SERBIA LOOKS TO ADVANCE AGAINST AUSTRALIA

Germany’s loss to Serbia really shook things up in Group D and the fight to move on to the second round is wide open.  Serbia and Germany are tied for the #2 spot with 3 points apiece, Ghana leads with 4 points and Australia brings up the real with 1.  Nevertheless, all four teams are technically alive heading into the final game in group play.  Ghana/Germany will take place at the same time as this game, meaning that nothing will be settled before this matchup begins.

Australia has always maintained a reputation as a stout defensive side, and was clearly embarrassed by a 4-0 opening rout to Germany.  They played much better in the second game against Ghana and earned a 1-1 draw.  There’s a couple of scenarios in which the ‘Socceroos’ can advance, but as far as this game is concerned they need to win and score goals.  That’s a bigger challenge than it sounds, since Australia’s offense has very few playmakers.
 
Serbia has a better grasp on their own destiny, as a win will see them through to the next round.  They can also progress with a draw assuming that Ghana beats Germany in the other Group D game, but that’s clearly something that they don’t want to count on.  The Serbian defense is very solid, though they’ve shown some disorganized play during the competition.  There are also questions about goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic, who may not be on the same level as most keepers in the competition.  Serbia isn’t an offensive powerhouse either, and does a better job keeping possession and preventing their opponents from scoring than they do putting the ball in the net themselves.

Even though Australia needs a win and a favorable margin of victory to have any hope of advancing, we don’t see them getting either.  Serbia is equally motivated to play well here and, more significantly, the Aussies just don’t have the talent or tactics to produce a high scoring result.  Serbia does a very good job of playing defensive soccer, and will likely find a way to score and steal a low scoring victory here.

We like Serbia to win in a very low scoring game, obviating a play on the UNDER 2’.  These teams have scored two goals combined in the 2010 World Cup, and there’s little reason to expect anything different in a head to head meeting. There could be some other interesting soccer betting positions on the proposition wagers.  Look for Serbia to win 1-0 and advance to the second round.