It’s another do-or-die match in South Africa as Australia and Serbia prepare to play their final group match today against each other in Mbomdela Stadium.
Australia is going to play without star duo Harry Kewell and Craig Moore, who were suspended during the last match. Their absence will hurt the Socceroos chances, "They still have good players in the reserves, but these two are big players for them," Serbia striker Dejan Stankovic commented, "We will try to use that to our advantage."
The upside is that valuable midfielder Tim Cahil is returning after a suspension in the opening 4-0 loss to Germany, and will take Kewell’s place, leaving Coach Pim Verbeek to decide between Mark Milligan and Michael Beauchamp as substitutes for Moore. "I'm ready to go now," said Cahill, who is eager to make up for last time, "I've had the hardest week of my life and obviously it's going to be a very hard week for Harry now”.
Australian players have a confrontational disposition on the pitch, and a total of six players have been sent off the in the last four World Cup matches involving the Socceroos. Serbia, however, has the most number of yellow cards in their first two group matches, eight.
Serbia welcomes back suspended player Alexander Lukovic, but is wary of confrontations this match because six of their other players, Ivanovic, Kolarov, Subotic, Vidic, Zigic, and Kuzmanovic, are currently holding yellow cards. On more could result in a suspension for the round of 16.
The Serbian’s surprising 1-0 win against Germany has given them hope and confidence to make it through their final group match on a positive note, especially after their disappointing loss in the opening match against Ghana. Dejan Stankovic has praised his team’s spirit and believes “We have a realistic chance of qualifying for the second round.” The midfielder also used this opportunity to divulge he has been considering resigning from the international field, making this last World Cup, thus adding “I would really like to make this cup memorable”
Australia has not been lucky this World Cup, bemoaning their experience with the referees this year as well as hashing up their past World Cup shortcomings. “For us as a nation . . . we have never been given a fair go” Cahill said, or rather complained to the Media. Australia needs a good win today if they are to have any chance at another shot at the champion title.
The Australian team is depleted and only has one point, not to mention they have never beaten a European team at the World Cup, losing four of those five matches and never scoring a single goal. Serbia’s chances are looking good, the team is tied with Germany for second place with three points each, and Ghana is in the lead with four. Still, Australia and Serbia have never met before so despite statistics and predictions the potential for anyone’s game is there. Australia will advance if they can pull of a victory today, and if Ghana also wins their match against Germany.
Australia has stuck to their tried and true lineups, as many other teams such as England, France, and Italy have done this year. However it is not proving to be as good an idea in practice as it is in theory. The team has looked unenthusiastic on the pitch, and done nothing to wow fans with their potential to make it past the group stages. This is a disappointment after the 2006 World Cup where the Socceroos were sent into the knockout round after a draw with Croatia in the final group match.
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