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AUSTRALIA

Formation: 4-2-3-1

TAB Sportsbet: $67

The Coach: Pim Verbeek

The Dutch veteran might not have brought the most enterprising and eye catching football to the continent, but he has brought something no other coach (aside Guus Hiddink’s short cameo) has brought; results. He doesn’t base a players ability on one or two games, but rather asses them over time and this as well as his ability to get scrappy results has led him to cult hero status in Australia.

The Captain: Lucas Neill

Neill’s leadership over the past few years after Mark Viduka’s retirement has been remarkable, especially being able to respond so efficiently after that penalty against Italy last time around. He’s lost some speed but still reads the game well and will be looking for a big performance in arguably his first and last Cup as captain.

Fighters... Cahill and Neill will be crucial for Australia.

The X-Factor: Tim Cahill

No surprises that Australia’s fortunes lie heavily with this man. The amazing fact is if Cahill scores Australia doesn’t lose. Quite a remarkable statistic and if the Everton midfielder can continue to be in the right place at the right time and repeat his antics from Germany, Australia will look like quite a formidable opponent come South Africa.

The Flaw: Offence

Australia is lacking a big thing up front, a strong, quick ball player who can provide goals. Josh Kennedy or Harry Kewell will most likely get the role striker job, and whilst either is well adept to play it, they haven’t proven themselves there either. Kennedy has bagged some crucial goals for the Socceroos but his lack of pace sees him disappear in some games.

The Verdict: Round of 16

While they will go into their third World Cup as underdogs of the group again, there is a nation with much higher hopes and expectations compared to Germany. Verbeek quoted that his team would need ‘at least five points’ to qualify and whilst it will be much tougher than 2006, Australia have come a long way from then as well.

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GERMANY

Formation: 4-2-3-1

TAB Sportsbet: $13

The Coach: Joachim Low

Respected by the German public and FA, Low heads into the World Cup with a good standing. However, his future is uncertain with negotiations to be made about a new contract after the tournament.

The Captain: Philipp Lahm

In the absence of Michael Ballack, Lahm will take over the role of skipper. He’s had a great season with Bayern narrowly missing the treble. The left back not only is a good dead ball deliverer and crosser, but also has a decent shot on him that could surprise defences.

The X-Factor: Miroslav Klose

Captain... Lahm will take the armband.

He has five goals in the two previous World Cups, and another five here will see him equal Ronaldo’s world record 15. However, whilst there was much criticism about his picking in the squad after a mediocre season, the striker just has a knack of scoring crucial goals and in his last Cup; he’ll need to do the same.

The Flaw: Defence

Aside from Lahm and Per Mertesacker, the rest of the defence looks very shaky. Low is yet to decide who accompany the two at the back, and with keeper choices becoming limited if they side is put under consistent pressure things could becomes worrying.

The Verdict: Round of 16

The Germans always turn up to these World Cup’s and it’s very hard seeing them not being able to qualify from this group. However, they could face England or USA in the Round of 16. They’re also missing a couple of vital players and this could hurt their overall campaign.

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SERBIA

Formation: 4-4-2

TAB Sportsbet: $51

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Gordon D'Mello

Gordon is a Journalism student at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney who has a huge passion in the field of sports writing and sport itself. Here he is a writer, senior editor and is also a co-founder of Injury Time.