Germany begin their quest of a fourth World Cup title in a group D match against Australia aiming to get past the group stage for the second time in a row. The match on Sunday at the Durban Stadium will have Australia's fans longing for another thriller reminiscent of the last meeting between the teams in 2005, which Germany barely won, with the odd goal in seven.
This is a competitive group with Serbia and Ghana the other teams competing with Australia for a round of 16 spot alongside Germany.
Captain Ballack's shock withdrawal owing to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Chelsea against Portsmouth in the FA Cup final was not the ideal start for the Germans.
Christian Traeschin who was to replace Ballack in mid field was also injured and manager Loew was left with barely a couple of central midfielders. Loew will have to make do with all rounder defenders playing as midfielders.
New captain, Philipp Lahm, and Bastian Schweinsteiger will have to bear the brunt, the two players coming off a great season with Bayern Munich and Bundesliga, respectively. The 2006 Golden Boot Miroslav Klose's indifferent form is a dampener.
Germany's manager Loew will be tempted to opt for Cacau to replace the out of form Klose. Goalkeeper Neur is the perceived weak link in the squad. Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 25, is a lucky mascot an whenever he has scored, Germany has gone unbeaten. He is creative and combative, and as physically intimidating as the Australians are wont to be.
Australia is relying on many players who represented them in Germany in 2006 and their less than inspiring performance recently against USA and New Zealand points to an aging squad.
Their star player is Everton's Tim Cahill who will look to Harry Kewell for support. Defender Lucas Nell will captain the side and will have a reliable goalkeeper in Mark Schwarzer, who conceded a solitary goal in the qualifiers. Australia had a relatively easy time qualifying for the World Cup, thanks to weaker opposition, in the Asian confederation, of which they are now part.
With Ballack away, Australia's Tim Cahill will engage in a battle of midfielders with Schweinsteiger, which could have a bearing on ball possession. Against Germany, Australia may choose a more defensive game plan, though.
A draw would be the equivalent of a win for Australia. Manager Pim Verbeek can rely on his team to battle hard, in what is likely to be a Germany dominated match.
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