For the second tournament running Australia has been drawn in a semi group of death (Group of Manslaughter?). Joining the Socceroos in Group D will be three time champions Germany (1954, 1974, 1990), African hopefuls Ghana, and the most dominant of the former Yugoslav republics in Serbia.
Germany ($1.25 to advance) – Germany has been to the World Cup semi-finals on more occasions than any other nation – a staggering 11 times in 18 tournaments! Far from being slow starters they have won five and drawn one of their last six tournament openers, including an 8-0 shellacking of the Saudi’s in 2002. They will be almost an impossible task for the Aussies in the opening group game and are likely to go deep into the tournament again.
Australia ($3.50) – World footballing minnows Australia will look to surprise pundits again in South Africa by replicating their advancement to the knockout round, an achievement they managed in 2006. However, the squad is four years older (and slower) this time around and lacks the freakish tactical genius of Guus Hiddink who is no longer behind the bench. It is sure to be another rollercoaster ride for the Aussies this time around.
Serbia ($1.90) – The Balkan powerhouse will be looking to impress as they play in the finals for the first time as an outright independent nation (previously Serbia & Montenegro, & Yugoslavia). A rock solid defence led by Man Utd star Nemanja Vidic put paid to France in qualifying and if the Serbs bring that form to South Africa they will be almost impossible to break down.
Ghana ($2.50) – One of Africa’s great hopes before Chelsea superstar Michael Essien was ruled out, it will be interesting to see how the Ghanaian’s fare in his absence. Made it all the way to the round of 16 before losing to Brazil in 2006, the squad could be capable of anything – from an early group exit to a run deep into the knockout stages.
What 2 Watch 4 – Australia v Serbia – the final group game which could be a repeat of the Australia-Croatia madness in 2006. Advancement may be on the line and many Australian households with Serbian origin will be divided.
Suggested Investment – Germany are a staggering $1.25 to advance from the group – that is outrageous value since the last time they failed to do that was 1938!! Load up!!!
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
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