Group D Preview

Overview:

Injuries have unfortunately robbed Group D of two of the best holding midfielders in the game today, as both Ghana's Michael Essien and Germany's Michael Ballack will miss the World Cup with their respective injuries. Perhaps there just might be something in the water in North London. Regardless Group D sees Germany, Serbia, Ghana and Australia do battle for the coveted top two spots. Germany enters the tournament without their talisman captain Michael Ballack, who not only is injured but was recently kicked to the curb by Chelsea as his contract was not renewed. However, even with these problems the Germans still possess a highly organized team that is committed and always seems to rise to the challenge. The Germans will count on the youngsters Mesut Ozil and Marko Marin to provide some attacking flair for Joachim Low's squad. The Serbians  qualified for the World Cup ahead of France in their group and are favored to advance to the Round of 16. Nemanja Vidic, from Manchester United, is the captain and is part of a tremendous back four that will comprise the spine of the Serbian squad. The Serbs will also likely attack through the wings via the play of Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic. Jovanovic looks to be heading to Liverpool on a free transfer but with the dismissal of Rafa Benetiz perhaps Jovanovic will not push the transfer through on his end. The Black Stars of Ghana will undoubtedly be missing the services of their own captain Michael Essien. However, it should be noted that this team climbed to the final of the African Cup of Nations without their captain and with a very young squad. Asamoah Gyan, from the French club Rennes, is the key man upfront for the Black Stars and will be asked to shoulder the load. The Socceroos from Australia find themselves back in the World Cup for the first time in consecutive tournaments. Although the talent is not quite there for the Australians their tenacity and determination will make them a difficult out in South Africa. Keeper Mark Schwarzer from Fulham will expect to see plenty of shots but he does have the pedigree to keep the majority of them out of the net.

Players To Watch:

Germany - Bastian Schweinsteiger - Beyond having the greatest name in modern football, Schweinsteiger will be asked to be the key creative force for the German squad. He is a right-footed player that usually plays on the right wing but with the injury to Michael Ballack he could find himself in the middle of the park.

Ghana - Asamoah Gyan - Gyan must equal goals for Ghana for the Black Stars to have any hope of advancing to the Round of 16 considering the injury to Michael Essien. Gyan was Rennes' leading scorer during the past domestic campaign and his speed will play a major role for the Ghanaian attack.

Serbia - Neven Subotic - It would be easy to put Vidic as Serbia's player to watch, but rather his partner in the back line is the more intriguing story. Subotic actually had the chance to play for Germany, the United States and Serbia, so the match between the Serbs and Germans could test his young emotions.

Australia - Tim Cahill - If you love the little man with the big heart, then Tim Cahill is exactly your type of player. Cahill plays for Everton in the EPL and for a player with a short stature he scores the majority of his goals with his head. Cahill will be looked upon to lead the Aussies to the next round.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Germany

Serbia

Ghana

Australia