My World Cup Predictions: Group C and D

Group C:

Take one look at this group and it should be obvious what the outcome might be. England should win the group although their opener against the Americans could be a hurdle, they did it once before at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, winning 1-0 against Sir Stanley Matthew's England. Sixty years on Italian Fabio Capello is in charge and Steven Gerrard will captain the 3 Lions in South Africa; after injury to Rio Ferdinand. This time around I believe England have all the tools necessary to go far in South Africa, with Algeria and Slovenia not issuing enough of a challenge to cause a scare. Only question mark being raised is in goal, my thoughts are to start Joe Hart, he had a fantastic season at Birmingham City and is known to be great shot stopper from the spot (we know how England have faired in the past at the penalty spot), although this doesn’t look likely. English supporters have plenty to look forward to as this is the best squad assembled in years and there is a different aura circulating within the 3 Lions camp.
The USA will capture the final qualifying spot in the group, the Americans are brimming with confidence and showed they are for real last summer at the Confederation Cup, beating Spain and pushing Brazil to the limit. Young, fast and hard working players can be found at the heart of Bob Bradley's squad. Landon Donovan is looking to lead by example and elevate the USA to new heights this summer.
Algeria did well to make it to South Africa, unfortunately they don't have the depth or experience to make it out of the group, and I see them losing all three games.
Slovenia makes their second World Cup appearance, after a quick exit in 2002 (losing all 3 games). A win in their opener against Algeria would immediately put pressure on the loser (or draw) between England and the USA, stranger things have happened at the World Cup in years past.

1. England
2. USA
3. Slovenia
4. Algeria


Group D:

The big match in this Group will happen on June 18th when Germany face Serbia. These two are my pick to get through to the next stage. Ghana were dealt a huge blow when Michael Essien was ruled out of the tournament. It will be very hard to repeat their performance in 2006 (loss to Brazil in Round of 16), despite playing on African soil, Ghana will finish at the bottom of this group.
Australia will suffer the same fate tragically, Mark Schwarzer will do all he can to keep the ball out of the net, defense will be key for the Socceroos to progress, however it wont be enough for a repeat performance from 2006 (losing to Italy in Round of 16), but Tim Cahill is capable of scoring at crucial times for club and country so beware, the Aussie's shouldn't be taken lightly.
The Germans are expected to win this group, no matter what players they bring, Germany seems to ooze confidence at the World Cup. The loss of Captain Michael Ballack through injury and a potential striking problem could hinder Germany's progress. Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez all had a sub-par season's respectively, but thankfully some young rising stars have forced their way into the national team. Thomas Muller and teammate Holger Badstuber had a great season for Bayern Munich, same goes for Mesut Ozil, who became the driving force for Werder Bremen this season. The Germans always find a way to win and push through adversity and will win the group.
Finally that leaves Serbia, who will make their first World Cup appearance as an independent nation. In qualifying they finished first, ahead of France, proving their class. Nemanja Vidic will anchor the back line in South Africa, after missing out due to injury in 2006 for Serbia and Montenegro. The White Eagles definitely have the depth and skill to cause problems, with speed down the wings and their size in the middle, Serbia are able to attack on the counter despite relying heavily on defense.

1. Germany
2. Serbia
3. Australia
4. Ghana