Saturday, June 12, 2010

Preview: Algeria v Slovenia, Germany v Australia, Serbia v Ghana

Algeria v Slovenia
It wasn't comfortable getting here for either team. Algeria beat Cup of Nations Champions, Egypt in a nail-bitting playoff for the final African spot, and Slovenia won a playoff v Russia. Algeria features Yebda and Saifi, who could score some goals. Slovenia has Dedic and Jokic and the simple 4-4-2 with creative passing, they can compete with England and USA to get out of the group. Both sides are good on the attack, and can be shaky defensively, so expect to see some goals. Prediction: Algeria 2.2 Slovenia

Germany v Australia
Germany are the favorites for 1st in Group D, but something about their squad doesn't look right. Ballack is out, so the inconsistent Schweinsteiger must be at the top of his game. Klose is old, and not as he used to be, and the same goes for Lahm. Germany will probably still get out of the group, but be ready for an upset along the way. The socceroos look good with Everton's Tim Cahill leading the charge. Australia may be that upset that puts Germany 2nd in Group D, which could mean England in the 2nd round. My prediction: Germany 0.0 Australia

Serbia v Ghana
Serbia are a good unknown team that could do some damage in the tournament. They have Nemanja Vidic and Dejan Stankovic, and are a very organized team. Ghana will be without Michael Essien, and so Muntari must fill that role. Kevin-Price Boateng will be against his brother for Germany later on, and it was Boateng that kept Ballack from South Africa. Both teams are very good when they're on their game, so I predict: Serbia 3.1 Ghana

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