FIFA WORLD CUP FOOTBALL 2010 - Serbia vs. Australia, the energetic Aussies take on the solid Serbians
Group D, which is quite similar to the rest of the groups is still open. After winning four points from a maximum of six, Ghana surprisingly leads the group. Germany and Serbia follow with 3 points each, followed by the Aussies with just one point. When all of the four teams clash at the same time today, interesting and tasteful contests are to be expected, with each team expecting to win in order to qualify for the next round.
After being humiliated by the German’s in their opening match by a 4-0 thrashing, 10-man Australia were able to hold off Ghana with a 1-1 draw. The Aussies, however, have a slim chance of making it to the next round as they have to win against the Serbians and hope the Black stars get the better of the Germans. The Aussies must be credited for the resiliency they showed in the match against Ghana. After going down to 10 men in just 25 minutes of play, Australia played the remaining time without conceding a goal. They would want to bring back this performance if they are to challenge the Europeans.
Serbia also looks strong after their first match. Having lost the first one owing to a silly penalty, Serbians held of the mighty Germans and won the match with a score of 1-0. Germans had to play most of the match with 10-men as Klose earned two early yellows and was sent off. Germany then tried to test the likes of Nemenja Vidic and Ivanovic, but they both held their ground. Vidic however conceded a penalty. The Germans looked all set to square things off when an excellent save by the Serbian keeper raised hopes of their come back. With a final score of 1-0, it came out to be Serbia’s biggest win after gaining independence. They would want to repeat the strength they showed against the Germans.
The Serbians boast a solid defence, with premier league players Vidic and Ivanovic being the main stay in defence. Also the keeper held his ground and was able to keep a clean sheet against the Germans, who thrashed Australia 4-0 in their opening match. This signifies the quality and strength the Serbians possess and it would take a lot from the Aussies to break this rock solid wall of defence. Serbian Radomir Antic would welcomes Aleksandar Lukovic back into his squad, following his sent off in the first match. The ‘Socceroos’ would be, on the other hand, without Harry Kewell, sent off against Ghana, and Craig Moore, who got two yellows in two games. Tim Cahill, however, will be available for selection, after picking a red in the opening match against Germany.
Australia has never defeated a European side at the FIFA World Cup, with one draw and four losses. Radosav Petrovic, the Serbian midfielder said, “We’re keeping our feet on the ground and we now have to concentrate on Australia and not underestimate them. They’ve got a lot of character. We need to play the way we did against Germany.” Serbians therefore expect to be the same men which looked so solid when they faced the Germans. If the Black stars do win against the Germans, a draw would see the Serbians go through to the next round with ease. If however, Germans overcome Ghana, it’s a must win situation for both the teams.
With a game that has so much at stake for both the team; it expected to be an instant classic for both sets of fans. It may be a huge match for their small football careers, and everyone would want to perform the best for their country. Aussies look like the underdogs in this encounter while Serbians look like the favourites to win. A draw would frustrate both of them as the Germans do look to overcome the Black Stars, given their heritage experience. A tight game between the two, the Serbian defence would not let the Aussies past at any cost and Birmingham City forward Zigic is expected to take advantage of his height. The Aussies will not be able to reach the 6feet 7.5inch athlete and all it would take would be one cross to find the head of Zigic, who would in turn find the back of the net.
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