World Cup 2010: Key players for Germany, Serbia, Australia and Ghana
It’s important to know what your team is up against and what your favorite team has got to offer; here’s a look at the star players from Germany, Serbia, Australia and Ghana .i.e. Group D.
Let’s start with Germany’s star player who goes by the name of Michael Ballack. If fans haven’t heard of him, this is because Ballack is somewhat of a background shiner, never having claimed a title for himself but an astounding player. For the upcoming World Cup, Joachim Low has nominated a very young squad, stacked with hopeful talent and skill. So Michael Ballack will become a more important player than ever, as a consequence of all of his experience in contrast to his young colleagues. He is also said to be one of the most under-rated midfielders still at work in world football.
The 33-year-old has played an important role for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. He is capable of firing thunderbolts from the midfield, has great heading ability and is a natural leader. Ballack is a midfielder with an excellent goal tally. Ballack’s only flaw is that he has no huge title as he has never won the Champions League, the European Championship or the World Cup. 2010 may just be his last chance.
Next let’s have a look at Serbia and their amazing player, Nemanja Vidic. Even factoring in the Serbian Player of the Year, Milos Krasic, the star player of the national team is without any doubt, Nemanja Vidic. The 28-year-old Manchester United defender took his first steps in football in his hometown of Uzice, after which he moved to Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade at the age of 15 years. In 2000, he was loaned for a season to Spartak Subotica. When he came back, he quickly gained the captain's armband, and during his three years as skipper, he scored 12 goals in 67 matches and ended his Red Star Belgrade career by leading the club to a domestic double.
While still at Belgrade, the legendary Manchester United declared their interest in the player. A transfer was eventually negotiated at the beginning of 2005. The English club paid around £7 million for the defender. There are now murmurings that Vidic will leave England soon. During this season, a host of Spain and Italy's biggest clubs have been mentioned as possible destinations. As it stands, Nemanja is a leading figure in the national team of Serbia and one of the most important players ahead of the World Cup.
As far as Australia goes, Tim Cahill is undoubtedly the X-Factor of this side and the man tasked with scoring the goals in South Africa. He has been the savior of the Socceroos no matter how big the stage is. He rose to fame with two dramatic late goals to turn around Australia's second World Cup campaign in Germany 2006, inspiring them to a crucial 3-1 win over Japan.
He has since gone on to become the national team's most potent weapon for attack and probably, its best all-round player who is the only world-beater in the ranks. He combines physicality, aerial prowess and work-rate with an incredible knack for being in the right place at the right time to score the crucial goals. He is a great asset to the team and surely an edge for Australia in this World Cup.
Last but not least, we have a look at Michael Essien, the Ghana Star Player. The 28-year-old has been extremely instrumental in the midfield of the national team and his club Chelsea. As a result of his energy and drive, he has earned several nicknames for himself: ‘The Midfield Powerhouse’ and ‘The Bison’, among others. He makes a way when there seems to be no way. His excellent and awe-inspiring goals have saved Ghana in several tournaments. The sometimes box-to-box midfielder is a perennial nominee for the FIFA World Player of the Year award but has never tasted the dream of all players.
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