2010 World Cup Preview – Germany vs Australia

Australia’s first real game in the World Cup will be held on 13 June 2010 at Durban where we will play against Germany. On the same day the other two teams in our group of four, Serbia and Ghana, will play against each other.

How Australia Performed in Friendly Warm-Up Matches

Australia won 2 and lost 1 of the 3 matches leading into the World Cup. On 24 May Australia beat New Zealand 2-1 and on 1 June Australia beat Denmark 1-0. At the last lead-up game on 5 June the USA beat Australia 3-1.

This was the Socceroo’s worst score in nine months since Korea beat them 3-1 in a game where several key players were absent. This was only the second time Australia has conceded three goals in a game in the approximately 30 matches they have had Pim Verbeek as coach.

How Germany Performed in Friendly Warm-Up Matches

Germany has won all 3 of its lead-up matches in solid fashion. On 13 May Germany beat Malta 3-0 then on 29 May they beat Hungary also 3-0. At their final hit-out on 3 June they played against Bosnia-Herzegovina who they beat 3-1.

Their coach Joachim Low has said he has not yet decided who will lead the German attack against Australia on Sunday. In warm-up games he has favoured Miroslav Klose but is also considering Cacau and Mario Gomez.

Will Germany Beat Australia on 13 June?

Unfortunately statistics suggest Germany will beat Australia and that is why Centrebet have Germany at $1.50 and Australia at $6.75. Germany have performed better in their lead-ups and have far more World Cup experience having appeared 16 times at the World Cup against Australia’s 2 appearances (1974 and 2006) which strangely enough were both held in Germany. In addition they have 3 World Cup wins to their credit.

As well as physical training the Germans also have training to give them a winning mentality which has included visits and talks with Formula 1 racing driver Nico Rosberg and tough mountaineer Reinhold Messner. They also received a visit from legendary New Zealand rugby star Jonah Lomu at their training camp.

On Australia’s side is the fact that they were the top performing team from the Asian region when qualifying for the World Cup and have much the same squad as four years ago which helps with experience. However the Socceroos’ success is built predominately on a sound defensive record. Australians often rise to the occasion when they are the underdog and here’s hoping our boys do us proud on Sunday!

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