Serbia kept their dream of escaping the group a real shot in the arm with their surprise victory over Germany, whilst Australia’s brave draw with Ghana has given them a chance – albeit a slight one – of making an appearance in a second consecutive World Cup last-16.

The most intriguing game tomorrow will be the clash between current group leaders Ghana and the pre-tournament group favourites Germany.

The Germans shock loss to Serbia has put their progression in the tournament in real jeopardy and they must now beat the Ghanaians to guarantee their place in the knock out stages. On flip-side a draw for Ghana would see them through, although that may mean they would finish the group as runners-up and possible date with England (some would say that would be a good thing!).

Germany will be without veteran goalscorer Miroslav Klose following his sending off in the Serbia game, and coach Joachim Loew will be nervously hoping that his probable replacement Cacau will be able to add to his account following his strike against Australia in their opening fixture. Other changes are possible as the Germans look to recapture the form that saw them so comprehensively defeat the Aussies.

The Ghanaians have problems of their own, with rebel midfielder Sulley Muntari having yet another bust-up with coach Milovan Rajevac, and although the talented Inter Milan man has apologised to his national manager, he looks likely to remain on the bench. Star defender John Mensah has recovered from a calf problem and looks likely to come back in to the side who will no doubt be looking for a stronger performance from ‘keeper Richard Kingston following his mistake in their last game which gifted Australia’s Brett Holman with a tap-in.

With South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon already out of the competition, the Ghanaians will be desperate to ensure there is an African representative in the knock out stages. Whether they will be get anything out of the Germans remains to be seen, and you somewhat feel that they may have missed their chance with the stalemate in the previous game.

Should Ghana fail to get a satisfactory result from their clash with Germany the door will be left wide open for Serbia to earn a place in the last-16.

The win against the Germans was perhaps somewhat fortunate, with the foolish and ridiculous handball from Nemanja Vidic going unpunished following Lukas Podolski’s poor penalty, as well as the Germans having to play with ten men for nearly an hour.

What couldn’t be questioned however was their defensive solidarity, and once they had got the opening goal, it was very difficult for the Germans to break the Serbs down. A similar performance at the back against the Socceroos tomorrow should be enough to keep a clean sheet, but they will probably be looking for more from giant forward Nikola Zigic, who has flattered to deceive in front of goal so far in South Africa.

Hoping to end the Serbians knock-out chances will be the Australians who have a very slight chance of making it through themselves, although they will have to do so without the aid of Harry Kewell following his red in the Ghana draw, and will also be missing veteran centre half Craig Moore who has also picked up two yellows in the tournament’s first two games.

The Aussies will be boosted by the return of Tim Cahill from suspension, although how much impact he can have leading the line is questionable – particularly against such a strong and experienced defence, and coach Verbeek may chose to utilise Cahill in a familiar attacking midfield role and opt for the more physical presence of Josh Kennedy.

The Socceroos need to win tomorrow and rack up the goals to stand any chance of qualification, with at least a three goal swing required, with their humbling defeat to Germany coming back round to punish them.

The odds on the Aussies are slim, and Serbia look likely to progress, however it’s always perilous to right them off in any sport and only a fool would say they had no chance.

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