Germany will continue their World Cup campaign on Friday against Serbia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Die Mannschaft started the tournament with a blistering 4-0 victory over Australia Sunday night. Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski, who have been struggling for form the last few years, once again proved they have no trouble coming alive when playing for their country.
Serbia suffered a disappointing but self-inflicted loss to Ghana on Sunday when in the 84' defender Kuzmanovic handled the ball and Hector Baldassi awarded a penalty to the Ghanans. Asamoah Gyan buried the penalty to win the match 1-0 for Ghana. Serbia will be smarting after playing such a hard fought match, ready to challenge Group D's favorites.
Group D: Germany - SerbiaDate: 18 June, 2010 - 13:30 CET
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Referee: Alberto Undiano (Spain)
Germany:
Keeper: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Philip Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Arne Friedrich, Holger Badstuber
Midfielders: Piotr Trochowski, Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil, Lukas Podolski
Forwards: Miroslav Klose
Manager: Joachim Löw
Injured:
Booked:
Serbia:
Goalkeeper: Vladimir Stojkovic
Defenders: Nemanja Vidic, Neven Subotic, Branislav Ivanovic, Aleksander Kolarov
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic, Milos Krasic, Nenad Milijas, Nikola Zigic
Strikers: Marko Pantelic, Milan Jovanovic
Manager: Radomir Antic
Injured: -
Booked: Aleksander Lukovic
Both teams are fit and managers will have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Aleksander Lukovic (Serbia) who recieved 2 yellow cards against Ghana. The weather in Port Elizabeth is expected to be sunny and about 14 degrees. Referee Alberto Undiano and his team hail from Spain.
Last meeting: 31.05.2008, Germany - Serbia 2:1
Wins Germany: 1
Wins Serbia: 0
Draws: 0
Serbia is a very physical side with a tough defense to break down. They will play a disciplined game against the Germans, but lack a certain quality in the attack. Last week Germany showed us just why we can never count them out. It may take some time to break down Serbia's resolve, but in the end expect them to get another 3 points.
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