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2010 FIFA World Cup: Australia's Slim Chances Against Ghana's Black Stars - Group D

Isaac Asante, June 15 2010,
After Australia’s 4-0 loss to Group D leaders Germany in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Socceroos need to step up against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Australia national football team - 2010 FIFA World Cup
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Australia played a miserable game against Germany, as the DFB Eleven humiliated them 4-0; though the hosts of the 2006 World Cup could have scored almost 10 goals with an in-form Klose, and a better organized front. The Australians only managed to make 10 shots, with only 2 on targets and a goalless 90 minutes after the end of the game.

They however committed 19 fouls, and failed to take advantage of 7 corners. By picking up 3 yellow cards in the end and a straight red card, Australia can consider themselves as underdogs against Ghana, who won 1-0 over Serbia historically to be a place behind Germany in Group D.

 

In their match, Ghana’s Black Stars showed speed, mentality, and efficiency; notwithstanding the fact that they had to wait until the 84th minute to clinch the lead through a penalty from Asamoah Gyan. Also did they maintain a clean sheet, unlike Australia who currently are the highest conceding team in the 2010 World Cup as of the night of June 15.

Group D Statistics and Standings – 2010 FIFA World Cup

Germany: 3 points, +4 for goal difference
Ghana: 3 points, +1 for goal difference
Serbia: 0 points, -1 for goal difference
Australia: 0 points, -4 for goal difference

Australia’s nightmares, Ghana's confidence

Australia are required to resuscitate their defensive soldiers before their upcoming 2010 World Cup game against Ghana. In their latest game against Germany, the Socceroos made only 5 clearances, 4 of which were incomplete. As a result, Australia’s clearance completion rate is of 20%, strangely.

Additionally, over the 10 shots on goal from the DFB Eleven, only 6 saves were made from the Oceanian side. Statistics on FIFA.com show that Australia did not gain the ball through a single tackle, and that they made only 1 recovery. Speaking to journalists, Australian keeper Marc Schwarzer backed his team’s best players to defend their flag in their following games so as to lead the Oceanian champions to the Round of 16.

“We have got to regroup and pick ourselves up and make sure everyone, but especially the senior guys, get together and rallies and make sure we put everything into the next two games,” he told news publishers. “But we still believe we are good enough to get through and we still believe we can pick ourselves up.”

Are Ghana’s Black Stars going to give Australia a chance to spoil their promising start? Is Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, who hit the post twice before and after his late penalty, going to take advantage of a progressing Australian backline? Whatever happens, Ghana appear to be absolutely prepared and calm ahead of their battle, and during a press conference, this is what Ghanian midfielder Ibrahim Ayew said:

"Australia must know that we are going to attack and attack them. We know they have some weak sides; and we will take advantage."

Country mate Hans Sarpei affirmed Ibrahim's statement by declaring: ""We will do to them just what we did to the Serbians. We won't let them play at all."

A defeat for the Socceroos in their game against Ghana in Rustenburg could cost them a quick exit before their last match against Serbia. Nevertheless, nothing less than 3 points and a high goal-margin triumph over the Africans will be positive for the bottom team, as Germany are not likely to lose against Serbia. What will be next? Just follow Live Soccer TV, as we uncover stories and editorials on Australia, the whole of their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign in South Africa.
 

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