By Tony Tannous
December 5th 2009 @ 7:41am
Related coverage
Socceroos in for a physical battle in Group of Defence
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, right, celebrates with forward Miroslav Klose at the end of the World Cup, Group A soccer match between Germany and Poland, at the Dortmund stadium, Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2006. Germany won 1-0. The other teams in Group A are Ecuador and Costa Rica. AP Photo/Murad Sezer
Casting an eye over the Socceroos group for South Africa (Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana) after this morning’s draw and the things that stand out are the strong defences, physicality and the impressive qualification run by all four teams.
Germany conceded only five goals in qualifying, Serbia and Ghana only eight.
Throw in the Socceroos, who only concede one goal in the final phase (four in total) of qualifying, and one could argue group D is the Group of Defence.
Germany isn’t a defensive side but they have certainly plugged a defence that leaked goals ahead of the World Cup last time around.
At home three years ago they surprised and impressed the world by offering a very forward thinking style under Jurgen Klinsmann. He was one of the rare managers to play a 4-4-2, perhaps realising his defence wasn’t up for holding teams out.
They have carried that on under Joachim Loew, with the likes of Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose getting able support from Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil from deep.
But it’s the work of the likes of Heiko Westermann and Per Mertesacker at the back which has improved, evidenced by one five goals conceded.
Germany will be strong at set pieces and physical all over the place, but they’re characteristics that should suit the mentally strong Socceroos, who would prefer to have them first up.
It will give Pim Verbeek time to plan, but he must ensure that free-kicks around the box are kept to a minimum. The Socceroos must perform in the first game. A draw would be wonderful, instilling confidence and easing a bit of pressure ahead of the second game against Ghana.
A loss and the pressure is on.
Certainly, Germany will be up for it, and Loew has already said “we must win the first game against Australia”.
Certainly, Verbeek’s counter-attacking strategy could come to the fore in this game, and he will look for the likes of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton to break forward quickly and try and expose Germany’s big defenders.
The complete opposite of Germany, Serbia, or at least what was formerly known as Yugoslavia, had a reputation for being mentally susceptible.
No doubting their technical attributes over the years, but in-fighting has often blighted their performances in the big tournaments.
But in Radi Antic they have a man who looks to have sorted that out. The fact they qualified above France not only tells of Raymond Domenech’s lack of quality, but it tells of a united and purposeful Serbia.
With experienced EPL defenders in Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic, and La Liga’s Ivica Dragutinovic, you sense they have the mental toughness and experience to deal with things this time around.
Of course, many will remember that the team then known as Serbia and Montenegro went to Germany having conceded only one goal in 10 qualifiers, only to cop 10 in the tournament, including a 6-0 hiding against Argentina.
But I’d be surprised if that happened again. And in Dejan Stankovic, Nikola Zigic and Milan Jovanovic, they do have some potency in attack.
Again though, it is an even match-up that will please Verbeek, and, coupled with the Germany, should ensure Verbeek focuses on central defenders who are very strong in the air.
Patrick Kisnorbo is now right in the mix, and Chris Coyne could even get another look-in after missing the past few squads. Defenders like this would relish clashes against Zigic, Klose and Gonzalez.
Ghana, of course, isn’t known for its defensive prowess or for playing for set pieces, but, they too, had an impressive qualification campaign.
The midfield is their biggest asset, with Chelsea’s Michael Essien joined by Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari in a powerful and skilful middle line.
They will offer power and penetration, and the Socceroos will need all their organisational strength to deal with the movement and ability on the ball. We got a glimpse into just well the Black Stars keep the ball in this game in Sydney last year.
But again, as against Germany, there might be a few chances for Verbeek on the counter.
Let’s hope the focus of Ghana’s Serbia manager Milovan Rajevac is on the first game against his country, or on dealing with the some of the egos that can often pervade the Ghana squad.
The other question is whether the manager will temper Ghana’s natural inclination to get forward and attack?
The Socceroos certainly aren’t without a hope in this group, but it’s bound to be tight and often physical one, and goals may be at a premium.
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AndyRoo said | December 5th 2009 @ 8:32am | Report comment
Very good article with such a short dead line Tony.
whiskeymac said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:55am | Report comment
agreed – thanks Tony was hoping you’d have something up to read on the draw. not the best draw but not the worst is the gut feeling. germany are always impressive in tournaments but the other two arent head and shoulders above us. will be an impressive struggle to get out of the group mind you.
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 8:36am | Report comment
Tony,
good and interesting analysis—I have no idea, except this group to me seems a tad easier then it was in the 2006 group. My gut feeling is we can beat all of these teams on a given day and certainly draw with any of them as well… We could quite easily be soundly beaten by all as well I suppose…
But in 2006 we knew that we were never a chance against Brazil and felt that the only team we could beat was Japan and get a draw with Croatia… However, this time around I feel we could do the business against all of them with our best 11 on the park… It would be vital that our best players, Schwartza, Lucas, Emmo, Vinne, Bresh, Timmy, Harry, and etc, are peaking at the right time; at the very peak of fitness at the beginning of the tournament and if that happens, then I am confident of progressing to the next stage… That’s about as much I can hope for… good luck lads…
~~~~~~~
KB
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:27am | Report comment
I’m not as optimistic. A tougher draw, an uninspiring coach, a team a few years past its best, and with no real attack. I was optimistic in 2006 but see no chance this time.
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:10am | Report comment
I agree with you on the uninspiring manager point you make… That’s about it—the Football team personnel are quite capable, but Pim is uninspiring… I can’t argue with you on that point, when the rest of the world is playing 4-3-3 and Pim has not moved from day one, even against the very weakest opposition we have come up against that we should have dominated… He still chose his only pragmatic sterile formation the only one he knows a 4-2-3-1
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:16am | Report comment
Man for man, the players were all better four years ago. And the new guys are not as good as teh people they replaced. Aussie soccer fans are becoming like English ones ie talking the team up more than ity deserves (although I concede the current English team under Capello are worth the hype, thanks to having a good coach).
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
Cahill is a better player than he was four years ago— Kewell most likely a tad worse— Lucas is better and a wiser player— Schwarzer is a better player-keeper than 2006… No Viduka but Jesus is scoring more goals then he did… There have been a lot of different aspects to the two side, good and bad… Under Farina the 2006 team was worse (same personnel) than it was under Hiddink and now we have Pim and his system… So one thing is for sure, we have never had a manager post Hiddink that has had the proper outlook in taking this current squad up a peg… That’s been the problem, Pim has been too pragmatic through the Asian route and that has not been a good indicator of where this team’s quality really is, due to the heavy scheduling with short notice preparation of the team at times he can argue his case, but I still think he’s not the man to take this team to the next level… I hope he proves me wrong…
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:58am | Report comment
I disagree. Only Schwartzer is a better player. The rest are less effective now. And kennedy looks great against opponenst averaging 1.7m tall
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
Timmy Cahill hasn’t improved for club and country Wilkshire hasn’t improved for club and country you must be kidding me.. ?
Rob said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:29am | Report comment
Expect a 5-5-0 formation first up against the Germans
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:38am | Report comment
Yep….
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:33am | Report comment
I reckon New Zealand got the better draw.
jim_bar said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:42am | Report comment
tough tough draw for the socceroos…………..agree with Shahsan, however you never know. big game first up against germany, and if we can scrape a point that would be a sensational start to the tournament
pothale said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:43am | Report comment
New Zealand will get to play three games and that will be that. They’re pants. Ditto Australia unfortunately. South Africa are a joke team but may get the odd blast of a ref’s whistle just to keep the host country interested for a while.
European top teams plus Brazil and Argentina should largely make up the last 16 – Far East might get one in there – South Korea.
The Usual Suspects to go forward to the proper stages of the tourney. Spain are the current favourites, but no doubt, Brazil, Italy, Germany and possibly England will have something to say about that.
AndyRoo said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:48am | Report comment
You must have been dissapointed in 06 When Croatia went out early Pothale…especially since it was in Europe too,
No african teams in the 16 is a bit call Pothale, also Chile’s group looks fairly open for them.
pothale said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:21am | Report comment
True.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:56am | Report comment
So, Pothale, you don’t think any African team will make it?
pothale said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:21am | Report comment
Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria all have chances.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:00pm | Report comment
I think Ivory Coast or Ghana will surpise everyone
Midfielder said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:58am | Report comment
Borrowed from the Melbourne forum…..
“The team to play Serbia:
——————Galekovic———————
-Spiranovic—-Ljubo——Popovic——-Skoko-
——————-Culina———————–
—Jedinak——-Zadkovich———Bresciano—
———Viduka—————-Vidosic———-
Coach: Branko Culina”
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:02am | Report comment
What is your point?
Midfielder said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:10am | Report comment
HMMMmmmmm
Like the last world cup we play a team where their are many common roots… between Australian and Serbia due to and post WWII and recent mirgration.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:13am | Report comment
But lots of those guys are not Serbian. There’s even an Italian.
So when Australia play Ireland i guess we would come up with an Irish background team?
AndyRoo said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
that would be cahill and 10 guys from the local Irish bar….unless david carney qualifies.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:22am | Report comment
You mean the Cahill who seems to identify himslef more as of Samoan heritage?
AndyRoo said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Mate i was reaching as it was, needed a captain rather than just bloke number 3 from the Irish bar. If we play samoa he would be captain again too.
On a more serious side I think we are really up against it, but it is the world cup so that’s how it should be.
I am sure the press and fans will talk ourselves up to the point eventualy we think it’s a huge upset if anything other than us beating england in the second round occurs
I don’t know much about the Current Serbian team or ghanian one (will take a big interest in the African nations cup now) but judging by the clubs they play for their teams look impressive.
It’s more possible rather than probable for the socceroos it seems but one can dream
dasilva said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:05am | Report comment
Shahsan
Cahill desperately tried to play for Ireland for the 2002 World Cup. He has an irish grandparent
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2002/1820871.stm
FIFA rejected it due to him playing for Samoa as a kid
This led to Cahill appealing to the court of arbitration about the decision which eventually force FIFA to change their rules allowing Cahill to play for another country
luckily he chose Australia however in an alternate universe he could have been an irish legend not an Aussie one.
pothale said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:24am | Report comment
Any bloke calling himself Kay-hill, instead of the proper Kahil wouldn’t have made it anyway.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:54am | Report comment
I’m suspicious of players who desperately tried to play for another country first. Makes their current displays of patriotism all a bit fake.
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:23am | Report comment
Mid,
did you run out of players…?
Why would you put an Aussie Italian (Bres) in an Aussie Balkan XI
dasilva said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:07am | Report comment
Breciano actually has a croatian mother I believe.
KB said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:33am | Report comment
I didn’t know that… So he can only play 45 mins I guess, who is the sub
AGO74 said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
I think the point is that they are all Aussies of Croat descent (Bresc has Croat mother). A bit of pot-stirring that is all……I wouldn’t want to be a Socceroo supporter at Bonnyrigg White Eagles soccer club when we play Serbs!
Pippinu said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
I think the point here is that they are different nationalities – not the same one – if anyone needs a lesson on Balkan history, I’m happy to help out.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
The only real difference between Serbs and Croats — in fact, between any two “ethnic groups” you wish to cite in the world — are religion and their trivial, man-made cultural practices. As humans, there are practically no differences aside from superficial, cosmetic ones.
But it is those little, trivial differences that we fight and kill each other over.
Pippinu said | December 5th 2009 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Yes – well – I wasn’t offering a moral perspective on it.
Shahsan said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
Sorry, that wasn’t really aimed at you, but at many others who confuse nationality with ethicity whenever sports talk goes international.
Midfielder said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:06am | Report comment
Call me mad call me a goose … but I have always tho we would play Germany and always tho we would win… As for Ghana watched them in the Sydney game .. that was the one were we lost their song….
They are a good but beatable side ….. Serbia and the post above indicates their will be a lot of feeling in this game … due to the number of related players …
I feel confident … our side is older .. we have a decent coach … and Aussie will…
Ben of Phnom Penh said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
I’m more or less happy with the draw given the fact we could have just as easily traded places with North Korea.
I’m assuming we are now looking to the Czech Republic or Croatia for the send off match.
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:56am | Report comment
Maybe we should play Russia. Would be a good chance to gets some tips from Hiddink, whose team lost out to Germany from their group.
danny said | December 5th 2009 @ 10:54pm | Report comment
croatia fits the bill. high-ranked, non-qualified side, similar style to some of the sides we’ll come up against, bit of footballing history, large community in melbourne. expect to see croatia v australia at the mcg on may 25th.
AGO74 said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:28am | Report comment
I think this is a tougher group than ‘06. Let’s compare it. First Brazil/Germany, we are capalble of playing very well against both opponents but realistically they will win more often than we win (or draw). Croatia/Serbia – you could throw a blanket over them I think. Realistically I think this is our best chance of getting a result. Japan/Ghana – sorry, but you can’t tell me that Japan is as good or as dangerous as Ghana?? Plus, Ghana is playing in an African World Cup. Hence, it is tough, tougher than 2006, but I think we can do it. We do always seem to rise when we play stronger opponents. It’ll be great watching – pity there is no 9.30 EST Socceroo matches. Better line up that annual leave!!!
sheek said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
The draw….. !
It’s not that good, but it’s not that bad idea. Having 4 more or less equal teams can work to the Socceroos’ advantage. Let’s hope the other 3 teams all spoil each other while leaving us fairly unscathed!
The leading pool team might only gather 6 points (two wins) or 5 points (win & two draws). The second & third teams might gather 4 points each (win, draw, loss), meaning it would come down to goals for & against. Whatever, it will be one of the more interesting pools.
What if all 4 teams finish with a win/draw/loss each (4 points)? Won’t that make for interesting times! Goal difference, & goals scored will then become paramount. As I understand it, for example, a 6/5 goal difference is superior to a 5/4 goal difference.
I also think playing Germany first is best. We probably have our least expectations of a win against them, so a loss won’t psychologically damage us, providing we play well. But it means no second chances in the remaining two games.
A point on the likely Socceroos selection. Even if man for man it might be weaker than 2006, the experienced core of players who played 4 years ago is priceless. Experience of world cup conditions cannot be under-estimated.
Another helpful fact, we’ll be playing in conditions almost identical to Australia, hard surfaces, plenty of sunshine. That must also be to our advantage. Okay, most of our best players are plying their trade in Europe anyway, but they grew up in Aussie conditions.
So all in all, even if the 2010 squad is deemed weaker man for man compared to 2006, other factors have improved our prospects. I can’t emphasize the experience factor enough. Four years ago the players were like kids in a lolly shop. This time they’ll be more circumspect.
Finally, Pim mightn’t have the flair of Guus, but I believe he’s right for Australia. Guus was the right man for 2006, & I believe Pim is the right man for 2010. Go SOCCEROOS!
Pippinu said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
Tony
nicely summarised: defence and set pieces – Australia might have the former (but individually, our players are a class below those of Germany and Serbia), but we might have a lot of trouble guarding against the latter.
Serbia has pretty much the best defender in the world who is more than a hand full at set pieces (just ask Gamba!).
And with the Germans, an Australian catenaccio may not be sufficient agaisnt five or six blokes who can smack the ball with accuracy from 30 metres (and while the Schwatter has been in terrific form the last couple of years, balls in the air remain his weakness).
Ghana? Can be anything on their day – but have the benefit of playing on their own continent.
cab711 said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
Why did we get 2 Euro teams, and of decent quality too FFS! They bloody didnt turn those balls enough!!!!
Shahsan said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Blame the Springbok captain, Jon Smit!
cab711 said | December 5th 2009 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
Theron is hot and so was the speaker…very niiice!
NZ got an easy group, thats not fair. Kick the NIX out of the HAL FFS!
jimbo said | December 5th 2009 @ 1:59pm | Report comment
Based on our last few games against these teams the results would be:
Socceroos 3 Germany 4
Socceroos 1 Ghana 0
Australia 1 Serbia 1
4 points and enough to get to the next round against England.
Then Italy in the QFs
Argentina in the SFs
Spain in the WC final
No worries Pimbo.
Aussie Aussie Aussie
Oi Oi Oi!
Crazy Dave said | December 5th 2009 @ 2:06pm | Report comment
Carn The Aussies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a group we can do well in. We will easily finish 1st or 2nd and progress to the QFs where anything can happen…
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
David said | December 5th 2009 @ 6:17pm | Report comment
Weather ur optimistic or realistic we can be sure of one thing Aussie Spirit is the biggest edge over the other teams.
Weather u know football or not, im confident Australia will go in and give each team a fight to the end and wont give up.
Weather we progress or not im very proud of us in what we have achieved in such a short time.
Good luck Socceroos,
Glory to the Socceroos!
Roger Rational said | December 5th 2009 @ 6:43pm | Report comment
Aussie spirit is the biggest edge? Mate, you ought to do some research on the German spirit.
jimbo said | December 5th 2009 @ 7:38pm | Report comment
I’ve done a bit of research on the Schnapps.
BigAl said | December 5th 2009 @ 6:44pm | Report comment
Amen !
pete said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:21pm | Report comment
I think we’ll go through! The Germans aren’t the side they once were. Ghana and Serbia are both unpredictable but you can see us collecting the points in both those games should everything go to plan. Go the Roos!
Mr cheese said | December 5th 2009 @ 11:32pm | Report comment
The Germans have never been “the side they once were”.
They did OK in ‘06
They did OK in ‘08
They were torn to bits in 1939-1945
vladimir said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:13pm | Report comment
correct.. ghana are the biggest worry… the germans are a shadow of what they used to be… serbia have just as many problems up front : zigic hardly gets a game for valencia…
Pippinu said | December 7th 2009 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
keeper11 said | December 5th 2009 @ 9:53pm | Report comment
if we can grab draw against germany and win against ghana….
i see serbia doing damage on the germans….
( ‘ kosovo war and german support for croat catholic brothers ?? )
lets say serbs will be ..’pumped’…..
then draw might be enough for socceroos against serbia..