2010 World Cup: Group D Preview
June 10th 2010 23:29
Germany are the sole powerhouse in this group but Australia, Serbia, and Ghana all lie in wait behind them, ready to stun the whole world watching.
Overview
When talk of favorites come up, Germany rarely gets mentioned alongside the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Italy and yet they have been the most consistent side of three during the past decade or so. Crucial injuries in goal, defense, and midfield have rendered Joachim Low's side a bit vulnerable but I believe that the reserves are more than capable to fill the shoes of their fallen comrades. The real question mark is in front where Podolski, Klose and Mario Gomez all had poor seasons and yet remain first-choice starters. The emergence of Cacau and Ozil might put one or two of these players on the bench but then again, Klose and Podolski's partnership and experience on the big stage could come in handy with Ballack's absence. At least, Low hopes so.
Full squad list
GK: Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Hans Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich)
DEF: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Serdar Tasci (VfB Suttgart), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV)
MID: Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Sami Khedira (VfB Suttgart), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen)
FW: Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Lukas Podolski (FC Cologne), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)
Keep an eye on: Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Marko Marin, and Thomas Muller
Born between 1987 and 1989, they are Germany's next generation. Despite their youth, all four have played a huge part in their respective clubs' seasons and look to do the same under the German shirt. As the youngest of the four, Marko Marin may not play as much as the others, but keep his name in mind for the future.
Overview
The socceroos had a great run in 2006 only to be eliminated on a controversial last-minute penalty against eventual Cup-winners Italy. The squad is mostly the same but the formation has changed from an unusual 3-3-3-1 to a more conservative 4-2-3-1. Check out this analysis from Zonal Marking for a detailed explanation of Australia's tactics.
Full squad list
GK: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham [England]), Adam Federici (Reading [England]), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough [England])
DEF: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray [Turkey]), Craig Moore, Michael Beauchamp (Al Jazira [United Arab Emirates]), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow [Russia]), Scott Chipperfield (Basel [Switzerland]), Mark Milligan (JEF United Ichihara [Japan]), David Carney (Twente Enschende [Netherlands])
MID: Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers [England]), Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers [England]), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor [Turkey]), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo [Italy]), Dario Vidosic (MSV Duisburg [Germany])
FW: Tim Cahill (Everton [England]), Joshua Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus Eight [Japan]), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray [Turkey]), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar [Netherlands]), Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschende [Netherlands]), Richard Garcia (Hull City [England]), Marco Bresciano (Palermo [Italy])
Keep an eye on: Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill
They are the two key players of this squad. Schwarzer is the goalkeeper while Tim Cahill will be the main conduit of Australia's attacks.
Overview
My dark horses of the tournament, Serbia's national squad is virtually unknown on this side of the ocean. Talk to anyone about them and they'll look at you as if you've grown three heads. Yet, there is definitely some potential and technical skill in this team. They finished first in their qualifying group ahead of France and conceded only eight goals – the fewest of their group. Their backline is a contingent of fearless – almost reckless – defenders led by the fierce Nemanja Vidic. In midfield, they can count on a nice array of skillful wingers as well the veteran Dejan Stankovic. It's in front that Serbia's weakness lie with no potent goalscorer to fill up the opposition's net. There is no doubt that they'll be a formidable squad to watch when that situation gets resolved.
Full squad list
GK: Vladimir Stojkovic (Wigan [England]), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin [Poland]), Andjelko Djuricic (Leiria [Portugal])
DEF: Antonio Rukavina (Munich 1860 [Germany]), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio [Italy]), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United [England]), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea [England]), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese [Italy]), Ivan Obradovic (Zaragoza [Spain]), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund [Germany])
MID: Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin [Germany]), Zoran Tosic (FC Cologne [Germany]), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan [Italy]), Nena Milijas (Wolverhampton [England]), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege [Belgium]), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow [Russia]), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kyiv [Ukraine]), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (VfB Suttgart [Germany])
FW: Danko Lazovic (Zenit St. Petersburg [Russia]), Marko Pantelic (Ajax [Netherlands]), Nikola Zigic (Valencia [Spain]), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad)
Keep an eye on: Zoran Tosic, Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic
They are fast and technically skilled. Krasic's popularity rose after stunning displays in the Champions League's group stage, notably against Manchester United. Tosic, malcontent at Old Trafford due to a lack of playing time, was loaned to Cologne in Germany where he became an important cog in the wheel, supplanting star-striker Podolski. As for Jovanovic, he was Serbia's top scorer in qualifiers and will probably start ahead of Tosic on the left-wing.
Overview
The loss of Essien is huge for Ghana who counted on the Chelsea man to lead an underrated midfield to glory. Pre-tournament friendlies have been positive with only a 4-1 defeat against the Netherlands as a slight blemish. The game against Serbia will be crucial to their progress in the competition.
Full squad list
GK: Daniel Agyei (Liberty), Stephen Ahorlu (Heart of Lions), Richard Kingson (Wigan [England])
DEF: Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen [Germany]), John Pantsil (Fulham [England]), John Mensah (Sunderland [England]), Samuel Inkoom (Basel [Switzerland]) Jonathan Mensah (Free State Stars [South Africa]), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim [Germany]), Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek [Egypt]), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea)
MID: Anthony Annan (Rosenborg [Norway]), Derek Boateng (Getafe [Spain]), Stephen Appiah (Bologna [Italy]), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan [Italy]), Andre Ayew (Arles [France]), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese [Italy])
FW: Asamoah Gyan (Rennes [France]), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim [Germany]), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda [Netherlands]), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan [Italy]), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd [Qatar]), Kevin Prince Boateng (Portsmouth [England])
Keep an eye on: Stephen Appiah
Without Essien, the veteran midfielder will be the heart and soul of this squad, creating most offensive plays and helping out in defense.
GERMANY
Overview
When talk of favorites come up, Germany rarely gets mentioned alongside the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Italy and yet they have been the most consistent side of three during the past decade or so. Crucial injuries in goal, defense, and midfield have rendered Joachim Low's side a bit vulnerable but I believe that the reserves are more than capable to fill the shoes of their fallen comrades. The real question mark is in front where Podolski, Klose and Mario Gomez all had poor seasons and yet remain first-choice starters. The emergence of Cacau and Ozil might put one or two of these players on the bench but then again, Klose and Podolski's partnership and experience on the big stage could come in handy with Ballack's absence. At least, Low hopes so.
Full squad list
GK: Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Hans Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich)
DEF: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Serdar Tasci (VfB Suttgart), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV)
MID: Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Sami Khedira (VfB Suttgart), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen)
FW: Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Lukas Podolski (FC Cologne), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)
Keep an eye on: Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Marko Marin, and Thomas Muller
Born between 1987 and 1989, they are Germany's next generation. Despite their youth, all four have played a huge part in their respective clubs' seasons and look to do the same under the German shirt. As the youngest of the four, Marko Marin may not play as much as the others, but keep his name in mind for the future.
AUSTRALIA
Overview
The socceroos had a great run in 2006 only to be eliminated on a controversial last-minute penalty against eventual Cup-winners Italy. The squad is mostly the same but the formation has changed from an unusual 3-3-3-1 to a more conservative 4-2-3-1. Check out this analysis from Zonal Marking for a detailed explanation of Australia's tactics.
Full squad list
GK: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham [England]), Adam Federici (Reading [England]), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough [England])
DEF: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray [Turkey]), Craig Moore, Michael Beauchamp (Al Jazira [United Arab Emirates]), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow [Russia]), Scott Chipperfield (Basel [Switzerland]), Mark Milligan (JEF United Ichihara [Japan]), David Carney (Twente Enschende [Netherlands])
MID: Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers [England]), Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers [England]), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor [Turkey]), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo [Italy]), Dario Vidosic (MSV Duisburg [Germany])
FW: Tim Cahill (Everton [England]), Joshua Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus Eight [Japan]), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray [Turkey]), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar [Netherlands]), Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschende [Netherlands]), Richard Garcia (Hull City [England]), Marco Bresciano (Palermo [Italy])
Keep an eye on: Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill
They are the two key players of this squad. Schwarzer is the goalkeeper while Tim Cahill will be the main conduit of Australia's attacks.
SERBIA
Overview
My dark horses of the tournament, Serbia's national squad is virtually unknown on this side of the ocean. Talk to anyone about them and they'll look at you as if you've grown three heads. Yet, there is definitely some potential and technical skill in this team. They finished first in their qualifying group ahead of France and conceded only eight goals – the fewest of their group. Their backline is a contingent of fearless – almost reckless – defenders led by the fierce Nemanja Vidic. In midfield, they can count on a nice array of skillful wingers as well the veteran Dejan Stankovic. It's in front that Serbia's weakness lie with no potent goalscorer to fill up the opposition's net. There is no doubt that they'll be a formidable squad to watch when that situation gets resolved.
Full squad list
GK: Vladimir Stojkovic (Wigan [England]), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin [Poland]), Andjelko Djuricic (Leiria [Portugal])
DEF: Antonio Rukavina (Munich 1860 [Germany]), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio [Italy]), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United [England]), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea [England]), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese [Italy]), Ivan Obradovic (Zaragoza [Spain]), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund [Germany])
MID: Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin [Germany]), Zoran Tosic (FC Cologne [Germany]), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan [Italy]), Nena Milijas (Wolverhampton [England]), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege [Belgium]), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow [Russia]), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kyiv [Ukraine]), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (VfB Suttgart [Germany])
FW: Danko Lazovic (Zenit St. Petersburg [Russia]), Marko Pantelic (Ajax [Netherlands]), Nikola Zigic (Valencia [Spain]), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad)
Keep an eye on: Zoran Tosic, Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic
They are fast and technically skilled. Krasic's popularity rose after stunning displays in the Champions League's group stage, notably against Manchester United. Tosic, malcontent at Old Trafford due to a lack of playing time, was loaned to Cologne in Germany where he became an important cog in the wheel, supplanting star-striker Podolski. As for Jovanovic, he was Serbia's top scorer in qualifiers and will probably start ahead of Tosic on the left-wing.
GHANA
Overview
The loss of Essien is huge for Ghana who counted on the Chelsea man to lead an underrated midfield to glory. Pre-tournament friendlies have been positive with only a 4-1 defeat against the Netherlands as a slight blemish. The game against Serbia will be crucial to their progress in the competition.
Full squad list
GK: Daniel Agyei (Liberty), Stephen Ahorlu (Heart of Lions), Richard Kingson (Wigan [England])
DEF: Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen [Germany]), John Pantsil (Fulham [England]), John Mensah (Sunderland [England]), Samuel Inkoom (Basel [Switzerland]) Jonathan Mensah (Free State Stars [South Africa]), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim [Germany]), Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek [Egypt]), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea)
MID: Anthony Annan (Rosenborg [Norway]), Derek Boateng (Getafe [Spain]), Stephen Appiah (Bologna [Italy]), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan [Italy]), Andre Ayew (Arles [France]), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese [Italy])
FW: Asamoah Gyan (Rennes [France]), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim [Germany]), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda [Netherlands]), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan [Italy]), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd [Qatar]), Kevin Prince Boateng (Portsmouth [England])
Keep an eye on: Stephen Appiah
Without Essien, the veteran midfielder will be the heart and soul of this squad, creating most offensive plays and helping out in defense.
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