World Cup Group D preview: Germany v Australia
It's the battle of the mullets as the Germans kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sunday's Group D match in Durban.
Realistically this group should be straight forward for 'Die Mannschaft,' as a football team they forever live up to their stereotype. Efficient, uncompromising, bad hair and you can never write them off. Looking through their squad it's certainly not the most talented side they have ever had, but expect them to be as industrious as ever.
As for Australia they seem to improve a little bit all the time.
The Aussies stand a just-under-half-decent chance of scrapping their way out the group, but they will be hard pushed to get anything off the three-time champions.
First and foremost Australia will need to stem the German attack as they have plenty of options upfront. Lukas Podolski will be looking to have another tournament like he did in 2006; Miroslav Klose is always in the goals and Bayern Munich team mates Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller will be keen to make an impact as well.
Australia will have to rely on the unattached veteran Craig Moore and JEF United's Mike Milligan to somehow stop them. This may prove a fruitless challenge.
In attack Australia's main goal threat will be the injury-prone Harry Kewell. They have only named the three strikers in their squad, so star man Tim Cahill will be looking to make things happen in the middle of the park and test the German defence at set pieces.
There may be a Michael Ballack shaped hole in the German squad but the land down under will still have to deal with the young prospect Mesut Ozil, who will be hoping to announce himself as a top prospect in this tournament. Also watch out for his patchy-bleached barnet, it wouldn't be the World Cup without such a German haircut.
On paper this match does not bode well for Australia who might struggle with the step up in class. The Germans will want to get off to a good start and they possess a higher class of player than Australia.
Having said that this is the World Cup and anything can happen, but really the Aussies will have more chance of points against Serbia and Ghana. Come Sunday night Australian fans might find themselves hiding behind their corked hats if the Germans put in a wunderbar performance.
Tags: