England Will Face...GERMANY!!!

Germany secured top spot in Group D last night, after a 1-0 win against Ghana, and will now face Group C runners up - England. However, it was not all doom and gloom for the African side, despite their loss to two times winners, Germany, as they became the first African representation through to the last 16 of this tournament. In the other Group D game, Australia beat Serbia 2-1 and saw them miss out on qualification thanks to their inferior goal difference - mainly due to the large scoreline imposed on them by Ghana's opposition.

This tasty encounter was made even tastier by the fact that Group D was wide open after Serbia had beaten 10 man Germany in their previous game. Ghana had struggled to beat Australia, after Harry Kewell had been sent off, but only needed 1 point in this match to go through. Loew chose to start with Cacau in place of the suspended Miroslav Klose, and he immediately rewarded his manager for the decision, with a great shot at goal that fell straight into the arms of Kingson. Podolski also went close and missed. The chances sparked an open game of football with both sides attacking and not missing by very much.

Although Germany saw most of the ball, Ghana were very effective when they did get a hold of it, using their pace to run at the German defenders and get in behind them. Gyan, who has scored both of Ghana's goals in their previous two matches, looked good and had several chances, but lacked the sharpness to finish them off. Gyan had probably the best chance of the half, but it was headed clear by Philip Lahm off the German line. There was a suspicion there off handball, much like what Kewell was sent off for but Lahm remained on the pitch, and again looked impressive. He loves to get forward and did so very well in this game, but he was also really good at the back having a great overall game. The first half produced a thoroughly entertaining spectacle - the only thing missing was a goal or two, to really get things going.

We didn't have to wait long before we got one, and what a great goal it was too! Before Germany scored, Gyan again had another chance at goal, this one going straight at Neuer. He looks an impressive and lively player with the ability to affect things and change the game, but just lacks that bit of confidence or final finishing to his game. If he worked on that, he might see more of his chances going in and not getting squandered. Mezut Ozil who has really caught the eye since the tournament began, got his first goal of the tournament, after picking it up outside the 18 yard box and smashed a great left-footed strike past Kingson. He had been pretty quiet in the game up to that point, but the goal was superb. However, the Ghanaian defence had a lot to account for. Their failure to clear the ball out of their own area and failure to close down Ozil as he collected the ball was what allowed him to have the room and time to create the shot.

Soon news came through that Tim Cahill had scored for Australia, giving the Germans another boost as they knew that if Serbia won that game, then they were going out. In all honesty though that didn't look likely, even at 1-0 down, Germany looked comfortable on the ball, they were given the freedom to pass and did well in tracking down the ball everytime they lost it. Australia soon doubled their lead with Brett Holman scoring his second of the tournament. This pretty much confirmed that Germany would be through, and that Ghana would follow, unless the Germans could score a few more past them, and Australia upped their goal tally.

Ghana tried to get themselves on the scoresheet too, with some good chances at the other end, but they didn't really trouble the German defence and in the end, Germany ended the group stage with 6 points. A late Serbian goal also meant that Ghana were through, which was a massive relief for African supporters, after seeing the hosts, Nigeria and Algeria knocked out off the tournament.

As for England, well the big question is: can they beat Germany? We would have had a much "easier" route had the USA not scored that late goal, but remember: to be the best, you gotta beat the best. We know that history favours the Germans but it's knock-out football from now on: history doesn't matter, form doesn't matter...what matters is what happens on the pitch in the 90 (plus?!) minutes. Germany have looked a decent side bar that one defeat against Serbia which shows that they are not infallible despite their great start. England, have finally kicked into gear, but still have a lot of work to do. There's a lot at stake here but it is a winnable game for whoever wants it the most. The mind games have already begun with Beckenbauer spouting off again...maybe he should read one of my earlier posts...he claimed England were "stupid" in not finishing top off the group (did we ask Landon to score?!) and that the players are "burnt out" due to the stress of the PL...did the players look burnt out to you against Slovenia? Against Algeria - yes, maybe so but they were full of energy against Slovenia. Also, it is not only English men who play in the PL...but players of other nationalities too, some of whom are in the German national team...wouldn't they be "burnt out" too?

Anyway, it doesn't matter what his opinion is about the England team. What matters is the performance we see on Sunday. If it's half as good as what it was against Slovenia, we have a chance of making it through. But just incase, the boys should perhaps start practising those penalty kicks...

10 Man Australia Nick A Point...

Australia's game against Ghana was somewhat reminiscent of their opener against Germany when they were thrashed 4-0. They, again, had a man sent off, but this time managed to see out a draw, having taken an early lead.

The Socceroos were playing without the suspended Tim Cahill, who had been sent off (harshly) against Germany. They made several changes, including bringing back injury-prone and former Liverpool striker Harry Kewell. He made an immediate impact, getting himself into the area and rattling the Ghanaian defence. Australia got their lead from yet another goalkeeping gaffe, when a free kick was awarded to them in quite a central position. Mark Bresciano managed to get the ball up and over the wall, but it should have been quite comfortable for the Ghanaian keeper - Kingson, who could only parry it straight at an Australian player. Brett Holman, reacted quickly to get the Roos in front.

In fairness, Ghana reacted strongly and launched a number of attacks against Australia. They didn't have to wait long for their chance. It was Ayew who got hold off the ball on the byline and he showed great skill, composure and determination to keep the ball and twist and swerve his way past the Australian defenders. He managed to get the pass through to Mensah who took a shot hitting Kewell on the arm. The experienced Italian referee - Roberto Rossetti was in a great position and promptly awarded Kewell a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity with his arm. Despite Kewell's vehement protests, he didn't really have a leg to stand on as television replays showed the ball clearly in contact with his arm. Kewell, who didn't play in the first game, was off after less than half an hour on the pitch. The Ghanians were awarded a penalty and Asamoah Gyan stepped up to level for his side. Gyan had also scored the penalty in the game against Serbia which had won them the full 3 points.

They even had a chance before half time to double their lead and make full use of the extra man advantage when Boateng took a shot, but it was well saved by Fulham's Mark Schwarzer. However, Ghana were unable to exploit a weakened Australia and get the full 3 points, which would have been of great significance, going into the final game against Germany. They were reduced to shooting from distance as they struggled to find any kind of rhythm or fluency in their game. This gave 10 man Australia the chance to go forward themselves, and possibly find a winner. Wilkshere went close for them as did Chipperfield but with the arrival of Owusu-Abeyie for the African side, chances soon began to go their way. Unfortunately, they were made to rue those chances as the game ended 1-1.

Going into the final group games, Group D remains very much still open. Remember, whoever wins/finishes runner-up here will play against 2 teams from England's group. Australia still hold out a slim chance of qualifying but will be without Kewell. However, they will be boosted by the return of Cahill. Ghana, are in a good position, but must play Germany. There is a question there of how Ghana are going to be able to create chances and be clinical in their finishing against a German side, who when things are going well from them, can be unbeatable at the best of times. Twice now Ghana have scored from the penalty spot, but they need to show far more quality in finishing the chances that they are given, if they are to go any further in this competition.

Roos Get Müllered!

There have been complaints from football fans about the lack of goals this tournament seems to be suffering from. Maybe it's because these are the first few games or the heat's getting to the players. Not sure. But it certainly wasn't as goal dry in Germany in 2006. I distinctively remember Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica - that was the first game and Philip Lahm, amongst others, scored a cracker that day! It was the first of that tournament, and plenty more were to come. Remember Argentina's 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro?! Well clearly Germany hadn't realised that goals were being kept to a minimum as they took to the field for the first time last night to face new boys Australia.

Of course, Australia are not proper newbies. They have been in this competition before, and to their credit did much better than expected at the last world cup but compared to three times winners Germany, they did appear out of their depth more than once during the late night encounter. People have been stupid to discount the Germans, even during the 2006 world cup, held in their own country. They finished in third place, losing to eventual winners Italy. This year, with inspirational captain Michael Ballack out and no Kahn or Lehmann in goal, many people have ruled out Germany as potential contenders for the trophy. Big mistake based on last night's performance.

Germany proved why they shouldn't be considered lightly. They may be missing several key experienced players through retirement or injury including Frings, Metzelder, Kuranyi etc. but their youthfulness is exactly what tore apart an experienced and ageing Australian side. From the off, the game started with a high tempo and Germany were keen to get things moving and attack from the outset. They passed the ball around with such ease and accuracy and were able to cut through Australia's defence far too easily. They had such great balls in. I was so impressed by Lahm. I have always been an admirer of this right back and leading the side as captain, he proved why he is Germany's Mr. Reliable. At some points during the game, I spotted him all the way down the right wing... in Australia's third! Germany were up and running in the 8th minute with Lukas Podolski's strike putting them ahead after a great pass from Muller. That's the other thing I have noticed, there have been a lot of early goals in the tournament so far too. Podolski's goal was closely (haha) followed up by Klose after an awesome pass from Philip Lahm. The 2 scorers for Germany seem to be continuing on from their good goalscoring record in Germany 2006. It was nice to see some familiar faces from that tournament! In fact Klose is just 2 goals away from levelling the world record for the most goals scored in world cup tournaments.

Special mentions have got to go to Mesut Ozil. He was their star man in that first half and for most of the second half too, until he was substituted. He was really great playing in centre midfield. His passes and vision was superb and he managed to come close to adding his name on the scoresheet. Victory was pretty much sealed for Germany when Cahill received a straight red right at the start of the second half. Losing their front man in what looked a very harsh decision was the bitter blow. I thought it was pretty harsh initially and the replays seem to confirm this. He didn't really do too much to Schweinsteiger - just barged into him a bit, but I've seen much worse that has gone unpunished without even a yellow card. The referees, on the whole have all seemed to be pretty consistent and haven't made any really controversial decisions. However, controversial decisions are as much a part of any world cup tournament as penalties, so I guess controversy will follow later...it is inevitable after all! (By the way, Cahill's red card was the third off the day, with two others in each of the other 2 matches, earlier on. Point of note: each of the sides with the red card went on to subsequently lose the game).

Anyway, once Cahill was sent off, the Australians were unable to get many men forward and try and get something out of the game. There was always the danger that if they pushed onward, they would be vulnerable at the back. This proved to be the case as Germany were able to score a further two goals. It was total German vorherrschaft (domination) and a masterful display with the ball stuck in the Australian half. This time it was the turn of Bayern Munich's Muller and the Brazilian born Cacau to score and round of a comprehensive 4-0 rout. Ozil had once again been central to the play in Cacau's goal - that man's definitely one to watch in this tournament.

Joachim Low decided 4 was enough and opted to substitute off their star players. This slowed down the play a lot and actually allowed Australia to have more off the ball. Australia had most of the possession and chances in the latter half but ultimately, didn't do enough to trouble Neuer in goal. In fact, Neuer had a pretty relaxed evening. So, the Germans went top of their group and produced a solid display of attractive, attacking football. It has been said that people shouldn't read too much into their win - after all it was against a weak (and after the sending off, weakened) Australian side. Questions have been raised about how well the Germans will perform against better opposition. Whatever your opinion, there's one thing to be learnt from their performance last night: NEVER DISCOUNT THE GERMANS (or do so at your peril).