Group D

Group D is a very intriguing group where anyone can come out of it. All of these games will be competitive.

Germany (Fifa Rank 6, World Cup Appearances 18th (3 times winner))

Germany is always a world power in soccer and always turns out greta players. They qualified top of their group will relative ease as they lost no games and won 8 while drawing 2. Germany is a defensive minded team as always but can still move forward in attack through the likes of Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez. They were not thought to be in their best form going into the 06 world cup and ended up finishing 3rd.

The problem is injuries for the German squad. Their top goal keeper, Rene Adler, and top player and captain, Michael Ballack, are both out for the world cup. They will be replaced but not with players that are as good. Losing two extremely influential players can hurt any team and it could put Germany on a plane home early.

Australia (20, 3)

Australia comes to their 3rd world cup and their first time in back to back cups. Australia joined the Asian qualifying group this time around after playing and dominating the Oceania group. However, Oceania has no guaranteed qualifiers so Australia left. They finished top of their group but only managed 7 goals in 6 games.

The Socceroos will be led by midfielder/attacker Tim Cahill. Cahill plays for Everton in the EPL and is a top class goal scorer. Australia look to build on their 06 cup in which they made it to the round of 16 where they lost to eventual champions, Italy, on a controversial penalty.

Serbia (16, 10)

Serbia plays in their first WC as Serbia (previously played as Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro). The Serbs qualified top of their group ahead of France. Serbia is a quality European team with lots of style and flair. They will be led by Milos Krasic, Nikola Zigic, and Nemanja Vidic.

Serbia will attack often and this group will allow them to do so. They have a solid back line but their keeper is the question mark. They can attack, posses, and attack but their keeper is not very strong.

Ghana (32, 2)

This is Ghana's second WC and they will look to build on their round of 16 performance in Germany. Ghana came out second in the "group of death" in 06 ahead of the US and Czech Republic. In qualifying they finished top of the group ahead of Mali and managed 4 wins 1 loss and 1 draw.

Ghana will be led by Michael Essien if he is healthy. He is a doubt at the moment but if he can play then Ghana can go far. Sulley Muntari is good goal scorer who will find space for himself with his pace. Ghana have a talented, young side but like most African nation's they lack experience at all positions.

Predictions:

Initially I thought Germany would top this group, but after the recent loss of some players I have to rethink things. Australia and Ghana look to build on their performances from the last World Cup and Serbia will be a tricky team for anyone. This should be a very tight group but I think Serbia finished top of the group with 5 points while Ghana will finished second with 5 points as well. Australia will end with 3 and Germany with 2 points. I just don't think Germany can score the necessary goals to move on.