The first match of FIFA World Cup 2010 Group D will feature Germany and Australia at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The Germans received a crippling blow just weeks before the tournament started with the loss of captain and center midfielder Michael Ballack. However, as the saying goes, you can never count the Germans out.
Joachim Loew has established a flexible and admittedly young squad after the loss of their captain, but has strung together some promising performances ahead of the finals. Three straight warm-up victories produced 9 goals while only conceding one. The team is working well as a unit but is struggling to find a reliable striker. Australia has come under criticism for its performances against the United States and New Zealand but remain a threat with striker Josh Kennedy and captain Tim Cahill at the helm.
Group D: Germany vs AustraliaDate: 13 June 2010, 20:30 CET
Stadium: Moses Mabhida, Durban
Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)
Germany:Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
Defender: Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Arne Friedrich, Holger Badstuber
Midfielder: Piotr Trochowski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira, Mesut Özil, Lukas Podolski
Striker: Miroslav Klose
Manager: Joachim Löw
Injured: -
Booked: -
Australia:
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer
Defender: Rhys Williams, Shane Stefanutto, Jade North, Lucas Neill
Midfielder: Mile Sterjovski, Vinc Grella, Jason Culina, Nick Carle
Striker: Tim Cahill, Joshua Kennedy
Manager: Pim Verbeek
Injured: -
Booked: -
Australia will be well prepared after their friendly against the United States took place in South Africa earlier this week. Germany were met by a large crowd of supporters upon arrival and will be training until Sunday to get use to the climate. The game will be called by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez.
Last meeting: 15 June 2005, Germany - Australia 4:3
Wins Germany: 2
Wins Australia: 0
Draws: 0
Australia are a tough side but will be unsure on confidence after their 3-1 defeat by the United States. The Germans are well organized and have superior class. Expect Germany to win this one.
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