Group Strength This is by no means the toughest group of all, but it is one of the more complicated sections. This is a group where all four nations finished first in their respective qualifying series and although Germany are the only perennial giants, Australia, Serbia and Ghana are all teams who can put on a great run of form. Group Favourites Germany, not surprisingly, will be favourites to secure first place, although it won't be all plain sailing. They have not been spectacular but as the most experienced nation in this group, they will immediately have the psychological advantage. Battle for Second Australia, Ghana and Serbia are all capable of snapping up the coveted second spot. The former two progressed to the knockout round of the 2006 World Cup, in Germany no less, but the Serbians were one of UEFA's surprise packages in the qualifiers. If they can carry their momentum to next summer, they could be a real threat. The Outsiders With all four teams having equal chances of progressing, the two teams who lose their opening game, should they lose, will quickly become the outsiders. Australia have a daunting showdown against the Germans, but Ghana and Serbia will be looking to put one over the other to make a bright start to the tournament. The Long Road Forward The group winners will face the runners up in Group C, which comprises England, USA, Algeria. But a meeting with Argentina could be on the horizon in the Q-finals. The runners-up, curiuosly enough, could have an easier fixture in the last 16, with France, South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay (from Group A) and Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic or Greece (from Group B) the potential rivals.
World Cup 2010: Group D Analysis - Germany, Australia, Serbia & Ghana
