Day 13 preview — Group D conclusion: Ghana vs Germany; Australia vs Serbia

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

Day 12 saw Group A and Group B done and dusted with four teams confirming their passage to the last 16 — Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina and South Korea.

Uruguay topped the Group A table after a solid 1-0 win over Mexico. Despite the defeat, Mexico edged out third-placed South Africa on superior goal difference.

Argentina finished on top of Group B with a 100% record after a 2-0 win over Greece while South Korea took the second spot after a 2-2 draw with Nigeria.

Let’s move on to Day 13 where the final Group D matches will be played. Table toppers Ghana will take on second-placed Germany in a top-of-the-table clash while cellar dwellers Australia will take on third-placed Serbia.

Germany’s fate are in their own hands as they will be assured of qualification if they beat Ghana. However a draw or a loss will put Australia and Serbia in contention of snatching the crucial second spot.

Will Germany recover their superb free flowing football that they displayed in their opening match? Or will the Ghanaians do the continent proud by being the first African nation to qualify for the last 16?

Will the return of Tim Cahill inspire the Socceroos to victory? Or will the Serbians replicate their solid performance against Germany the last time round?

Our pundits bring you their take on the matches and their verdict on who will qualify from Group C.

Ghana vs Germany
Wen Bin Says: 2-0 to Germany
Even with Klose out with suspension, Germany can still call upon Thomas Muller to supply the goals. Whoever wins this game qualifies thus we could see an exciting game here.

Australia vs Serbia
Wen Bin Says: 2-1 to Serbia
With Tim Cahill back from suspension, we could see a rejuvenated performance today. The Serbian defence led by Nemanja Vidic should prove to be tough while Nikola Zigic could have a field day today in front of goal.

Verdict: Germany and Serbia to go through

Ghana vs Germany
Khairul Anwar Says: 2-0 to Germany
Germany’s on a rollercoaster ride and they’ll be wanting to end the first stage on a high. Ghana will put up a respectable fight though.

Australia vs Serbia
Khairul Anwar Says: 3-1 to Serbia
Australia’s not doing as well as expected. I think the Serbians will pounce on that after beating Germany in their last group game.

Verdict: Germany and Serbia to go through

Ghana vs Germany
Andrew Says: 2-0 to Germany
I must say, this is a tough call, particularly because the team I support is on the brink of elimination. However, Germany are masters at handling high-pressure situations such as this thus they should get a decent result against Ghana. Germany may even scrap their free-flowing play to grind out the win.

Australia vs Serbia
Andrew Says: 2-1 to Australia
With Tim Cahill returning, Australia look a more potent force up front. Spurred by their recent result against Ghana despite going a man down in that match, Australia will try their best to keep their World Cup dream alive. Although I half expect Australia to pull off a victory against Serbia, their goal difference of minus 4 will cost them a place in the last 16.

Verdict: Germany and Ghana to go through

Ghana vs Germany
Alfred Says: 3-0 to Germany
After a disappointing loss to Serbia, Germany will be looking to get back on their feet with a huge win over Ghana. Despite losing Miroslav Klose to a red card, replacement Mario Gomez should be able to find his scoring boots along with Lukasz Podolski who had a disappointing game the last time round.

Serbia vs Australia
Alfred Says: 0-0 Draw
Australia will be hungry for a win to ensure qualification while Serbia need just a draw as long as Ghana falls to Germany in the other match. Serbia’s defense led by Nemanja Vidic will be too difficult to penetrate.

Verdict: Germany and Serbia to go through

Ghana vs Germany
Parvesh Says: 1-1 Draw
After a dismal result against Serbia and the dismissal of their prolific goalscorer, Miroslav Klose, Germany won’t be as sharp as they were against the Aussies. Lukas Podolski’s finishing left much to be desired, not forgetting his penalty miss as well. Count on Ghana to give the Germans a very tough game.

Australia vs Serbia
Parvesh Says: 2-1 to Serbia
The Serbians have a rock in defence in Nemanja Vidic and their team has enough quality to qualify for the second round. People say the result they got against Germany was identical to the one Switzerland got against Spain but I think the Serbians held their own against the Germans. Frankly speaking, I don’t see the Aussies causing them too much damage.

Verdict: Serbia and Ghana to go through

Ghana vs Germany
Alvan Says: 2-1 to Germany
The Germans will seek to bounce back from a shock 0-1 loss at the hands of Serbia. The class of Germany should be able to beat a spirited Ghana side comfortably.

Australia vs Serbia
Alvan Says: 1-0 to Serbia
The Serbians played very well in their triumph over Germany last week and they will be riding on a high going into the clash against the Australians. With Harry Kewell suspended for this game, the Australians undoubtedly lack an attacking spark and their tournament hopes could well fizzle out by the full time whistle.

Verdict: Germany and Serbia to go through

More News on Ghana vs Germany
Boateng family at war over key game

More News on Australia vs Serbia

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/