Germany vs Australia: World Cup 2010 Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010, Predictions, Previews

Mirosav Klose leads the Germans into battle this Sunday when they open things up against Australia.

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6/12 15:00 GMT Germany vs Australia – Odds | Stats


Germany and Australia kick off their World Cup adventures this Sunday as the two squads take the pitch at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban for their first group stage matchup. Die Mannschaft is no stranger to World Cup success, winning the trophy 3 times and making it to the finals on 4 other occasions. However, the story is quite different with Australia as the Socceroos will be making just their 3rd ever appearance in the World Cup. Histories aside, these 2 squads will be going at it this Sunday as they both try to come away with some points in one of the tougher groups in the tournament.




Germany:


In a group consisting of Ghana, Serbia, and the Socceroos, Germany is obviously a heavy favorite to finish on top. However, with Ghana enjoying the African support and Serbia assuming the role of a dangerous sleeper, they will absolutely need to come away with 3 points in this match if they are too avoid any group stage drama. Luckily for them, their squad is composed of many players that have played in big tournaments before and they will surely have their team focused and ready to go. Probably the most notable of those veterans, Michael Ballack, will not be there to impose his wisdom as the physical midfielder suffered an unfortunate tournament ending ankle injury in the FA Cup Final against Portsmouth. Replacing Ballack at captain is Bayern Munich’s 26 year old Phillip Lahm, who has 65 German caps of his own, and vice-captains Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mirosav Klose. Die Mannschaft is known for their traditionally impenetrable defense and ruthlessly physical players and if they are “Tactically stronger than in 2006 and 2008″, as manager Joachim Low has said, they could easily sneak into the later stages of the tournament. The only real question mark is at goalkeeper. After Robert Enke tragically committed suicide last November, the spot has sort of been up for grabs between Manuel Neuer and 36 year old Hans-Jörg Butt. Look for Neuer to get the nod but if he struggles, Low probably will not hesitate to put in the veteran.


Australia:


In 2006, the Australians certainly didn’t play as if it was only their 2nd World Cup. The Socceroos put in quite a showing as they defeated Japan, outplayed Brazil in a 2-0 loss, and drew Croatia to clinch the second spot in their group. Had it not been for a questionable penalty against the eventual champions Italy, they could have been the ones moving forward. The ‘Roos are led by Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and former Liverpool regular Harry Kewell. The 31 year old Kewell has been battling some injuries for some time now and whether or not he will feature in the starting lineup is likely to be a near gametime decision. Much like the Germans, Australia is typically a defense minded squad and with limited attacking options up front, they will need the Mark Schwarzer-led back line to come up big for them to have success. If they can limit Germany’s scoring opportunities and perhaps steal an early one on the counterattack, this could prove to be a very exciting fixture.

Tim Cahill will need to come up big for Australia if they are to have any success this Sunday.

Prediction:


Australia is comprised of several European proven veterans and had they not been drawn into such a balanced group, they would probably be favored to advance to the round of 16. Unfortunately for them, Germany is wholly comprised of European proven players and they are just going to be too much to handle for the Socceroos. Much like those finely manufactured automobiles in Deutchland, the Germans should coast smoothly through this one.


Pick:


Germany 2 – 0 Australia


Bet of the Match:


Germany at 1.53 from Blue Square






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