Group D of the 2010 World Cup has been one of the mostly tightly
contested with almost nothing decided going into the final two
matches at 8:30pm local time this Wednesday, June 23. Having yet
to lose in this tournament, Ghana is in the catbird seat at 1-1-0 while
having yes to win, Australia is in the most tenuous position at 0-1-1.
Despite it's predicament, Australia's course to the next round is
straight forward and not all that unlikely. A win Wednesday against
Serbia, coupled with a loss by Germany to Ghana in Wednesday's other final
Group D match, would advance Australia to the next round. Australia
cannot advance with a loss or a tie as all the other teams in its group
have won at least once.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Port Elizabeth World Cup 2010
Germany v Serbia (0-1) Match 21 18/06/10 Miroslav Klose
(GER) Photo Roger Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom
Serbia and Germany are each 1-0-1 and control their own destiny. It's
win and in for each of them while a loss would eliminate them
from competition. If each of Serbia and Germany managed to tie their
games, Germany would advance based on goal differential so a tie puts
Serbia in a most precarious position.
Despite scoring only two goals this tournament, Ghana leads Group D
decisively. A win or a tie clinches advancement to the next round
for Ghana and even a loss does not dash their hopes to advance. In
case of a Ghana loss, an Australia-Serbia tie or Australian victory would
cause the tie breaker to come down to goal differential to see
who advanced to the next round.