Group D

Australia - World Ranking 20

After being moved from the Oceania qualifying group to the more competitive Asia, Australia still breezed into this years World Cup finals. After reaching the knockout stage four years ago, when they were eliminated by eventual champions Italy 1-0 due to a controversial penalty, morale was boosted and they will hope to better this time round.

However they could have there work cut out in a difficult group, plus they had the tactical nous of Guus Hiddink last time out. They do have plenty of experience throughout though, and could spring a surprise if written off in South Africa.

Strengths

There is plenty of experience in the Australia squad, with many players having Premier League football under their belt. All thee 'keepers ply their trade in England, and have all had appearances in the top League. Current number one Mark Schwarzer was instrumental in Fulham's remarkable run to the Europa League final, and he kept a staggering seven clean sheets during qualifying for this tournament.

In addition several key players are coming full of confidence. Schwarzer is definitely on that list, where he is joined by their key man Tim Cahill. He enjoyed a tremendous end to the season with Everton, and his goals will be key. Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell have also had good spells at Galatasaray, and will also be itching to get going in South Africa.

Weaknesses

While they are full of strength in most areas, there defence could suffer at the tournament despite the seven clean sheets in qualifying. Vice Captain Craig Moore is currently without a club, while other selections come from Japan, Switzerland and Australia itself. Not exactly footballing hot spots, although three of the seven defenders selected do have Premier League experience. And it is this experience of different variations of football that could save them from this potential banana skin.

Too much emphasis is also placed on the shoulders on Tim Cahill to deliver the craft to either score or set up goals. If he fails to shine, Australia could suffer as a result.

Key Man - Tim Cahill

The free scoring Everton midfield, will have to be on top form if Australia are to escape group D. He will hope to pick up where he left off in 2006, after a double against Japan helped the Socceroos out of the group. After a good back end of the season for his club, he will hope to continue that right through the summer.

One to Watch - Mark Bresciano

Ageing midfielder Bresciano has spent the most part of his career in Italy, and has become a tactically gifted footballer who can spread play and set up attacks with one pass. Despite now being 30, he could be key to either patient attacks or fast breaks as his passing could open up defences. He often shines on the big stage, and will need to take some pressure off other squad members to succeed this summer.

Manager - Pim Verbeek

Dutch coach Pim Verbeek has experience from all around the world, and this could be key to Australia progressing beyond the group. He was assistant to Guus Hiddink with South Korea in 2002 during there run to the semi-finals, and also under Dick Advocaat four years later. With main aim of doing better than last time, he has certainly set himself high targets that he may find difficult to meet.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - In a difficult group which Germany should top, they will have to hit top form straight away to progress.

Germany - World Ranking 6

Write off the Germans at your peril! It is 32 years since they failed to make a European Championship or World Cup quarter final, so you can fully expect them to be in the mix again this time around. Despite not having a team full of world beaters, mental strength and determination carry them through and they could be match for anybody.

They breezed through qualifying to secure there place in South Africa, remaining unbeaten and ensuring Russia had to settle for second spot. With only five goals conceded and a staggering 26 scored, just two behind Spain, there will be plenty fearing Germany this summer.

Strengths

A solid defence and free flowing attack have been the main feature of the qualifiers, and this is something they will hope to carry on through the summer. Lukas Podolski has been in great form, while Miroslav Klose is always one to watch in the big tournaments.

They reached the final of Euro 2008, losing out to Spain, and eased their qualification group so are on top form heading to South Africa which could be crucial.

Weaknesses

It usually takes a lot to ruffle the Germans, but in the lead up to this years finals it has happened. Michael Ballack's injury coupled with that of his understudy Christian Traesch has left them with just two central midfielders, and sides with strong squads could fully take advantage of this.

Key Man - Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern Munich's creative wide man is a key outlet for this German sides attacking intentions. 21 goals in 75 appearances for his country in a decent return, with his assists tally no doubt firing above that total. Despite an up and down season in place, he reached the Champions League final with his club and also completed the double so will crucially be full of confidence heading to South Africa.

One to Watch - Jerome Boateng

Hamburg's 21-year-old centre back is equally adept at full back, and is rumoured to have already agreed a summer deal to money bags Manchester city. This could be the first chance English fans could have to study the youngster who it is hoped will bolster an indifferent Eastlands defence.

Manager - Joachim Loew

After taking over from Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006, Loew has led his side to the final of Euro 2008 and to this years World Cup with minimal fuss. Despite this though rumours are still rife that Matthias Sammer will take over this summer, so this could be his last hurrah while in charge of the national side.

Odds - 14-1

Prediction - Will no doubt make it to the quarter final and maybe the semi, but no more than that for a side lacking world class talent and stretched in midfield.

Ghana - World Ranking 32

With Michael Essien out of this summers premier football tournament, Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari will have all the pressure on him to step into the breach. With the Chelsea man in the side they had the best chance of being the best showing African side with Ivory Coast in the most difficult group, however they could now have their work cut out.

That Black Stars breezed into the finals courtesy of five goals from Matthew Amoah, but their strike force is far from prolific. They scored just nine in qualifying compared to Ivory Coasts 19, this could be one of their major downfalls (see weaknesses below).

Strengths

Notorious battlers all over the pitch, you won't get a moments peace against this side. They have experience in all positions which could be crucial in them progressing to the latter rounds of the competition. Pele's statement that an African team would win the World Cup by the end of last century fell far from the mark, and although that won't happen this time Ghana have a great chance of being the best performing African side this time round.

Weaknesses

Michael Essien's injury is a huge blow to Ghana, with their whole side and tactics built around the Chelsea holding midfielder. It is to be seen how well Sulley Muntari will react in having to fill in.

Another main point here is the lack of goals that they produce. None of the strikers selected are prolific, so it will be up to the midfielders to chip in and get forward when they can to supports the forward line.

Key Man - Sulley Muntari

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will have to be at his brilliant best if Ghana are to succeed in South Africa. Filling in the breach left by Essien the squad will almost revolve around him, so it is his responsibility to ensure that the side functions and succeeds.

The former Portsmouth man enjoyed a terrific season with Inter Milan, where he won the treble under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho. He will however have to be his run-ins with the Ghanian FA behind him, he was sent home from the 2004 Olympics and was left out of the 2010 African Nations squad.

One to Watch - Kevin-Prince Boateng

Enigmatic midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is equally adept in defence, and has won many admirers during his time in England. He goes to the World Cup on somewhat of a low after losing the FA Cup final against Chelsea, also missing a penalty with the scores at 0-0. However he could put himself in the shop window with a string tournament, and could be key in driving his side forward and also cutting out attacks.

Managers - Milovan Rajevac

Milovan Rajevac doesn't have much top class experience, so could have his work cut out in trying to get Ghana to the latter stages of the competition. The Serbian will also have to engineer a victory of his home nation, if his side are to progress.

Odds - 80/1

Prediction - Strong contenders to make it out of the group, but will struggle against the bigger nations without Essien

Serbia - World Ranking 16

Serbia are entering the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, and are determined to put on a good showing on there first outing. Full of dogged determination, as well as experience scattered through the side they could shock a few if written off as also rans.

Europe sat up and took notice when they took top spot in there qualification group, knocking France into second spot and the play-offs. Big wins boosted there goal difference, with new Liverpool signing Milan Jovanovic top scoring with five.

Strengths

A very physical side it would be no surprise to see cards being thrown around on a regular basis, there encounter with Ghana could be very intriguing indeed. This physical presence could be too much for some too handle, as it was for France, so they could no doubt spring a few surprises in South Africa.

There is also a lot of experience in this squad, with many players having played at the top end of the European game. Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Vidic of Chelsea and Manchester United are imposing at the back, but they also have an effect at the other end, scoring six goals between them in the qualifiers. Dejan Stankovic also has to be on top form, with his creativity essential and effect from dead-ball situations crucial.

Weaknesses

They have a strong defence, but goals could be there main problem in the competition proper. Nikola Zigic (see one to watch), will have to be on top form as the focal point of the Serbian attack.

Key Man - Milos Krasic

Milos Krasic came to prominence in this season Champions League, where his performances for CSKA Moscow lit up the side. His enigmatic and reliable outings against Manchester United have led to Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool sending scouts out to watch him. He is the playmaker for Serbia so is crucial to their success, and with his contract expiring next summer he could well use the World Cup to engineer a move away.

One to Watch - Nikola Zigic

Birmingham's new giant striker is the main man in the Serbian attack, but his record won't worry most sides. 16 goals in 44 appearances is a fair return for a side that has lacked in creativity, however he will have to be on top form if Serbia are to escape group D.

Manager - Radomir Ancic

One of only two men to have coached both Barcelona and Real Madrid, however he is unique in the fact that he has also managed Real's main rivals Atletico. His tactical nous has been key to Serbia, with Ancic promoting many youth players into the first team and masterminding their path to the finals.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Despite being confident of progressing from this group, it will be quite a difficult task.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be previewing group E, which contains Cameroon, Denmark, Japan and Holland.