Algeria v Slovenia
Serbia v Ghana
Germany v Australia
Sunday, June 13
Algeria v Slovenia
Verdict: With both teams underdogs to qualify from Group C (England and USA favorites), this game takes on an even greater importance. Both sides qualified for this tournament through the playoff format, Algeria toppling Egypt whereas Slovenia upset the mighty Russia.
Since qualification, Algeria have suffered more downs than ups with a dissapointing 4-0 defeat to Egypt in the African Cup of Nations, in addition to 3-0 friendly defeats at the hands of Serbia and Republic of Ireland. Slovenia in turn have comfortably won their two most recent friendly encounters against average opposition, Qatar and New Zealand.
During the qualification phase, Slovenia conceded only 4 goals in their 10 matches which was most impressive. In addition, they have players of the ilk of Koren, Handanovic and Novakovic who have proven themselves at the highest level. Currently, in addition to only having scored 3 goals in their last 7 competitive fixtures (against some poor opposition), there is in fighting within the squad. Captain, Yazid Mansouri, has been stripped of his captaincy and dropped to the bench after some poor form. He has not taken this lightly and has threatened to quit the team so team unity is not at its best at the moment.
Pick: Slovenia -0.25AH @1.99 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Algeria 0 - 1 Slovenia
Serbia v Ghana
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Pick: Serbia -0.25AH @1.96 (sbobet, 7 units)
Serbia 0 - 1 Ghana
Germany v Australia
Verdict: The second youngest German team in World Cup history will do battle against the vastly experienced Australian side. German young guns such as Ozil, Khedira, Muller, Badstuber, Neuer, and Marin come into the squad to give the Mannschaft a good blend of experience and flair. In contrast, Australia’s first 11 will feature players that were involved in Germany ’06, with question marks over the fitness of star players Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell. If reports are to be believed, both will most definitely feature.
The Germans will ofcourse be without their inspirational leader, Michael Ballack, so the onus will fall on Schweinsteiger to pull the strings from central midfield. The latter, in addition to Ozil, Muller, and Khedira form a midfield that is blessed with pace and will more than likely cause Australia’s ageing warriors numerous problems. Australia’s lack of pace in key areas was exposed by the USA in the 3-1 friendly defeat last week and I see the like of Moore, Neil and Grella having their hands full. Going forward, Germany seem to have many options but their defence does not look so assured. Mertesacker is not in the best of form whereas the left-back position is likely to be filled by Aogo or Badstuber who only have 4 caps between them. The game will be played at sea-level so I expect the playing conditions to be perfect for both sides.
Pick: Over 2.25 goals @1.95 (sbobet, 7 units)
Germany 4 - 0 Australia
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