World Cup Preview Group D Group D

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Next to be previewed is Group D, it is not named the group of death but it is the most competitive group in the entire tournament.Group DGermanyStrengths: The Germans nature means they always come good at tournaments despite, this time, not po se sing the strongest of squads. The fact that they have youngsters coming through that arent of the stereotypical German, machine like, elk in Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Marko Marin and Thomas Muller, who will all be household names in the future Olivier Vernon Jersey , means that it may take some managers and supporters by surprise that this German side contains more flair players than many of the other, supposedly stylish, teams.Weakne ses: An injury crisis has affected the Germans chances negatively. Germanys two starting central midfielders Michael Ballack, who is also captain, and Simon Rofles as well as understudy Christian Traesch means that they are down to the bare bones in central midfield, not that Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng is a bad pairing.Key Player: Mesut Ozil. The youngster has been a revelation in the Bundesliga this season and will look to continue his form into the World Cup. Ozil has been tipped to be one of the stars in the future; he scored twice past England in the U21 European final last season, and has developed further with Werder Bremen this campaign. A terrific dribbler with great pa sing ability he will be the attacking player in the Germans midfield looking to get forward and support Klose, Podolski and Muller up-front.AustraliaStrengths: A very skill-full and interchangeable attacking line-up means that any of the Australians front four can drop into each position and this means that it can be a nightmare to defend against. They had an unbeaten qualifying campaign, albeit it in a very easy group, and have had friendly wins against Holland T. J. Carrie Jersey  and the Republic of Ireland more recently. In Mark Schwarzer they have a very reliable keeper.Weakne ses: The 4-2-3-1 formation isnt the most attacking in its nature and many Australians claim that is it too one dimensional and flawed against quality opponents. The squad has also aged, it is similar to the one that went to the World Cup in 2006, meaning that, despite gaining experience, they may not have the pace and vigour that they used to have. Defensively they look shaky as well with not one of the back four filling supporters with confidence.Key Player: Tim Cahill. The attacking midfielder has made his name at Everton were he has played a pivotal role in The Toffees progre s. Despite not being the tallest Cahill is great aerially andis alsovery good with the  Antonio Callaway Jersey ball at his feet. He is Australias biggest goal threat with 20 goals in 40 appearances for his national side.GhanaStrengths: Defensively the team are strong. John Mensah and I sac Vorsah are both very accomplished centre backs. In midfield they are protected by Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, and Stephen Appiah. Going forward they threaten on the counter attack with Gerald Asamoah and Asamoah Gyan both lightening quick.Weakne ses: The goalkeeper is poor. Richard Kingson is currently Wigans reserve choice and when he has been exposed to first team football he generally has made errors. Samuel Inkroom and Hans Greedy Williams Jersey  Sarpei at full-backs are also not the most sound defensively. They have also lost one of the best midfielders in the World, Michael E sien, to injury.Key Player: Sulley Muntari. Most familiar with English fans from his time at Portsmouth the defensive midfielder has now been at Inter Milan for the last two seasons. He provides the Ghanaian defence protection and can also be a threat going forward. He is likely to be the man expected to step into Michael E siens shoes.SerbiaStrengths: Defensively they are outstanding. Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic are well-known to English fans and their quality is obvious. Aleksander Kolarov, who plays a left back, is tricky, fast and good defensively. Nikola Zigic upfront is  JC Tretter Jersey the tallest player in the competition at 6ft 7inch and is therefore, obviously, a threat despite his lack of technical ability. They also po ses four very creative midfielders in Krasic, Stankovic, Milijas and Jovanovic.Weakne ses: Vladimir Stojkovic is nowhere near international standard in goal. A lack of quality in reserve is also a worry. Neven Subotic, at centre back, is surrounded by top cla s defenders but is inexperienced himself.Key Player: Nemanja Vidic is the captain and the heart of the team. One of the best centre backs in the World he provides a rock to build on in defence and can also be a threat from corners, which Serbia are dangerous from. When Vidic plays well, generally, Serbia play well.Prediction For Final Group Standings1) Serbia2) Germany3) Ghana4) Australia