By Adrian Musolino
December 6th 2009 @ 1:25am
Related coverage
USA big winner from World Cup draw; not so Australia
USA's Clint Dempsey reacts after scoring the team's third goal as teammate Charlie Davies, left, follows him, during their Confederations Cup Group B soccer match against Egypt at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 21, 2009. Davies scored their first goal. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Whether it’s the group of death or not is irrelevant. What matters is the Socceroos can emerge from the challenging Group D in South Africa against Germany, Ghana and Serbia; possibly setting up the dream clash in the last sixteen that we missed out on in the group stage.
Emerging one group too late for the much-anticipated match-up with England, Australia nonetheless opens its campaign against Germany, an equally formidable and respected World Cup star, and should the Socceroos emerge from Group D as runners-up, and England claim Group C, we will meet in the round of sixteen.
I mentioned in my previous column that we had to view the group stage in a deeper way than just in terms of ease or difficulty; by looking at the potential fixtures in terms of their appeal to the mainstream.
While the mainstream press have, encouragingly, acknowledged Ghana and Serbia as the difficult opponents that we know they are, there will still be a perception amongst non-football fans that the Socceroos should comfortably join Germany in the final sixteen.
This was the worst possible scenario for the Socceroos, in my opinion; two nations without the recognition they deserve that can very easily outperform the Socceroos. As Tony Tannous states, it could be a defensive arm-wrestle, and it remains to be seen whether the fixtures have the potential to equal the excitement and drama of 2006 – a World Cup experience that had all the ingredients of great theatre for Australia.
Sitting in the stands at Hindmarsh Stadium Friday night with dejected Adelaide United fans, the World Cup draw was never far from the conversations, and the local game needs the boost of the Socceroos performing well in South Africa.
We have the superpower clash with Germany opening our campaign, let’s just hope the Socceroos and Group D can provide the sort of spectacle that will showcase the game in a positive light.
At least it should be a competitive struggle.
The dream match-up with England was, in the end, snagged by the USA; setting up what is one of the most interesting matches of the group stage from a geopolitical perspective.
It was in Brazil, 1950 that a group of semi-professional American players defeated the might of England, and the clash between the past and current ‘rulers’ of the English speaking world also pits two of the leading contenders for the 2018-22 World Cups against one another.
For David Beckham, on stage at the draw with the seemingly disinterested Charlize Theron, his cheeky smile seemed to widen when the USA was drawn, knowing that even if he misses out in Fabio Capello’s squad, he could play a key role in helping England bring down the dangerous Americans he knows so well, including LA Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan.
For FIFA, the England versus USA group opener is a blessing – another chance for ‘soccer’ to penetrate further into the American psyche.
With ESPN labelling its World Cup coverage as its biggest commitment of 2010 – showing all 64 games – off the back of its increased involvement in the world game, particularly its EPL coverage, the match-up with England is perfect. Before the draw ESPN promised the ‘biggest marketing campaign ever’ to promote the World Cup to Americans. That will only be ramped up with England, possibly Beckham, in the equation.
A result against England and a successful campaign in South Africa, a la their Confederations Cup run, could cause another spurt of interest in the game in the world’s biggest market, which may have a ripple impact on their hunger and desire for their World Cup bid – not good for Australia considering they are our logical opponents for 2022.
The England match-up is particularly fitting for Martin Tyler, the doyen of football commentators, who was nabbed by ESPN from SBS to lead a more ‘international’ coverage for America; without doubt a sign of America’s willingness to embrace football for what it is rather than trying to mould it into an American construct.
Thankfully for ESPN, the USA should emerge from Group C with England, both avoiding the ‘group of death’.
While some have stated Australia is in the group of death, that label must surely go the Group G – Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal. For those who are bemoaning Australia’s opponents, spare a thought for the North Koreans – our fellow Asian and pot two inhabitant – facing Kaka, Ronaldo and Drogba, in that order.
That could have been Australia.
Argentina, Spain and Italy should breeze through their groups, and the All Whites will be relieved they avoided the unseeded giants, landing Paraguay and Slovakia, while they have some form against Italy, pushing them in a 4-3 loss in the lead-up to the Confederations Cup.
And how ironic that France, the most undeserving side in the tournament, should find itself in the dream group with South Africa.
Raymond Domenech’s luck continues to ride.
There is intrigue throughout the eight groups. At present, here are my predictions for the nations to progress:
Group A: France and Mexico
Group B: Argentina and Nigeria
Group C: England and USA
Group D: Germany and Australia
Group E: Netherlands and Cameroon
Group F: Italy and Slovakia
Group G: Brazil and Ivory Coast
Group H: Spain and Switzerland
Groups for the 2010 World Cup:
Group A:
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
FranceGroup B:
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
GreeceGroup C:
England
United States
Algeria
SloveniaGroup D:
Germany
Australia
Serbia
GhanaGroup E:
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
CameroonGroup F:
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
SlovakiaGroup G:
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
PortugalGroup H:
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
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tifosi said | December 6th 2009 @ 6:07am | Report comment
Adrian, couldnt agree more about the USA.
FIFA and ESPN struck gold.
This article is interesting to read also. Dan Wetzel wasnt exactly the most soccer friendly reporter previously.
http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/are-americans-changing-their-world-cup-tune–fbintl,dw-worldcup120409.html
Tom said | December 6th 2009 @ 6:09am | Report comment
There will be at least one seeded team not to progress. Australia’s chances are 50/50 we are not rated in the group which can help slightly.
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 7:59am | Report comment
Re our opening game with Germany – history shows that Germany’s first games in previous world cups are a mixed bag.
As reigning champ in 1978, they played the opening game agaisnt Poland, in what must go down as one of the most boring nil-all draws ever to have been played in World Cup history, with neither team managing a single shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes.
In 1982, West Germany famously went down to Algeria 2-1 in one of the great all time WC boilovers, but still managed to make it to the final.
In 1986, West Germany came from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 with Uruguay, also making it to the final.
In 1990, West Germany thumped Yugoslavia 4-1, on the way to winning the title.
In 1994, Germany snuck a 1-0 win against Bolivia.
In 1998, Germany defeated the US 2-0.
In 2002, we all can recall Germany thumping the Saudis 8-0, on the way to another final appearance.
They opened as hosts last WC, and played an entertaining 4-2 win against the Ticos.
Ominously, Germany has won their last five opening games.
Ando said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:51pm | Report comment
Interesting facts, but I always find it intruiging at how people can look at facts from decades past and make assertions about a current teams qualities.
Whilst I don’t know if this is true or not, surely only players from the 2006 WC are in the current German squad, so why even bother looking at results pre-2006?
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 5:05pm | Report comment
It’s amazing how often history repeats when it comes to the World Cup – patterns emerge – like the one that says Germany hasn’t missed out on getting out of the group stage since 1938.
I don’t know about you – but I’d put a large bet on Germany making it out of the group stage again this time around.
Alex said | December 6th 2009 @ 8:24am | Report comment
Ill eat my foot if we don’t make it through. We only had to win one game and draw another last time.
Marshall said | December 6th 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
It’ll be tough. Get a point against Germany and a result v Ghana is ideal.
Mr cheese said | December 6th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment
Your foot ?
In French, the word for foot is ‘pied’ which is a bit like ‘pie’.
On another note, I am interested to see such optimism.
What is the feeling like down there? If I were Australian, I would be a tad concerned. As I understand it, Aussie soccer needs a bit of a boost from the World Cup. An early exit will throw a spanner in the works.
Marshall said | December 6th 2009 @ 8:38am | Report comment
No Martin Tyler for Sbs? Huge loss. Hes wasted on America.
Mr cheese said | December 6th 2009 @ 10:07am | Report comment
I have never been, so I don’t claim to know much about SBS.
However, I thought that the whole thing was going to be on pay TV. Isn’t SBS public TV ???
I do like Mike Tomalaris. He does the Tour de France on SBS. I’ve seen some of his stuff on the internet. With Liggett and Sherwen.
A nice gig, that: spending three weeks in France with the belles femmes and the glorious scenery.
La vie est belle !!!!
Marshall said | December 6th 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
SBS is free to air. The qualifiers were on pay tv
Mr cheese said | December 6th 2009 @ 11:22am | Report comment
But will the real games be on free to air ?
they will over here.
Twas quite funny to see all those Australians watching ‘06 matches in the middle of the night.
We did the same in ‘02. When Brazil beat England in that World Cup, I was sitting in a Liverpool pub at around 7am. The bacon was nice but the result was poor.
Marshall said | December 6th 2009 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
All games will be on Sbs – free to air.
Mr cheese said | December 6th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
OK,
so where does Tomalaris go ?
The Tour de France and the World Cup overlap by one week, I think.
Can Mike Tomalaris cover both events at the same time ?
Best wishes,
Monsieur Fromage
Marshall said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:26pm | Report comment
Tomo doesn’t do World Cups for SBS. He’s the cycling man
Brian said | December 6th 2009 @ 11:49am | Report comment
Lets hope the USA don’t go to far. A good run could generate interest and boost their 2022 WC bid. Group C is easy but England play as expected than Algeria & Slovenia will plan on beating the US, so I’d say the US are only a 50%-60% chance to get out of the group.
Bruce Walkley said | December 6th 2009 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
Five points will get Australia through – a draw with Germany, and a win and a draw in the other two games. It could have been much worse – Brazil/Portugal, Italy/Paraguay or Netherlands/Denmark. England will miss out because they’ll think they only have to turn up to get through. Slovenia and Algeria are the likely qualifiers from that group, particularly if they have a draw first-up.
Mr cheese said | December 6th 2009 @ 1:03pm | Report comment
Wrong, Bruce.
England will miss out ?
They will have injured players as usual. That’s a problem but not what you say.
I know that Australians constantly tell us that we are the dregs of humanity. Couldn’t you give it a rest for 24 hours ??????
Cheers,
Parisien said | December 7th 2009 @ 4:06am | Report comment
mr cheese, just out of curiosity, are you a roquefort or stilton man?
or perhaps cheddar but with bleu d’auvergne aspirations…
Bay35Pablo said | December 6th 2009 @ 2:59pm | Report comment
I’d much rather knock out England in the Round of 16 than beat them in the group games!!! England might even be underprepared if the games are too easy.
Having said that, USA are no slouches, and if they play well might give England a run for their money. everyone knows the Poms have a habit of bigging themselves up and falling flat.
England should top the group, but it would be interesting if USA and England get a draw. Who tops the group might come down to goal difference!!
And imagine if Germany tops the group with us 2nd, but USA pips England. Germany then smacks England, we topple USA, and happy days!!!
Even more delicious would be if we were to stage a miracle and top the group, with Germany 2nd. Assuming England topped their group, they’d be pretty conerned at facing Germany in the Round of 16!!!
We can get 2nd, but we will have to play well. Keep in mind we looked dead against Japan for most of the game, did OK against Brazil, and played pretty well against Croatia. We have it in us, and while the group is tough so was out group in 2006!!!
I can’t believe some peanuts saying the game against Japan in 2006 was the easy, make weight game!! Blase with hind sight ….
Roger Rational said | December 6th 2009 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
“Everyone knows the Poms have a habit of bigging themselves up and falling flat”.
Not really. England’s record in major tournaments is very consistent. They generally reach the QFs and then get knocked out by a technically superior team.
Colin N said | December 6th 2009 @ 11:59pm | Report comment
“They generally reach the QFs and then get knocked out by a technically superior team.”
I thought England were the better side in the 06 Quarter-Final against Portugal. Even though it was generally a pretty dour game, they still played with more ambition than their opponents.
Crazy Dave said | December 6th 2009 @ 3:52pm | Report comment
We can finish first in our group…
Australia v Germany – draw.
Serbia v Ghana – Serbia win
Australia v Ghana – Australia win
Serbia v Germany – should be a win to Germany, or a draw, but Serbia will be up for this match due to German support of Croatia in recent wars over there. Australia needs Serbia to win or draw this match.
Australia v Serbia – Currently similarly ranked, this could be a draw, but Australia will need to win it.
Germany v Ghana – Germany win.
I don’t see Ghana having a chance to progress, considering their lower ranking… (Beating three teams ranked higher would be an achievement), but some experts are predicting Ghana as a chance to progress…
Germany should make it, but if they lose or draw both games to Australia and Serbia….
David said | December 6th 2009 @ 3:43pm | Report comment
Terry’ Venables in 1997 gave a 16 year old Harry Kewell his 1st game for the socceroos i Believe we should give Kofi Danning or Tommy Oar a ticket.
Even if we make it past the group stage by some Mirical we wont win the world cup we need to start producing a new squad our current team is getting old we need new heros or the socceroos wont last post 2010.
Mattay said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:12pm | Report comment
It’s a fantastic group. Each opponent is beatable. Germany aren’t the superpower they once were, and their squad is littered with decent players in mainly the German league with only a few superstars (Ballack yes, Lahm yes, Klose – at a stretch).
Yes, they were undefeated in qualifying, but it was an easy group. (and the English have the nerve to say we Aussies had it easy!)
Serbia may be trouble and I would tip them as our biggest threat.
Ghana – well, like most African teams, who knows what you’re going to get.
It’s certainly an unpredictable group and each of the 4 teams can go in confident. Points against Germany first up are a must, if only because I can definitely see Serbia and Ghana taking points off them!
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:26pm | Report comment
Pretty much the whole of the German squad plays in the Bundesliga.
I’d be happy if the whole Australian squad played in the Bundesliga!!
This will be Germany’s 17th World Cup – have a guess when they last failed to get past the first round??
Folks – if there is one thing I can tell you about the Germans – they always get past the first round, and pretty much past the second round as well.
In fact, more often than not, they finish top four.
AndyRoo said | December 6th 2009 @ 5:46pm | Report comment
Me too Pip!
Most of them play in their local league…. that’s only a crituque when your local league is poor not when it’ one of the best in the world.
Mattay said | December 7th 2009 @ 7:50am | Report comment
I never said Germany were no good, but I don’t put them up there with Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Italy, or even England, Holland or France. There’s nothing to fear about ze Germans (in my opinion).
And I keep trying to predict how this group will end up, but each of the 4 teams has a good reason why it will, and an equally good reason why it won’t progress to the 2nd round.
dasilva said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:28pm | Report comment
The thing about Germany is that, it doesn’t matter if the German side is average or not.
They will always be there about challenging the trophy
Germany struggled to qualify to the 2002 world cup. Everyone said it was an average side. Yet they reach the finals
The Germany in 2006 was average. They reach the semi-finals
The Germany for the euros 2008 was considered a mediocre german teams. They reach the finals
Germany doesn’t look like an exceptional team compared to other seeds but Germany are still germany and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are playing in next years world cup final.
Colin N said | December 7th 2009 @ 12:05am | Report comment
“(and the English have the nerve to say we Aussies had it easy!)”
Because you did. In terms of England’s qualifying, Ukraine and Crotia are better sides than any of the Asia sides. The same goes for Russia in Germany’s group.
AGO74 said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:36pm | Report comment
“there will still be a perception amongst non-football fans that the Socceroos should comfortably join Germany in the final sixteen”. I don’t agree with you Adrian. Even the very casual or for the non-football fans in Australia are (generally) savvy enough to know that whilst we may go through to the 2nd round, it certainly won’t be comfortable. That is one of the benefits of Australia being such a sport mad nation that even in those other mainstream sports we don’t follow, we still have enough knowledge in our history and (limited) past peformances to know just how tough the World Cup is.
Roger Rational said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:56pm | Report comment
Things people have been saying pre-cup since 1970:
1. The Germans won’t flukebox their way to the latter stages this time.
2. I really think England can do it.
3. The Netherlands are dark horses.
4. Watch out for the Africans. They’ll win a world cup soon, believe me.
5. Italy needs to understand that defensive football has had its day.
6. Asian team x/y/z will give a good account of themselves.
7. There are no easy games in international football nowadays
8. European big gun x/y/z that stumbled through qualifying has got no chance.
9. European minnow x/y/z who rampaged through qualifying will be incredibly dangerous.
10. Football will become massive in the USA if the Eagles perform well.
Things that actually happen:
1. Germany fluxebox their way to the latter stages.
2. England lose on penalties in the quarter-finals
3. The Netherlands dark horse falls at the first hurdle and has to be put down
4. The Africans sizzle briefly and disappear, like a cheap firework
5. Italy joins Germany in the latter stages
6. Asian team x/y/z gets hammered
7. See 6
8. See 1,5
9. European minnow x/y/z joins the Africans on the first plane home.
10. Football doesn’t become massive in the USA.
tifosi said | December 6th 2009 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
Classic Stuff Roger.
Its funny because its true !!!
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 5:09pm | Report comment
That’ s hilarious – I can’t fault any of those points – it’s so bloody true!!
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 5:12pm | Report comment
We need to save this post – and pull out again on the eve of the WC finals when the BS really does start flying left, right and centre.
AndyRoo said | December 6th 2009 @ 5:49pm | Report comment
which World Cup 2010, 2014 or 2018. It will probably still work
dasilva said | December 6th 2009 @ 7:07pm | Report comment
You can also add that Spain will eventually play to their potential and remove their underachiever status and will challenge for the world cup
Reality: After breezing through the group stage they choke in the round of 16 or quarter finals
Although saying that, this Spanish team looks really good, maybe this time they won’t underachieve and challenge for this world cup ……
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 8:22pm | Report comment
das
the fact that Spain looks so good means the cliche will be proven yet again!!
dasilva said | December 6th 2009 @ 7:12pm | Report comment
However I don’t believe the Asian sides will get hammered this world cup. All 4 Asian sides have pedigree in previous world cups.
There’s no Saudi Arabia for the job to get hammered and I think Australia, South Korea and Japan won’t disgrace themselves (they may not reach the round of 16 but they won’t get hammered either). I also believe that the ultra defensive North Korea who may end up losing all 3 matches won’t get a flogging due to their style of play. Saudi Arabia are more attacking and have more flair and they ended up getting flog due to their naivete. I don’t see North korea falling in that trap. They will park the bus and settle for 1 or 2-0 loss.
AGO74 said | December 6th 2009 @ 9:38pm | Report comment
Their won’t be any 8-0 debacles a la Germany/Saudi Arabia but I can’t see either of the Korea’s or Japan getting out and we are no certainties. Would it sound like a bit of a whinger to say that the 4 Asian teams got the 4 toughest groups? For mine it’s a real pity for Asia that us, Japan or Sth Korea didn’t get the NZ, Uruguay, Chile or Honduras groups.
Midfielder said | December 6th 2009 @ 7:55pm | Report comment
According to Fozzie today if we finish second in our group and England first in theirs … guess who we play next …
Pippinu said | December 6th 2009 @ 8:22pm | Report comment
Mid
where have youb been – it has already been said on the Roar stacks of times over the last 36 hours!!
Midfielder said | December 6th 2009 @ 8:35pm | Report comment
Mate I have been so busy the last few months my online time is limited I must confess to not reading everything…
As I type thgis I am taking a small break in some work due tomorrow by 10:00 … and I started about 20:00 tonight … but I am listening to one of my play list … this one has 560 songs right now I am listening to .. Amazing Grace andfollowed by Both Sides Now by Judy Collions quickly looking down the list about 10 Kinks songs , followed by Louie Armstrong , Manfred Man, Dido, Pink, Melaine and so on at song 237..
Hope you are feeling better BTW …
Joe FC said | December 6th 2009 @ 9:40pm | Report comment
As you say Pippinu Germany have won their last five opening group games and always make it to the knockout stage. Maybe we can rely on the law of averages this time around.
A bit harsh on Theron Adrian calling her disinterested, I thought she did a good job. Beckham’s haircut looked ridiculous.
GaryGnu said | December 6th 2009 @ 9:59pm | Report comment
Wasn’t it the overpaid (sexed?) Swede himself, Sven Gorran Erikkson, prior to the last World Cup Draw that said he did not want to draw any of the English Speaking nations in England’s group?
If I recall correctly he cited the feeling surrounding the friendly between Australia and England at Upton Park in 2003. Apparently he didn’t realise the passion with which former colonies pursue an English team in a sporting contest.
If anyone has a quote to the link would be very appreciative.
Lucky Yanks. Hopefully the Socceroos get the chance in the second round.
Roger Rational said | December 6th 2009 @ 11:38pm | Report comment
Yes, Eriksson and the English were ambushed that night. Eriksson introduced the Continental idea that friendlies were not to be taken too seriously (in the past the English had always played them pretty hard) but this casual attitude cost them against the Aussies. Make no mistake: England won’t fancy the Aussies in the 2nd Round. Not just cause of the rivalry either – but because the Aussies have lots of players with Prem experience and, traditionally, teams like that (e.g. the Scandis) have very good records against England. The likes of Cahill will know the English well enough not to fear them, and will probably also resent the way that the English players are hyped and paid so much more than them. It makes for powerful motivation.
That said, you can’t compare the USA to Australia. England-USA is just another match. I don’t think the Eagles are desperate to take the English down a peg or two like the Aussies would be (albeit Landon Donovan has expressed his irritation at the way the English media looks down on American football).
Photon said | December 7th 2009 @ 12:53am | Report comment
There are a lot of people here, who are in for a big shock, Ghana progressed to round two of the last world cup and their under 20 side just won the world cup, the african sides’will do well and have mega support at their games, Ivory Coast will probably knock Portugal out and Ghana and Nigeria should progress too. South Africa are outsiders, but will be better with Parreira, who will know how to go about beating Mexico and Uruguay. South Africa only lost one nil to Brazil in the 85 min of their confed semi and were competitive against the Spaniards. Anyway can’t wait till next year, I think Spain could win it this time, they looked the business during Confed and have been the most consistent side scince the last world cup. Brazil look good, the Germans and italians will be there and there about, my dark horses are Nigeria and Ghana, possibly the Ivorians. P.s. Personally I hope Germany wins their group and the Poms come second in theirs caus then it’s Germany England in round 2 in Bloem, which is where I live, and with my new employers being world cup sponsors can you say Complimentary tickets baby, but I’m getting ahead of myself
AndyRoo said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:10am | Report comment
I don’t think Australian’s consider it easy. The Socceroos have even less star power than 06 now that we have lost Viduka.
It’s just not in the Australian nature to cry about the draw and accept we have no chance….. not like that poor South Korean bloke they showed on TWG when I thought they got a pretty fair group.
Perhaps it looks like a lack of respect from afar though. But it was only a month or so ago we were fretting about losing to Oman. We will save the tears and “woe is us” until the fat lady has sung.
As to Ghana I think we are hoping too catch them on an off day. If your dispationate about Australia’s strengths it’s our defensive organisation, physicality and aerial ability. The physicality wont’ worry Ghana but we are hoping the other two do….. but it’s way too early to be talking about Ghana because their is the African Nations cup soon. If they win that it would be a huge statement, but conversley they could play badly and sack their coach and open the window for us.
Marshall said | December 7th 2009 @ 9:43am | Report comment
If Martin Tyler with Espn any word on who we will be commentating for us on Sbs?
Marshall said | December 7th 2009 @ 5:32pm | Report comment
I did some digging – no word from SBS on commentators although I’m guessing it’ll be the locals they use. Will miss Simon Hill. He was great at the last WC