillip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger to bombard the Australian goal from long range.
Australia’s sole threat appears to be the extremely versatile Tim Cahill. However if the German backline deal with him and the struggling striker Harry Kewell effectively, Germany will most probably win quite comfortably.
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Australia midfielder Tim Cahill speaks
Australia at full strength against Germany
Previous encounter in 2005: Germany 4-3 Australia
| GROUP D | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GERMANY  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
GHANA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
AUSTRALIA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 |
SERBIA  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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