What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: Germany v Australia (Group D)
When: Sunday 13th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Moses Mabihda Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Typical German Efficiency
Not mentioned in the same breath as Spain or Brazil, Germany, three-time World Cup winners, have quietly performed very well in major tournaments in the past decade. Joachim Low’s side were runners-up at the 2002 World Cup, third at the 2006 World Cup on home soil, and runners-up once again in the 2008 European Championships.
Because of their lack of flair, the Germans are easily overlooked by pundits and opposition sides, but their incredible record of consistently going far in major tournaments speaks for itself. Recently, Germany cantered to the top of their World Cup qualifying group, making light work of the likes of Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.
Low’s side also showed great resolve to dispatch of Russia twice in qualifying, en route to an unbeaten campaign. Despite their impressive run through the group, only few believe the Germans have what it takes to go far in the World Cup. But results speak for themselves, and Germany are certainly a side that are consistent in achieving the outcomes they need.
Pushing on After 2006 World Cup
In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Australia enjoyed the historic return of their nation to the greatest football tournament in the world. The Socceroos had only managed to qualify one other time before, and that was in the 1974 competition, which was coincidently held in Germany as well.
Surrounded by a sense of bliss after making it to the world’s biggest stage, Australia looked to be a side already content with simply qualifying for the World Cup. Their heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the Round of 16 however, left the side reeling and feeling as if there was unfinished business that needed to be corrected in 2010.
The Socceroos went through their recent qualifying campaign with an added vigour, dominating their region, and becoming among one of the first nations to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa. Having experienced being painfully knocked out in 2006, Australia have returned with an extra hunger to exceed the last tournament’s Round of 16 finish.
Recent form
Germany:
Germany 3-0 Malta (13/05; Friendly)
Hungary 0-3 Germany (29/05; Friendly)
Germany 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (03/06; Friendly)
Australia:
Australia 2-1 New Zealand (24/05; World Cup Qualifying Playoff)
Australia 1-0 Denmark (01/06; Friendly)
United States 3-1 Australia (05/06; Friendly)
Players to watch:
Germany – Bastian Schweinsteiger: With Michael Ballack forced out of the tournament due to injury, 25-year-old Bastian Schweinsteiger will have the responsibility of being Germany’s source of inspiration and creativity. Once labelled as a promising talent, the attacking midfielder now has the chance to display his full potential on football’s greatest stage.
Australia – Tim Cahill: The Everton midfielder has been in typically remarkable form again for club and country. Despite his withdrawn position, the 30-year-old has continued to be a real goal threat, finishing last season with ten goals for the Merseyside outfit. Australia rely on Tim Cahill to perform, and if the Socceroos are to get the result they need, he will have to be firing on all cylinders.
Match prediction
Australia made light work of their qualifying campaign and look determined to top their impressive achievement in the 2006 World Cup. Despite their added hunger to perform better, Germany have proven to be extremely efficient at stifling attacks and grinding out victories. With their superior technical abilities as well, the Germans will prove too much for the Socceroos. A 3-1 victory for Joachim Low’s side will be likely.Although South Africa will have the entire African continent on their side, Mexico’s ability to hold their own and compete against some of the world’s best teams will prove to be vital. El Tri will walk away victors in the first match of the World Cup 2-1.
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