Well, if you're a soccer fan in general, today's rash of injuries suck. I'm not happy as Africa's best striker, England's captain, and a greasy I-tie all mostly out for the games. Not good from a viewer's standpoint. But on to Group D we must.
Hosts of the last World Cup in 2006 and runner-up in Euro 2008, Germany just wins. A third place finish was good, just not good enough for the country. They're back again after a solid qualification in a crap group. The team has still gone forward with high expectations coming into 2010. This group will help with early jitters as a date with Australia awaits. I find this group interesting as Germany is the perennial power however the other three teams, have a real good shot at an upset/strong showing.
SERBIA
Michael Essien was glue to Ghana's crumbling hopes for advancing through to the knockout phase due to his awesomeness in the midfield. Unfortunately, his nagging knee injury will force him out of the cup that would have been this country's springboard to international greatness. If you'll remember from '06, they knocked the US out of group with a 2-1 win and advanced to the second round with Italy. And then got trounced by Brazil. Guess what? Without Essien, it's gonna be a helluva lot tougher. I mean tough.
GROUP D
GERMANY
Hosts of the last World Cup in 2006 and runner-up in Euro 2008, Germany just wins. A third place finish was good, just not good enough for the country. They're back again after a solid qualification in a crap group. The team has still gone forward with high expectations coming into 2010. This group will help with early jitters as a date with Australia awaits. I find this group interesting as Germany is the perennial power however the other three teams, have a real good shot at an upset/strong showing.Player to watch: Manuel Neuer - From Oliver Kahn to Jans Lehmann, the goalie has never came into question for Deutschland. However, Neuer is young and lacks experience with an otherwise solid team. He'll be needed to step up and come up big if the Germans are to raise gold in July.
Group Prediction: 1st. Too good and are the official Bayern Munich supporter of the World Cup. Just hope there's no Champion's League Hangover. Friggin Mourinho....
SERBIA
The Serbs are scary and underrated as a group team. And if you ever need a word that ends in 'vic', you've found the squad for it. With a squad virutally all over 6 feet tall, this team can win headers and be deadly in the air. They will need to depend on their defense and come forward when needed. Set pieces will be critical if this team has a shot against Germany. This past week included a loss to New Zealand, an upset of some size considering the form Serbia had been in since qualifying for the Cup.
Player to Watch: Nemanja Vidic- Captaining the squad, he will be the focal point of the defense and squad. For being a center back, Vidic scores on corners with frequency. He's turned into one of the best defenders in the world since his arrival at Manchester United and hopes to continue his form on the international stage.
Group Prediction: 2nd. Throw that loss out, they've been dominant against other world cup opponents. Australia isn't scary enough and Ghana lost its best player so the Serbs have a real good shot at advancing.
GHANA
Michael Essien was glue to Ghana's crumbling hopes for advancing through to the knockout phase due to his awesomeness in the midfield. Unfortunately, his nagging knee injury will force him out of the cup that would have been this country's springboard to international greatness. If you'll remember from '06, they knocked the US out of group with a 2-1 win and advanced to the second round with Italy. And then got trounced by Brazil. Guess what? Without Essien, it's gonna be a helluva lot tougher. I mean tough.Player to watch: Sulley Muntari - Playing for Inter this year, he was a sub that found considerable time playing for Mourinho. Mourinho... And this team will be depending on him a lot since Essien is out.
Group Prediction: 4th. Essien hurts that much. Their recent form is disgusting, barely beating Latvia and getting destroyed by the Dutch. It's sad considering Africa really needed this team to carry their nation's flag and I just don't see it happening.
AUSTRALIA
Aussie, Aussie, OooooYYYYY, OOOOYYY. The soccerroos have returned to the WC for the first time in history in back to back cups. They've developed into a small terror on the international level, but still don't possess enough scare into the casual watcher. Everyone thinks a kangaroo or a koala bear is gonna end up on the team at some point. But, they still find a way to play well. Supposedly, Mark Schwarzer, their goalie, is the one of the best keepers in the Premier League. However, I find him to be a weak link on the team. Sucks in the air, can't catch the ball, and always kick the ball out of player.Player to Watch: Tim Cahill - A goal scorer in fine form, Cahill has always been electric in my eyes. Of course, this is when he's healthy. He scored against the US in the friendly Saturday, but he'll be needed for each game.
Group Prediction: 3rd. I don't see a difference in Australia and Ghana. They'll both struggle. Aussies getting thru in 06 was a gift with 4 points. They'll need to beat Ghana and Serbia to get thru.
SET PIECES
- Tell me Buddle is the Savior
- Robben might be the latest to go. Mikel Obi hurts Nigeria's chances
- Sven wants the Liverpool Job. Here comes the failure
- Watching guide for the WC
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