Group D really gets the juices following and the match between Germany and Australia in Port Elizabeth on Monday should be a cracker.
It’s impossible to rule out any of the four competing nations from advancing to the knockout stages but one has to think that Germany’s big match experience will stand them in good stead and the remaining three are probably playing for the one place in the last 16.
Germany, managed by the impressive Joachim Low, get underway versus the group outsiders, Australia are 11/5 with VC Bet to qualify, but this appears no easy starter for the Euro 2008 runners-up and they will have to be quick out of the blocks to repel the challenge of a spirited Socceroos team.
Despite losing inspirational captain Michael Ballack in the build-up, the midfielder was injured for Chelsea in the FA Cup final, there is still an abundance of creative talent in the German ranks and Mesut Ozil is one player in particular I’m looking forward to seeing in action.
Ozil, the Werder Bremen playmaker, will be given the task of feeding the chosen striker alongside Lukas Podolski and Ballack’s heir to the throne Bastian Schweinsteiger and that is potentially a threesome to rival any attacking trio in the tournament.
Germany bagged 26 goals in breezing through qualifying, at the main expense of Russia, and while doubts remain about who will spearhead the attack, any one of Mario Gomez, Mirolsav Klose or Thomas Muller will get the nod, creating chances shouldn’t be a problem and there could be plenty of goals in Group D.
Australia will rely much on the qualities of Everton’s Tim Cahill going forward but, while they conceded just one goal in eight Asian qualifying matches, will now be tested against sides of vastly superior skills than the likes of Qatar and Uzbekistan.
Dutch manager Pim Verbeek should not be underestimated but whether or not the experienced duo of Craig Moore and Lucas Neill still have what it takes at this level to ably protect the excellent Mark Schwarzer in goal remains to be seen and the best form of defence for the Aussies could well be attack.
Cahill will be helped going forward by the accomplished Mark Bresciano of Palermo and I expect both sides to find the net in the late kick-off.
Per Mertesacker has never convinced me at the back for Australia’s opponents and the Group D rivals could well be looking to pounce on any unforced errors as they bid to find a breakthrough.
The 2.00 with Ladbrokes on both sides scoring is only fair but the selection is odds on with Blue Square and is the call in an intriguing looking contest.
1pt Back Both Sides to Score (Germany vs. Australia) @ 2.00 (Ladbrokes)
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