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Preview - Match Analysis: Group D, Germany v Serbia

štvrtok, 17. jún 2010 15:08 | Autor: Dr-Bet.com

Germany and Serbia go into their World Cup Group D clash in Port Elizabeth on the back of contrasting results first up in South Africa. The Germans romped home to a 4-0 opening thrashing of Australia, while Serbia were surprisingly beaten 1-0 by Ghana.

It means Joachim Low's men are in the driving seat in the group, while Serbia manager Radomir Antic will be hoping for a response from his team.

Many had tipped Antic's side for success before the World Cup kicked off, but a lacklustre performance in their opener has put doubts over their potential.

Germany, meanwhile, produced the real eye-opening showing in the first round of fixtures as, in a tournament that has yielded few goals, they looked slick in attack and put the Socceroos' defence to the sword.

Miroslav Klose is only four strikes behind Ronaldo's all-time World Cup record of 15 goals and with his eye set on that target, may be tough to handle in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

However, Germany have a doubt over midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is suffering from a cold.

He is expected to make the starting line-up though, and is likely to partner Sami Khedira in the centre of the park.

Low will most likely keep faith with the side who so easily dispatched of Australia, and only Schweinsteiger's absence would force him into a change.

Serbia, meanwhile, have to make a switch after Alexsandar Lukovic was given his marching orders against Ghana - Neven Subotic is set to fill in.

Antic could turn to Zdravko Kuzmanovic to come into midfield, despite him conceding a needless penalty with a handball in the Black Stars clash.

Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas may be dropped to the bench, while winger Zoran Tosic is in contention for a start.