By Milos Kosic
After this week’s shocking developments, Group D turned out to be a real group of death. With every team having almost equal chances of progressing into the second round, the stage is set for a spectacular climax.
Serbia managed to pull off a surprising 1-0 win against impressive Germany. In a game full of excitement, Germany was left with 10 players after Miroslav Close was sent off for a challenge on Dejan Stankovic. Just a minute after the red card, Serbian winger Milos Krasic outran Holger Badstuber, sending a cross into the penalty area, where Milan Jovanovic was waiting ready to smashed the ball into the goal. Germany had some good chances, they even missed a penalty kick, but now, with only three points from two games, they will need to battle Ghana for the place in the second round.
Ghana have troubles of their own. In a game against Australia, the African side succeeded in securing only a tie, even though they had a player more since 24th minute, when Harry Kewell was sent off for a handball in the penalty area. Once again, the only goal that Ghana scored came from a penalty kick, a worrying news for coach Milan Rajevac and his team. They will need to perform much better next Wednesday when they face Germany.
Calculations:
Germany: If they win their next game, they will progress to the second round. If they tie and if Serbia wins against Australia, Germany is out. If Germany loses and if Serbia ties or wins, Germany is out. Also, if Germany loses and Australia wins against Serbia, Germany is out.
Ghana: If they win or tie against Germany, they go to the second round. If they lose, and if Serbia wins, Ghana is out. If Ghana loses and Australia wins or ties, goal difference will decided.
Serbia: If they win their next game they go to the second round. They will also progress if they tie and Ghana wins against Germany. If they draw and if Germany wins or draws, goal difference will decided.
Australia: If they lose or tie against Serbia, they are out. If they win, and if Germany loses, Australia will go to the second round. If they win 3-0 against Serbia, and if Ghana loses 2-0 against Germany, then Australia will reach the second place in the group.
