GHANA AS GOOD AS CAMEROON!!

Congratulations Ghana! Fantastic performance, two fantastic goals to overcome a half-half penalty decison.

Match Preview: USA versus GHANA

 VERSUS

Stage: 1/16th Final
Winner Plays Versus: Uruguay or South Korea
Time: 2030h GMT +1
Venue: Royal Bakofeng Stadium - Rustenberg
Referee: Victor Kasai (Hungary) – One of the best referees so far, Kasai is sharp on the fouls, alert to the dives and a good communicator of reasonable boundaries for players. The matches have been flowing and entertaining under his guidance.
Date of Birth: 10.09.1975
Height: 189 cm
Occupation: Sales manager
Mother tongue: Hungarian
Other languages: English
International since: 2003
First international: Slovakia-Luxembourg (18.08.2004)
Hobbies: Sports, cinema
Fondest memory: FIFA Olympic Football Tournament, Beijing 2008

Overview: A very tough, open encounter between a resilient US that fights to the last second, and an explosive, highly skilled Ghana with trouble putting the ball in the net and lapses of concentration. Africa’s last hope in Africa’s World Cup is getting the unbridled support of the entire continent, as the Black Stars seek to better Cameroon’s 1990 record of getting to the quarterfinals. The US is hungry to get on the World Football map, and to change the name to soccer once and forever... don’t discount them until the final seconds of the final whistle has blown... Algeria did.

Suggested Menu With Your Game:
Appetizer:  Palm Nut Soup to symbolize the thich broth that the Ghanaians will create to US attacks sluggish.

Main Course:  Appalachian Squirrel needs determination to eat, and determination is exactly what the US needs. It should be accompanied by French Fries drowned in Heinz Ketchup a world renowned brand that US national team is aspiring to be.

Drink: Coca-Cola off course... unless you prefer Pepsi

Beer: Ghanaian Star Beer varies extremely in quality from bottle to bottle... just like the Ghananian team from minute to minute.

Desert: Overly Sweet American Apple Pie... with whipped cream just for Landon Donovan.

Squad Analysis:


USA:
Unofficial Theme Song to Accompany Style of Play: I did it myyyy waayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy by Frank Sinatra as the ambiguity and reference to the final curtain, and that its a song about stubbornness.



Tactics: The US has a 4-4-2 diamond formation, but varies the attack pattern from game to game. The three strongest points are consistent, Tim Howard in goal, Landon Donovan with free roaming playmaking tasks from midfield, and Michael Bradley the coaches’ son organizing the midfield’s rythym. The speed and strength of Jozy Altidore give the US hope.

Strengths: Determination like few other teams. The US team is fit and strong, and can outrun the Ghanaians. Landon Donovan is playing his 126th game for the US and looking for his 45th goal... he is really at the prime of his career having acquired experience for previous quickness. The strength and physique of Jozy Altidore is a big part of the US game plan in the holes he opens up in defences with his power.

Weakness:  Quality is lacking in some parts of the formation, and the US team could be overconfident from finishing top of the group. They also tend to play victim in front of the referee while dishing out heavy fouls themselves too often and this can cost them sometimes. Having one playmaker only can be a weakness if the other team manages to lock him down. The US forward line is overrated, with most goals coming from midfielders Dempsey and Donovan.

Key to beating Ghana: Patience, drive towards the Ghanaian goal, shooting from everywhere and following the rebound up... the US often plays like that and that’s how they can win. Most importantly, the travelling US fans which make up the largest foreign contigent, and resisting the vuvuzela wielding African fans which will all throw their support to Ghana.

Key Squad Members:

Goalkeeper Tim Howard is well known for his tourette syndrome and uncontrollable swearing, but even more for his excellent form for Everton and the US national team this tournament... with the Ghanaians lacking decisiveness in front of goal, his form could prove too much for them.

Michael Bradley organizes the US midfield, and arrives late in the penalty area to score vital goals. His Bundesliga experience with Borussia Moenchengladbach has taught him to be a consistent, organized player.

The goal poaching of Clint Dempsey, who has the ability to make well masked runs into the opponents area and score is the reason why he was a linesman’s flag from two goals this tournament already... and scores bags of them in the Premiership with Fulham. For all the complaining about the disallowed goals, he is also lucky for not having been sent off at least twice, as he is known for rather brutal fouls from time to time. His position on the field is unusual, and he can play in midfield, as a forward or winger. He is most effective playing further back though.. and having more space to make his attacking runs.

Landon Donovan is a clever, dangerous schemer who scored the last gasp goal against Algeria which allowed US to finnish top of the group. He is the US’s World Class player, one who can make a goal out of nothing, and he is a grenuine threat at any point in the game. When not making dangerous through passes to Altidore, he can dribble and score himself.

Jozy Altidore is highly touted by the US media, but for all his speed, work rate and strength, he often lacks a good touch and some technique, making him easy to neutralize for an experienced defence like Ghana’s... if he succeeds today it will be due bursts of athleticism and a bit of luck.

GHANA
Unnoficial theme song to accompany style of play: With Africa’s hopes pinned on Ghana’s young shoulders its needs to be a real good song, the best song: One Love from Master Bob Marley to inpire them to work together and resist the US onslaught!



Tactics: Ghana have played with two attackers in a classic 4-4-2, with a lot of freedom for their wingers. Nothing should change against the US... although 4-5-1 is an option.

Strengths: Phenomenal talent, this is a really talented young team, where 23 year olds are veterans. Their dribbling, creativity and unpredictability is a real strength. Additionally, the defence starts at the midfield with Annan and includes two excellent central defenders Vorsah and Mensah who dominate the opposition with security and consistency.

Weaknesses: Inconsistency, the trait that has plagued African teams in major competitions since the dawn of football. The youth of this team only makes them more susceptible to lose psychological battles with determined opponents like the US... the support of the public will therefore be key. Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan is the most famous player, but probably the weakest performer for this Ghana team... additionally he blames the coach this is a psychological sore which could undermine team morale.

Key to beating US: Finally finding efficiency in front of goal, playing a notch more consistently than past 3 games, stopping the US attacks just like against Serbia, and letting the fans carry them to winning the psychological battle and ultimately victory for African football.

Key Squad Members:


Richard Kingson’s abilities have always been controversial, he rose to stardom in the Turkish league, but ended up as a substitute at Birmingham and Wigan... he is however a fantastic important game keeper, capable of pulling off great saves for Ghana which he has done in 81 games for his country already. He really organizes the defence and his experience is important in a young Ghana team. If he manages brilliant saves or messy flops expect everything from this enigmatic player.

John Mensah is a steady fixture in the Ghana defence and is known to be one of the best African defenders having starred for Rennes and then moving on to Sunderland. Isaac Vorsah is an outstanding defender from Bundesliga dark horse Hoffenheim, but has due to injury been replaced by 19 year old Jonathan Mensah of modest Spanish team Granada, who is rocketing to stardom. Whatever the lineup, the Ghanaian central defence has performed very very well.

33 Hans Sarpei has had a distinguished career in the German Bundesliga, and is excellent at comptletly stopping opposing wingers from succeeding in their attacks, currently with Bayer Leverkusen, he managed to tame and dominate the excellent Arjen Robben twice last season. He is having a bit of injury trouble though.
23 year old Anthony Annan is a real star in the Norwegian league, and has been very convincgly filling the shoes of Ghana’s absent star Michael Essien in defensive midfield, with boundless energy, sharp passing and fantastic defensive coverage. He is proving one of the revelations of the tournament.

22 year old Udinese Star Kwadwo Asamoah has to learn consistency, but otherwise is missing nothing in terms of power, technique and talent. He is a threat for any opponent as an attacking midfielder but could learn concentration and consistency from Landon Donovan.

23 year old Kevin Prince Boateng adds the necessary muscle to the Ghana midfield, and is an attacking midfielder with a free role who is better at shooting and winning one on one battles for the ball than many of his colleagues. He used to play for the German under 21 team, and his brother Jerome is in the German World Cup side as a right wingback... Kevin’s career is exploding as he was one of the few high points in Portsmouth’s relegation-condemned season, and has been an important player for Ghana in South Africa.
Expected Result: 2-2 and penalties.

A Slight Surprise: Either team wins convincingly in regular time, as this will be a tight battle.
A real shocker: A 0-0 draw would really be an achievement… as both teams play with substantial energy.
Obi Wan Asterix Says: Ghana must, and will win this to advance to the Quarter Finals and tie Africa’s record. 2-1.

Group D: Epitaphs and Evolutions

Overview:  Although not apparent off hand, Group D was something of a Group of Death in this tournament. Germany are known to be a phenomenal goal machine, but Serbia were the best European team in qualification, Ghana were winners of the World Youth Cup and Finalists in the African Nations Cup last January, while Australia were fielding one of their most talented teams ever. Under the pressure, and intense competition both Australia and Serbia folded, while both the Germans and Ghanaians acquired the strength to burst out of this group and achieve further results in the play off round.

FINAL TABLE:

TEAM	WON	DRAWN	LOST	GOAL DIFFERENCE (FOR, AGAINST)	POINTS
	2	0	1	+4 (5,1)	6
	1	1	1	+0 (2,2)	4
	1	1	1	-3 (3,6)	4
	1	0	2	-1 (2,3)	3

Attacking Germany Wins Groups, Games and Neutral Fans

Tribute:  

For decades the old phrase run true,

“Many teams play beautiful, The Germans just win,”

But now a fresh and young crew,

Has abandoned their forefather’s sin,

Well crafted tactics, and integrate play,

Means that these youths will have a last say.

Analysis:  It’s often dry and logical to describe the German team, and its hard to avoid seriousness when talking about such a professional victory-machine as the central European football superpower. The new Germany is however also bringing new, entertaining spice to their game which symbolizes an important departure from their traditional approach.

The young, young team of Germans are bringing a new, attractive style of play to this World Cup. For decades the German team has symbolized a style of football which saw them be completely dominated by more skilled opposition, yet come up with wins.

An example was the World Cup in Germany in 2006, where German striker Miroslav Klose injured the Argentine goalkeeper Abondanzierri after the South Americans had used their three substitutes, and won on penalties. The tough tackling, sometimes dirty players have always symbolized the German play, like Berti Vogts, Lothar Matthaus, Franz Beckenbauer, Dieter Eilts and Matthias Sammer. Offensivelly they have often had forwards without outstanding technical ability, but with the ability to force the ball physically over a goal line like Carsten Jancker, Oliver Bierhoff, Rummenige or Gerd Muller. Germany has a great pedigree of success in football, that was achieved at least partly by physical and tactical preparation which often included well timed fouls rather than better players than the opposition.

Now, a revolution is taking place, as the young attacking super-talents compete with each other for starting spots in a very impressive balance formation, which has abandoned the defensive stance of the former generations and now seeks to actually attack with a degree of style. The generation born between 87-89 of Ozil, Kroos, Marin, Khedira, Boateng is meshing well with the slightly more conservative, but still young generation of 84 and 85 which includes Kiessling, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Jansen, Trochowski and Neuer. In this way Germany have laid a foundation which will allow them to constantly improve and continue being a major force in the game for years to come.

In comparison with England, Italy, or France it is evident that the German revolution in their squad is working, and the performances their team puts in are not only more entertaining but also more effective than their traditional European opponents. The only team that has truly adapted as much as Germany has been Brazil... improving their defensive play and sacrificing a little bit of offensive power.

Strengths: While still founded on an incredibly strong, highly stable defence, the new Germany has many attacking options down the wings as well as through the center. Joachim Low’s side uses a playmaker, a role for which he has three excellent players competing and employs very innovative role reversals not dissimilar to the classically entertaining Dutch style. The current Germany demonstrated its full power in the 4-0 dismantling of Australia, a team who does not normally suffer fro poor defending. Their weakness, if any, is really the absence of the traditional German strong defensive midfielder, a position that Bastian Schweinsteiger fills in a satisfactory fashion, but the absence of Simon Rolfes and perhaps Michael Ballack. I personally think not much is lost with Ballack’s absence.

Prognosis:  Germany faces the tough Challenge of England, and if they progress will face the tough competition from the winners of Argentina-Mexico. There is no question that based on their performances so far, Germany can see off both of those challenges... Germany can off course go all the way.. but this time deservedly

The Last Hope For Africa Advances By a Hair

Tribute:

Countless chances, explosions of Brilliance,

The Ghanaian team surges and flows,

A little more goal and more penalty box resilience,

And Africa’s last chance with confidence grows,

The young Black Stars are well prepared,

To frustrate anyone with fair fight and flair.

Analysis: Ghana have been a very creative and very interesting team in this tournament, and without a doubt the best African team in the World Cup. Only lack of finishing meant that they drew with a ten man Australia that they utterly dominated, and didn’t seize a first half opportunity to have a chance at upsetting Germany. More decisiveness and efficiency in front of Goal, and a consistency in their so far impressive performances could mean this Ghana team has the ability to advance farther than any African team previously. The absence of Chelsea superstar Michael Essien has hurt but this very young team with an average age of 22 is coping fine if they manage to learn from their mistakes as the tournament progresses.

Strengths: Creativity and bags of it. Andre Ayew, the son of the legendary Abedi Pele is unpredictable and skilled as a playmaker while Udinese talent Kwadwo Asamoah has moments of explosiveness where he ties opposition defences into pretzels. Anthony Annan of Rosenborg Trondheim is filling in very well for Michael Essien’s absence and team captain Stephen Appiah’s lack of match fitness protecting a fantastically talented defence of Vorsah and Mensah from excessive pressure. Ghana is a strong team in all departments except goal scoring.

What really puts Ghana apart from other African sides, is the ability to really stop the offensive moves of strong teams like Germany or Serbia with exceptional team defending. Milovan Rajevac looks like something of a lost man in front of his Black Stars bench, but this Serbian coach has really brought a fantastic defensive ability out of the talented Ghanaians.

Prognosis:  The US is in for a hell of a match, when the whole continent will be supporting the Ghanaians ardently, and the young players could be sincerely buoyed by the fans. The speed and skills of the Ghanaians, should allow them to pass the Americans, although American grit could be fatal if the Black Stars are unprepared psychologically for this game. The next game is no harder, with Uruguay and South Korea the possible opponents. Simply put, Ghana has every chance of Cameroon and Senegal’s record of reaching the quarter finals and set a new bar for Africa. If not these 22 years old will certainly be back in force.$

Aussies Hit Form Too Late

Epitaph: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!! Oyoyoyoy...

Analysis: Australia had all the potential to do well in this group, and they didn’t show it until the last 45 minutes of their participation with a superb upset of favourites Serbia. A great generation of Australian talent leaves the stage without having shown what they were really capable... except in their superb performance in the final forty five minutes against Serbia....

Winning with Serbia is very important for Australians, as immigrants from the Western Balkans make up a sizeable part of the population.. and the mixed Serbian, Macedonian and Bosnian heritage means that many players had to choose whether to play for Australia or their home country.

The grave mistake was made by Dutch coach Pim Verbeek, as he deployed a timid, highly defensive team against Germany, which tried to sit back and counter-attack. The plan completely backfired, and the Aussies finished with 10 men losing with an embarrassing 4-0 margin. Against Ghana they were stronger, managing to force a draw against the superior Ghanaian team. But against Serbia, even though they had problems in the first half, superb goals from Cahill and Holmen allowed them a famous win, and gave their fans something to remember from this tournament. The difference was that Verbeek finally used the attacking players that Australia had, such as Bresciano and Holmen and Australia could threaten their opponents adequately.

This Australian generation is close to retirement, and it will be difficult for the Socceroos to find qualification form losing key players like Neill, Bresciano, Kewell, Chipperfield, Schwarzer, Emerton and Cahill to retirement as they are all over 30 and are not likely to be back in 4 years. The new generation just so obviously doesn’t compare.... with Brett Holmen being the only really outstanding player.

Serbia gets a kick in the Inat

Epitaph:  Serbian gets a Jambulani (controversial World Cup ball) in the Inat (translation: tenacity-determination regardless of the consequences) as 2 meter Zigic looks a timid mouse

Analysis: There was something definitely wrong with the Serbian attacking ability, as their touches and shooting precision in attack was considerably worse than at any time in the past twenty four months. Wastefulness in front of goal, especially from the normally dangerous giant Zigic plagued what could have been a surprisingly good performance. The Serbs were relativelly steady in defence though, with the Vidic-Ivanovic back line holding Germany to a standstill, but goals cam very, very hard with many inacurate passes and poor finishing meaning this strong side leaves the tournament as last place in their group.

Where the  experienced, and succesfull manager Radomir Antic is to blame, is that the team seemed out of sorts psychologically, managing a sending off (Lukovic) and a hand ball penalty from Kuzmanovic to even further diminish their chances already slimmed due to the poor finishing.

A lot of inacurate passes meant that the normally very dangerous Milos Krasic of CSKA Moscow failed to shine, except for the goal he created against Germany.... he also missed two important shots in one on one situations with goalkeepers... inexcusable for a top player.

11 Performances to Remember

Manuel Neuer – Replacing the legendary Oliver Khan, the injured Rene Adler and the tragic suicide death of veteran Eobert Enke was no easy task for 24 year old Manuel Neuer. He has managed excellently so far, pulling off some impressive, cool-headed saves when things got hot against Ghana and Serbia.

Philipp Lahm – A young captain for an even younger team, Bayern Munich’s vastly underrated wingback is normally a left sided player, but is playing on the right for Germany, and is every present on the pitch in defence and offence. Defensively he has at least 4 times saved near-goal situations in defence, most notably inside the box against Ghana. He is getting from good to better at this World Cup progresses, and that is exactly what a successful World Cup captain should do.

Branislav Ivanovic – Stood out in a mediocre Serbia for his involvement and solid defensive input, whole sometimes looking dangerous going forward. Serbia has a great defender in Ivanovic, and the 26 year old Chelsea man will have another chance or two.

Isaac Vorsah – This mature 21 year old is a big reason why Bundesliga minnows Hoffenheim have performed so well. Now his defensive input along Mensh has only been harmed by card trouble, otherwise he looks the perfect defender in terms of positioning, physique and profound understanding of the game.

Per Mertesacker – At 25 this Werder Bremen super-defender already has 62 caps and is something of a veteran in the young German team. He rarely, if ever makes mistakes, and his composure, aerial ability and positioning are key to Germany’s ability to go forward and attack more comfortably.

Hans Sarpei – Normally a right sided player, 33 year old Bayer Leverkusen veteran Sarpei is contributing fantastically to Ghana’s ability to stop creative teams. His defending and work rate has been stellar and Ghana are such a power due to Vorsah, Sarpei and Mensah’s input in defence.

Honourable Mention: Lucas Neill – If not for the 4-0 meltdown of Australia, Lucas Neill really preformed in Australia’s defence and managed to rally his team to not lose their spirit and constantly improved during the course of the tournament. In Neill Istanbul side Galatasaray have a great defender at his peak.

TIED BEST OF THE GROUP: Anthony Annan – Trondheim’s Rosenborg have become invincible in the Norwegian Tippeliga with his midfield inputs, and Ghana are driven heavily by his energy. Sometimes it seems he is everywhere in midfield at once, and his play has made the absence of Michael Essien more easily ignored.

Kwadwo Asamoah – Creative, lighting quick, and powerfully explosive, Asamoah is a superb talent. His creativity and power are only weakened by his poor decision making, and problems with staying constantly visible in the game.

Honourable Mention: Tim Cahill, Dejan Stankovic, and Brett Holman – Cahill has brought his outstanding Everton from to the Autralian team, and managed to lead the side to their famous victory over Serbia. Stankovic was one of the best performers in an underperforming team, brining his Inter Milan European Champion form to Serbia, and his presence will be missed by the Balkan team when he retires soon. Brett Holman scored two great Australian goals, one better than the other, and his ability gives hope to Australia’s future.

Andre Ayew – Already a mature playmaker at 20 he has only played 9 games in the French First Division champions Marseille, and was loaned to modest Ligue 2 side Arles Avignon, where he nearly single-handedly catalyzed their historic promotion to the top flight.... now half of Europe is interest in him, and given his play here no wonder. He also was a real star of the African Nations cup.

TIED BEST IN THE GROUP: Mesut Ozil – he beat the competition of excellently playing Toni Kroos and Marko Marin for the attacking midfield roles and now forced the more experience Trochowski to the bench. Given how he is playing, no wonder..... his goal against Ghana was excellent, and his playmaking is the glue of the excellent German attack.

Thomas Mueller – An excellent, superb debut season with Bayern Munich saw him a surprise inclusion in the final German team, a surprise starter, and no surprise that he has retained his starting role while playing fantastically in the German attack on the right and center. At 20, the lanky player has already scored against Australia and really looks like one of the revelations of the tournament, with so many of his young German colleagues.

11 Flops to Forget

The goalkeepers did fine and avoid the flop charts

All of Australia Versus Germany – The Australian timid defending, was timid and shameful. The Germans were extraordinary, but the Aussies are capable of much more balanced attacking play than they demonstrated with their timid posture.

Nemanja Vidic – Considered one of the best defenders in the World, but his successes didn’t rub off on his teammates. His performances were satisfactory at best and Serbia still conceded goals that could have been prevented.

Aleksandar Lukovic – Reckless in tackling and arguing with the referee, his sending off was a major fault costing Serbia heavily... his contribution for the team was considerably worse than for his club Udinense.

Holger Badstuber – One young German who was a bit outclassed by the Serbians in the German left defence... failing to stop Krasic setting up the decisive goal. Has problems adapting to the system of the national team, and plays better with Bayern Munich normally.

Gojko Kacar – When he exploded on the scene two years ago with Hertha Berlin Europe looked his for the conquest contributed great defensive midfield play and many goals... his drop in form last season not only saw the Berlin club relegated, but he was benched with Serbia and failed to bring anything of note as a substitute.

Jason Culina – The player once looked competitive in the Dutch league, but moved back early to Australia and has since become something of a regular flop....

Marco Bresciano – Failed to deliver his Palermo form to Australia, not adding his normal goals and energetic play to the team. A lot more was expected of the Bald attacking midfielder on his swan song in South Africa

Zdravko Kuzmanovic – Ooofff... the Stuttgart player caused the decisive penalty against Ghana, made a lot of unnecessary fouls, and missed two clear goal opportunities.... a lot worse than normal for the promising 22 year old.

Sulley Muntari – Disastrously off form, the Inter Milan midfielder failed to find a regular place in Mourinho’s champion squad, and now is a benchwarmer for Ghana who brings little as a substitute. His famous shooting, energy and passing didn’t make his South Africa suitcase.

Harry Kewell – Another great player, the former Leeds, Liverpool, now Galatastary attacking midfielder has for several years been below par due to serious injuries... but during the World Cup he lost his chance to do anything exceptional for Australia with a handball on the goal line to see him suspended for the final game... he understandably tried to con the referee as this once great player sadly leaves the World stage in a Zidanesque way.

Danko Lazovic – Danko Lazovic of Zenit Saint Petersburg made one great contribution to football in recent years, he made PSV 5 million Euros and failed to do much else, flopping and ending up on the Russian club’s bench. Why he was chosen for the team and got so much playing time is a mystery... his finishing and passing were disastrous.

FLOP OF THE GROUP: Nikola Zigic – A strange player, giant and missing lots of headed opportunities and all sorts of opportunities.... if he hit even half of them Serbia could have ended up group leaders, instead they go home last. The Jambulani ball just seemed too much for this player, who has a hard time adapting... his playing for Valencia has also not been satisfactory, and his incredible play with Racing Santander is a shadow of the past.

June 13th Preview: Algeria-Slovenia / Serbia-Ghana / Germany Australia

Preview for Sunday June 13th 2010

 VERSUS

Time: 1330h
Match: Algeria v. Slovenia (Group C)

Overview: After seeing England struggle to the US both of these teams will be motivated for what they see as the weakest match in the Group. Algeria took African 4th place and knocked out the highest ranked African team and consecutive champions Egypt to get to the World Cup, while Slovenia shamed the Czech Republic and Russia for their ticket.... both of these teams have shown they can beat bigger teams but how will they deal with each other? A veritable clash of civilizations on which both teams will be taking their chances.

Venue: Polokwane - Peter Mokaba Stadium  - Polokwane is the main city in the Northeast of South Africa, was a major site of the Boer War, and the site where Jacob Zuma was confirmed as ANC leader. 

Capacity: 46000 People

Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala)

Country:Guatemala  

Date of Birth: 02.04.1968

Height: 178 cm

Place of residence: GUATEMALA CITY

Occupation: Scientist

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: English

International since: 1996

First international: Panama-Canada (27.10.1996)

Hobbies: Sport, reading, time with family

Fondest memory: 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan: Germany v. Paraguay

Analysis: Algeria have far more international experience as a team, but Slovenia have an exceptional team spirit and teamwork. Algeria is generally the dirtier team but the more technically skilled one, the Slovenians will only have an advantage in goalkeeping, while both teams have a strong defense, but Algeria has been having more problems scoring goals. Algeria is carrying the weight of representing the entire football-crazy Arab world at this tournament, and Slovenia are out for an enjoyable experience.

Form: 

Algeria has not scored a lot of goals over the last 12 months, and won matches with defensive play – in fact their defenders have outscored their forwards 2-1 over the past 18 months. They are dangerous on freekicks and corners but the Slovenians are big lads, and getting goals against them is not easy.

Key Players: 

2 – Majid Bougherra is an excellent defender, and together with 4 Anther Yahia they form a very solid defensive partnership that not only keeps Slovenia from getting scored on very often, but also they score most of their country’s goals lately.

Directly against them will be 11- Milivoje Novakovic, the big naturalized Serb playing for Slovenia who has not stopped using his physique rather than technique to score for club and country since 2008. This very effective player can pose a significant challenge to Algeria’s plans.

Danger Men:

Abdelkadher Ghezzal, 9, is a strong and capable forward gaining experience in Serie A who is excellent a building constantly improving Algerian attacks. If he is allowed to run free in the Slovenian half goals could come out of it.

Samir Handanovic, 1, is one of the better goalkeepers in Serie A in recent years, and his form is key for Slovenia’s success. With an impressive defense against him, few have managed to score past his catlike reflexes and command of the goal area.

Playing style: Algeria have been highly defensive in a 4-5-1 formation over the past years. They dive and play the referee a lot, and they count on rapid counter-attacks. Slovenia is defensive but less – playing 4-4-2 with good wing play and forcing the opponents to make space for their attacks with good movement.

Previous Matches:

The big 0

Most likely scenario:

A defensive game that either team squeezes a 1-0 out of

A slight surprise would be:

If both teams score 2-2

A real shocker would mean:

More than 4 goals are scored in this game

----------------------------------------------------------------------

 VERSUS

Time: 1600h

Match: Serbia v. Ghana (Group D)

Overview: Probably my most anticipated match between the best non-big European team and the African team most likely to succeed at this World Cup. Both teams are very capable offensively and defensively and if they manage to gain points on Germany they could go far in this tournament. This promises to be an entertaining match. Ohh the Ghanaian coach is Serbian, and several Ghanaians played in the Serbian league.

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium – Pretoria – finally a match in the capital city and in an old atmospheric stadium as well. The Vuvuzela’s will enjoy the acoustics in this one! 

Capacity: 51760 People

Referee: Hector Baldassi (Argentina) - One of the best referees of the last 15 years, Baldassi is a consummate and concentrated match official. 

Country:Argentina  

Date of Birth: 05.01.1966

Height: 179 cm

Occupation: Businessman

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: English

International since: 2000

First international: Venezuela-Chile (25.07.2000)

Hobbies: Golf

Fondest memory: Uruguay-Brazil 2005, Brazil-Uruguay 2008

Analysis: Ghana are young, but extremely skilled, talented and explosive. Missing Michael Essien of Chelsea should make them a little more disorganized, but this team is a strengthened version of he 2010 African Cup of Nations finalists combined with the team that just won the World Youth Championships... wether they will show it or not, this is one of the most talented young teams in the world. The Serbians respond with a great mix of young talent and old experience, and were arguable the best European team in qualification. A proud and accomplished footballing nation, this tournament represents a break with the chaos of the wars and politics that have surrounded the country for decades, and for the first time they appear as Serbia. This will be an entertaining high scoring game.

Form: 

Serbia are on excellent form and Ghana are on excellent form. The loss of legendary Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien should hurt Ghana’s chances, but then again they got to the African final in January without him.

Key Players: 

Dejan Stankovic, 10, the Serbian Captain just won the Champions League two weeks ago, and now is seeking to end his glorious career on a high. His passing, and marshalling the midfield should give Serbia the rocket fuel they need to achieve great things in South Africa.

Kwadwo Asamoah, 21, is one of the brightest prospect rising in the Italian Serie A. He is a fast and dangerous midifielder who dribbles and scores in big games, what else do you need at the World Cup?

Danger Men:

Stephen Appiah, 10, the Ghana captain was a fantastic midfielder, but he has played little in two years due to contractual problems and injury, he worked at Bologna to build up form for this tournament, and if he can return to his former fitness Ghana could be a power house in South Africa. If he doesn’t it would be a shame ending to a great career.

Milos Krasic, 17, is set to leave CSKA Moscow for Juventus after making a name for himself as one f the best young attacking midfielders in the game. His speed and power are a great addition to any team.

Prince Tagoe, 12, was the victim of a bad medical diagnosis last January when he moved from the gulf where he was a superstar to German up-and-commers Hoffenheim. He started playing again and scoring bags of goals.

Nemanja Vidic, 5, all eyes on the Manchester United defender, because Serbia has the potential to have an impenetrable defence with him at the back. Potential.

Previous Matches:

1 Game played in 1997 which Serbia won 3-1

Most likely scenario:

A scintillating game of unexpected actions and talent which Serbia edge 3-2.

A slight surprise would be:

An draw.

A real shocker would mean:

That this match would be unentertaining, because both teams can play beautiful football.

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 VERSUS

Time: 2030h

Match: Germany v. Australia (Group D)

Overview: Giants Germany, weakened by injury take on the best Australian team ever fielded with a young and dangerous squad. Will Germany play as badly as France, Argentina and England on their opening match? Australia can give them a tough physical game, if only the defence holds out.

Venue: Durban –  Moses Mahiba Stadium 

Capacity: 70000 People

Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

Country:Mexico  

Date of Birth: 10.11.1973

Height: 179 cm

Place of residence: MEXICO CITY, D.F.

Occupation: Physical education teacher

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: English

International since: 1999

First international: Paraguay-Guatemala (03.03.1999)

Hobbies: Music, cycling, swimming, reading the Bible

Fondest memory: The births of his daughters

Analysis: Germany are always dangerous. Their new generation is more skilled than the classic older one, but perhaps just a touch too young and inexperienced. Who really proved that youth is a detriment? The Australians have a bit of everything, but their defenders are not what they used to be. The goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will be key if they do well.

Form: 

Both teams are on fair form. Germany are still adjusting to the loss of key midfield organizer Michael Ballack.

Key Players: 

Philipp Lahm. 16, is a great left wingback and Germany’s new captain after Ballack was injured. His attitude is much better than the former, and he proved it by scoring a magnificent goal within minutes of the start of the last World Cup.

Mark Schwarzer, 1, is a good goalkeeper, but he will have to prove it once again with the onslaught he will get in this group from 3 offensive teams. One game at a time, he will have to make at least 10 saves in this game.

Danger Men:

Marko Marin, 21, if not injured today is a brilliant attacking talent that Germany have not seen seen Thomas Haessler. His dribbling and runs are a constant danger to opponents, and the World does not know that yet.

Marco Bresciano, 23, has been scoring goals in the Italian Serie A from every position on the field. The Bald Australian-Italian is a danger to everybody, can he leave another mark in his great career?

Previous Matches:

2 Games both won by Germany, the Deutschies outscoring the Kangaroos 7-3.

Most likely scenario:

Germany turns on the style and wins 3-1.

A slight surprise would be:

A draw 1-1.

A real shocker would mean:

Australia pull a real shock and start of their World Cup 2-1.

Recommended Menu for the day:

A hearty German breakfast of boiled sausages and asparagus

Shrimp from the Barbie Aussie style with Slovenian white wine for lunch

For dinner a Waakye rice and beans dish from Ghana to accompany the Serbian Pljeskavica

German beer for desert with an assortment of Algerian Makroudh sweets.

Recipe for Makroudh

Ingredients:

3 cups of coarse semolina
dash of salt
1/2 cup smen (my friend used ghee when she made for me)
1/2 cup margarine (my friend said that using butter will make the dough hard)
same proportion of water to orange blossom water
Filling:
Pitted dates

Directions:

Warm date just enough to soften and shape the dates to elongated cylinders.
Melt both the smen and margarine and add to the semolina and salt. Mix well. (Rake the mixture well as if you are preparing couscous). Cover with tea towel and let mixture rest for about 1 hour.
Mix blossom water with water in the same proportion. Sprinkle the liquid into the rested mixture until the dough sticks together without being too wet.
Shape dough into cylinders, make deep impression in the middle to accomodate the date filling. Cover the filling and shape the cylinders such that the filling is in the middle. Flatten the cylinders slightly and cut cylinders diagonally. Once cut, make sure that the cut pieces are still compact. 
Traditionally shallow fry in moderately hot oil till both sides are nice and golden. Alternatively, bake in moderate oven till the makroud is done (ie when the whole kitchen invitingly smells of baked semolina).
Warm honey (with added dash of orange blossom water). Immerse the makroud in the honey mixture.

This is the only recipe I could find in english, usually you will find it in french. I have had this directly from Algiers, and the outside was crumbly, and it was flat with the layer of date mixture was sandwiched in the middle. It's delicious served with coffee