The Socceroos have been drawn in a difficult group for next year's World Cup finals, facing three-time champions Germany, African powerhouses Ghana and Serbia.Australia start their Group D campaign against Germany in Durban on June 13, 2010.The Socceroos' other group matches will be against Ghana in Rustenburg on June 19 and Serbia on June 23 in Nelspruit.Germany shape as the most difficult of the three opponents, having made the last four of the previous World Cup finals and the 2008 European Championships final.Ghana, like the Socceroos, made the round of 16 at the previous World Cup.Serbia, who topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of 1998 champions France, are currently ranked one place above Australia at No.20 in the world.The Ghanaians are the lowest ranked nation in the group at No.37, but boast a quality team featuring Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien and Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari.Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said he was content with his side's draw.The Socceroos last played Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup, matching the host nation for much of the game but eventually falling to a thrilling 4-3 defeat in Frankfurt.
Australia last played Ghana in a friendly in May last year, winning 1-0 with a Mile Sterjovski goal.But Ghana were missing their stars Essien and Muntari, though the Socceroos were also understrength.In other groups, New Zealand have been drawn with reigning World Cup champions Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia in Group F.England drew the United States, Algeria and Slovenia in Group C, while hosts South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and France square off in Group A.
The Socceroos have been drawn in a difficult group for next year's World Cup finals, facing three-time champions Germany, African powerhouses Ghana and Serbia.Australia start their Group D campaign against Germany in Durban on June 13, 2010.The Socceroos' other group matches will be against Ghana in Rustenburg on June 19 and Serbia on June 23 in Nelspruit.Germany shape as the most difficult of the three opponents, having made the last four of the previous World Cup finals and the 2008 European Championships final.Ghana, like the Socceroos, made the round of 16 at the previous World Cup.Serbia, who topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of 1998 champions France, are currently ranked one place above Australia at No.20 in the world.The Ghanaians are the lowest ranked nation in the group at No.37, but boast a quality team featuring Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien and Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari.Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said he was content with his side's draw.The Socceroos last played Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup, matching the host nation for much of the game but eventually falling to a thrilling 4-3 defeat in Frankfurt.
