After a terrible start against Ghana, Serbia got back on track with a surprise win against Germany in the 2nd match. At the same time Australia continued their poor form drawing 1-1 against Ghana. In reality all for teams can still reach the knock-out so there is everything to play for.

Serbia
Few people imagined that Serbia could come back in the way they did against a German team that had looked very strong and determined in the first round trashing of Australia. But they did, thanks to a goal from Jovanovic in the 38th minute after excellent play from winger Milos Krasic, who played magnificently throughout the match.

In the first game against Ghana, Serbia looked like a team without a plan. Surprised by the speed and physical strength of Ghana they made little progress on the field, constantly having to play backwards or across the field. Half way through the 2nd half they were eliminated to 10 players but still managed to create their biggest chance of the game in the 78th minute when Krasic missed an open cross from around the penalty spot. 5 minutes before the final whistle their faith was sealed when Zdravko Kuzmanovic's clearly used his hand to eliminate a cross and Ghana was awarded a penalty. 1-0 and Serbia lost in what looked like a total off day for the entire team.

On to Germany and a new game and this time it was Serbia’s turn to play 11 against 10 when Miroslav Klose was awarded his 2nd yellow card in the first half and sent off. Shortly thereafter they got in front on Jovanovics goal but they couldn’t pull away from Germany that actually managed to stay in the game all the way to the end. They even took the liberty to miss a penalty from Lukas Podolsky as Vladimir Stojkovic made a brilliant save. At the end Serbia came out winners in a game that could easily have been a high-scoring affair as both teams created a lot of chances.

When you rise to the occasion like Serbia did it will be totally ridiculous to throw it all away by loosing to Australia. This is going to be physical match that will suit Serbia just fine. The key will be to control their temper and not get into card-trouble. If the manage to stay 11 against 11 Serbia by far has the most talent. A draw may be enough for Serbia if Germany can beat Ghana by more than 2 goals.

Australia
The “Soccerroos” still have a chance to progress which is in fact quite an accomplishment in itself looking at the games they have played in this World Cup.

They got a lesson against Germany loosing “only” 4-0 in a game where they could easily have lost bigger. For that game their biggest star Harry Kewel was sidelined due to injury so the expectations towards the team was big as he returned for the 2nd game, only to be send off in the middle of the 1st half as he found himself alone on the goal-line forced to use his hand to keep the ball from going in. Ghana executed the penalty and drew level on 1-1 as Brett Holman had earlier put Australia in front. With one man down it was expected that it was just a matter of time before Ghana would go ahead but Australia fought courageously and secured the 1 point that still keep a glimmer of hope alive.

Australia has to win this match and at the same time hope that Ghana beats Germany. This will secure them the 2nd place in the group. If Germany beats Ghana, Australia can still make it with a win in this game but then it will be a matter of goal difference and at the moment Ghana has +1 whereas Australia has -4.

Conclusion
Before the world cup, Serbia was regarded as a team to look out for. They proved that by beating Germany and if they can continue that form they will clinch this one. Australia hasn’t showed anything yet in this World Cup but remarkably is still in it. Serbia has the better players and a strong collective team spirit – expect a physical game where Serbia’s individual skills will decide the game, provided that they can keep all 11 players on the pitch. I recommend betting on Serbia to win.