Group D: Ghana to clash against the 'Socceroos'

Add as a preferred source on Google

Johanesburg, Jun 19: With the fall of Germany to Serbia, the next Group D tie between Ghana and Australia just turned far more interesting.

In its opener, Australia lost to Germany 4-0, while Ghana defeated Serbia 1-0. And the Group D threw itself open when Serbia defeated Germany 1-0 on Friday, Jun 18.

While Ghana will be entering the field with a hope to become the first African nation to qualify for the next round, the 'Socceroos' need to churn out a victory to advance - an opportunity which opened up after the defeat of Germany.

However, the chances of Australia winning the match are thin as the team is impaired by injuries and the suspension of Tim Cahill. The team has to also do without Vince Grella, who has sustained an injury.

Fixture by Date - Fixture by Group - Teams & Groups - Points

A lot lies on the defence line of the Socceroos as they face striker Asamoah Gyan, who scored the goal against Serbia in the opener.

The lapses of the defence led by Craig Moore and Lucas Neill was exposed in the match against Germany. Australian coach Pim Verbeek is expected to bring in attacker Joshua Kennedy to bolster the defence.

Based on the poor performance of the Australians in the opener against Germany, Ghana is excpeted to win the match and sail into the knock out stage as the cheers of African supporters resound the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

Players To Watch:

Ghana: Asamoah Gyan
Australia: Craig Moore, Joshua Kennedy

All time head-to-head:

Games Played: 6 (All Friendly)
--Ghana: Wins 1, Draws 1
--Australia: Wins 4, Draws 1

1995, Sydney: Australia 2 Ghana 1
1995, Adelaide: Australia 1 Ghana 0
1995, Perth: Australia 0 Ghana 1
1996, Durban: Australia 2 Ghana 0
2006, London: Australia 1 Ghana 1
2008, Sydney: Australia 1 Ghana 0

Goals: Ghana 3, Australia 7

OneIndia News