This group composed of Australia, Germany, Ghana and Serbia seems a dogfight for second place.
AUSTRALIA
Playing a rugged and determined game Australia have proven they can provide tough opposition to even the best teams. They played eventual champions Italy to a standstill in 2006 and lost on a dubious last minute penalty.
KEY PLAYER
If Tim Cahill continues to produce goals from the midfield the Socceroos could have their best World Cup performance
GERMANY
Despite the loss of Ballack Germany has the quality to qualify easily in this group. Germany is always a threat at the World Cup. The are consistent, fit, and disciplined. German teams are frequently criticized for lack of flair. In 1982 Pele referred to the German national team disparagingly as "ten automatons and Rummenigge." Despite this they came within a whisker of defeating Argentina in the final. Schweinsteiger, Poldolski, Lahm and Klose's experience should compensate for the missing Ballack to some extent. Mesut Ozil was a revelation in qualifying.
KEY PLAYER
If Mesut Ozil comes into his own in this World Cup he could make up for the loss of Ballack and anything is possible
GHANA
Ghana is deep in talent, but both Ghana and the World Cup will be poorer for the absence of Michael Essien due to injury. With Sulley Montari also injured Kevin Prince Boateng can make an important contribution. There is speculation that rising star Andre Ayew could make his mark in Essien's absence.
KEY PLAYER
If the injury to Sulley Montari persists Kevin Prince Boateng's will need to put on an impressive performance if the Black Stars are to have a strong performance
SERBIA
Serbia topped France in World Cup qualifying, forcing France into their controversial sudden match with Ireland. Well organized and tough defensively they did not concede a goal at home in qualifying. Goalscoring was sufficient, in qualifying with Milan Jovanović leading the way. Manchester's United's Nemanja Vidic is at the centre of a strong backline which could include the experienced Branislav Ivanović, Antonio Rukavina, Aleksandar Luković. Inter Milan's Dejan Stanković will be at the core of their midfield.
KEY PLAYER
For Serbia to be successful Stanković must be dominant in the midfield
PREDICTION
Germany will finish first and Serbia's tough defense will allow them to sneak into second. Ghana will not be able to compensate for the loss of Essien and the Socceroos just don't have the quality this year.
Hangouts
The Socceroos must be at the Anza club, but where will the Germans, Ghanaians and Serbians be found?