World Cup Group D preview

If 2010 FIFA World Cup betting has Group C down as the easiest to predict, then Group D, comprising Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana, is perhaps the hardest one to pick the qualifiers from. Germany, who have not been knocked out in the first round since 1938, should qualify as usual, but they certainly have no easy games this time around.

The FIFA world rankings are not always a fair representation of teams’ strength, but the fact eight places cover the other Group D participants is a good sign that it is hard to pick the likely qualifier form the three. All are more than capable of taking points off Germany.

Serbia edged out France in qualifying to reach the finals as group winners, but their fans will not be complacent in South Africa – Serbia and Montenegro qualified unbeaten ahead of Spain for Germany ’06 but endured a nightmare tournament, losing all three games, conceding 10 goals in the process.

They have quality throughout, with plenty of Premier League, La Liga and Serie A representation in a strong squad. Radi Antic’s men pose perhaps the biggest threat to Germany and would not be surprise group winners.

Australia fared far better than Serbia in 2006, reaching the second round, where they were controversially beaten by Italy. They qualified from the Asian section unbeaten and a goalless draw with Netherlands in their most recent friendly shows they will be competitive in the summer.

Ghana also reached the last 16 last time around. The Black Stars have the potential to at least match that achievement, having finished as runners-up in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. Michael Essien is a key man, whose recent injury problems can ill-afford to return.

Germany are experts at qualifying for the knockout stages of major tournaments and will not be fazed by their tough group. They still have the core of the team that reached the semi finals on home soil in 2006 and have the experience to go far again. They saw off Russia to qualify as group winners and will be once again backed by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Odds to succeed in Group D.