FIFA 2010 World Cup Football: Germany Vs. Australia
Germany will be starting their World Cup campaign when they face Australia in Group D’s match. Germany want nothing more than a convincing win to kick start their World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Germany will be posting a relatively younger side when they face Australia on Sunday. The biggest absence from Germany’s line-up will be of their captain, Michael Ballack who was ruled out of World Cup after sustaining an injury in the FA (Football Association) Cup’s final. The Chelsea midfielder injured his right ankle during Chelsea’s victory over Portsmouth.
Ballack has been an influential figure for Germany in World Cups. He steered Germany to the 2002 World Cup final and the 2006 World Cup semi-final. It is also a personal disappointment for Ballack as this World Cup would have been his last attempt at gold. Despite Ballack’s absence, Coach Joachim Loew will still have a pool of talented players available.
Three-time world champions, Germany will be hoping to win their first World Cup in 20 years when they start their drive against Australia in Durban. Germany’s stand-in captain, Philipp Lahm is confident that his young team would make an immediate mark. “We want to start with a win, to give the team another shot of confidence. It is a young team and players are hungry,” Bayern Munich’s right-back Lahm said. On the other hand, coach Loew is also optimistic of his young side chances against experienced Aussies. Talking to a reporter, he said, “We can go in with confidence, but we have respect for Australia. Australia is a well organised team. Not spectacular but they work hard. They have exceptional organization, good passing, they are incredible physically and they have almost perfect defense organization”. Loew is hoping his team will be up to the mark when both teams meet in the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Loew has rebuilt his team from famous the 1-0 loss to Spain in 2008 Euro final. He will now be leading the youngest side to ever represent Germany in a World Cup. Six players from his squad represented Germany in the under-21 European Championship last year, which they won.
On the other hand, Australian coach Pim Verbeek will be relying on the experience of his players to out maneuver his German counterpart. The Australian team comprises of top quality players in form of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill. Cahill has recovered from his neck injury and will provide a timely boost to the Socceroos. Kewell on the other hand is not that lucky and has not recovered from his groin injury. He won’t be starting this match. But the main influx of attack will come from Everton striker Tim Cahill. Cahill has an excellent international record. He scored 20 goals in his 40 outings for his country. Cahill was also instrumental for Australia in last World Cup. He scored twice for Australia in their round of 16 match against Japan in last World Cup. Coach Loew will be accentuating his defenders to mark Everton man and give as little space possible to Australian striker.
Germany will also have a potent attack in the form of Lukas Podolski. Podolski was the man to watch in last World Cup as he steered the German attack to perfection. He was even awarded ‘young player of the tournament’ in 2006 World Cup in Germany. But his form with his club has been below par last season. He scored two goals in Bundesliga last season for his club. Brushing aside concerns regarding his form Podolski said, “I played a good tournament the last time and the last few games for Germany were good for me. I hope to pick up where I left off. I have been training well, I feel good.”
It will be the experience of Australia pitted against the youth and history of Germany. It will be essential for each team to get at least a result they can capitalize on later. Considering, Group D comprises of other tough teams like Serbia and Ghana, a winning start is essential for either team.
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