Group D Focus

Group favourites Germany face the tough task of overcoming Serbia, Ghana and Australia in Group D of the 2010 World Cup. Joe Strange makes his predictions. - Group D Fixtures - Group D Table GERMANY The Germans strolled into the finals after an almost faultless qualifying campaign saw them drop just four points from ten games. Joachim Low will be without influential captain Michael Ballack after the midfielder picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup final. Despite the loss of Ballack, the 2006 semi-finalists should have more than enough to get through the group, but don't be surprised if they drop points along the way. Prediction: Group-winners Odds – 14/1 SERBIA After topping their qualifying group ahead of 2006 finalists France, Serbia enter South Africa as one of a few dark horses. In their first World Cup as an independent nation, they will be hoping the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Milos Krasic and Nikola Zigic can reproduce their impressive club form on the international stage. Should scrape through to the last 16 but it won't be easy. Prediction: Runners-up Odds – 66/1 GHANA Won their African qualifying group ahead of Benin, Mali and lowly Sudan. An injury to star man Michael Essien will affect their hopes of making it through the group, although they still have a number of highly-rated players to call upon in the shape of Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah. Have the ability to make it through the group if they play at their best. Prediction: Third Odds – 150/1 AUSTRALIA The Aussies won their Asian qualifying group with ease after finishing with 20 points from eight games, five ahead of second-placed Japan. With a growing reputation at international level, they would’ve hoped for an easier group when the draw was made last December. An over-reliance on goal-scoring midfielder Tim Cahill could see them come up a little bit short. Prediction: Fourth Odds – 150/1

Source: DSG