Historically, Group D would appear to be easy for Germany, a three-time World Cup winner and four-time runner-up. But Australia and Ghana are two nations on the rise in the football world and Serbia, while lacking any kind of consistency, has the talent to beat anyone. The 1954, ‘74 and ‘90 World Cup winners as West Germany haven't won football's biggest prize since reunification 20 years ago, and the team failed to reach the final on home soil four years ago. With Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger, the team still has the nucleus of a talented and well-organized side. But uncertainty surrounding the future of coach Joachim Loew, who has yet to agree to a deal to stay on after the World Cup in South Africa, could lead to low morale within the squad. Germany's first game is against the Australians in Durban on June 13. While the Germans don't know Loew's future after the World Cup, the Australians now know that coach Pim Verbeek will not be staying on. The Dutchman has already announced that he is looking for a new challenge, so the Socceroos will likely want to give him something to remember.
