Germany v Serbia

Group D, 11:30 GMT, June 18, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Undoubtedly the form team at the World Cup after their 4-0 demolition of Australia, Germany go into the match with confidence flowing and their hopes of qualification almost assured if they pick up another win.


Almost forced into playing an extremely attacking formation with the injuries to Simon Rolfes and Michael Ballack pre-tournament, the Germans line up without a holding midfielder - preferring instead to play Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira in the two central areas with Mesut Ozil in an advanced attacking role ahead of them - and it works. Fluid in attack, Lukas Podolski can use his pace down the left with Thomas Muller providing the vision and guile on the right for main man Miroslav Klose.

Before the tournament, many were talking of the German striking conundrum but the first match won over the critics and a tough Serbian defence will have a lot to do if they are to keep a clean sheet. They do, of course, have two of the best in the Premier League - Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic - to aid their cause, but the lack of attacking options shown by the Serbs in their first game suggests that their defence will find itself under a lot of pressure.

A lot more can be expected from giant striker Nikola Zigic, while Milos Krasic and Dejan Stankovic were just as toothless in the first game defeat to Ghana and will need to come to the fore if they are to have any hopes of causing an upset.

Germany player to watch: Lukas Podolski. Having failed to fire for Bayern Munich, the Cologne striker moved back home but had a pretty poor season by his standards last year. Still, he seems to turn it on when he pulls on the Germany shirt and his opening goal against Australia proved he hasn't lost his touch. Full of pace and direct running, his role down the left flank is crucial in getting behind the opposition defence.

Serbia player to watch: Neven Subotic. Linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, the young Dortmund defender is one of the hottest properties in the European game and will come in for the suspended Aleksandar Lukovic. A tough tackler with good aerial ability, Subotic chose to play for Serbia over USA (having settled in the country in 1999) and will have the eyes of the world upon him as he auditions for a possible big move in the summer.

Key battle: Thomas Muller v Aleksandar Kolarov. Muller has been one of the form players in Europe this season and has been keeping Klose and Mario Gomez out of the Bayern Munich side. His versatility allows him space on the right for this country, but he carries a good goal threat when he cuts in and he will also be keen to banish the Champions League final from his memory after he missed a one-on-one chance against Inter that would have levelled the scores at 1-1. Kolarov is another to have had a good season (albeit in a poor overall one for Lazio) and has many admirers in the Italian game - most notably champions Inter Milan. Tall and strong, his pace and power are vital to Serbia's defence.

Trivia: If Miroslav Klose scores against Serbia he will go level with the greatest of all-time, Pele, on 12 goals in the competition. Ronaldo has the record with 15 though.

Stats: Serbia have lost all four of their matches at the World Cup and have conceded three goals to penalties in their last three World Cup matches.

Odds: Germany (1.66), Serbia (5.75) and the draw (3.60) are all on offer at Bet 365, but given Serbia's aerial ability, Nemanja Vidic at 15.00 to score anytime looks good.

Prediction: German confidence is high and their attacking prowess suggests that they should win comfortably, most likely sending Serbia out.

Slovenia v United States

Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 18, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Having won their first game at a World Cup thanks to an error from Algerian goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi, Slovenian confidence will be at an all-time high and, with England to come as their final group game, will be going all out to win and seal their progress to the second round.

A nation of around two million people, Slovenia impressed in getting to the tournament by knocking out Russia in the play-offs and have won over many neutral fans with their exploits in South Africa. Not the most attacking side, results are the order of the day and a well organised defence, combined with some invention up front, means that they have the chance to seal one of the most historic World Cup moments if they can beat USA.

For their part, USA were lucky to get a point from England thanks to Robert Green's error, but they will have gained confidence from the way in which they were able to halt the English attacks. With pace and skill to burn down the flanks, a tough central area that includes the hard tackling Michael Bradley and a defence full of experience and grit from the likes of Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu, coach Bob Bradley will be confident of progression against a side that many view as minnows.

Slovenia player to watch: Milivoje Novakovic. A consistent performer for his club side Cologne, Novakovic has also managed to net 16 goals in 29 games for his country and carries the bulk of their attacking hopes. He uses his body well to shield the ball and, at 6' 3'', carries an aerial threat as well. He needs to time his runs better, but will provide the USA backline with a tough test. If he scores he will become the second highest scorer in Slovenian history, moving clear of retired Saso Udovic.

USA player to watch: Clint Dempsey. After being gifted a goal against England, Dempsey will find his attacking talent utilised again on the left side of midfield, with Landon Donovan on the other. Comfortable on the ball, Dempsey's pace and skill when dribbling will ensure Miso Brecko endures a tough afternoon and he will be tasked with providing a lot of the creativity in the final third.

Key battle: Samir Handanovic v Tim Howard. If Slovenia keep a clean sheet then they will have one foot in the next round, so Handanovic will have to be on top form to stop a potent USA attack. The Udinese stopper has caught the eye in Italy this season and, at 6' 5'', is rarely beaten from crosses, while he is often one for the spectacular. At the other end, Everton goalkeeper Howard injured his ribs against England and should play through the pain barrier for his country. One of the best players on the pitch in the first game, his agility and reflexes - as well as his organisation from set pieces - will play a key part in USA's defence.

Trivia: USA are the fourth CONCACAF side to face Slovenia, who have previously played friendlies against Mexico, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago.

Stats: Slovenia have won seven of their last eight matches since losing to England in September. The USA have gone 11 consecutive matches without keeping a clean sheet.

Odds: Slovenia (3.80), USA (2.10) and the draw (3.25) are all on offer at Bet 365, but look for Landon Donovan to score first at 7.50.

Prediction: Slovenia have a real chance of qualifying if they can pull off a result here. Even a draw would be a good result, but USA should have enough in the bank to avoid an upset.

England v Algeria

Group C, 18:30 GMT, June 18, 2010

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

England go into the game against Algeria with the media spotlight well and truly on them after their 1-1 draw with USA. Headlines of 'The Hand of Clod' greeted goalkeeper Robert Green after his error gifted Clint Dempsey an equaliser and there has been much talk over who Fabio Capello will install as his No.1 - keep the faith with Green, or turn to the veteran David James?


It is an unusual situation for Capello's side to be under such pressure, especially after a qualifying campaign that saw them lose just once, but the Italian's secrecy over his team selection has not helped matters and the press have gone into overdrive, creating a frosty atmosphere with the coach that worsened when he snapped at photographers recently.

With injury issues surrounding Ledley King, Jamie Carragher has been called into action at the heart of the defence alongside John Terry and, worryingly, there is now a distinct lack of pace in the centre. Algeria are not blessed with speed at the back either and there were rumours before the game that Jermain Defoe could be given a chance to run at the defenders in place of the lumbering Emile Heskey, with Peter Crouch's height continuing to be used as an option off the bench.

With the pace of Lennon and Johnson down the right, Algeria will look to left-back Nadir Belhadj to hold off their attacks and use his own speed to push them back into their own half. A defensive 4-5-1 formation from their opening game against Slovenia suggests that they won't be pushing forward with that much gusto, but the defeat already on their record means they need a win and should be looking to score early and then sit back. Former Marseille star Karim Ziani will be key to Algeria's hopes in the final third and his combination play with striker Rafik Djebbour could prove their best hope of scoring, especially on the counter attack.

Although this will be the first meeting between England and Algeria, the Three Lions have kept a clean sheet in four of their five World Cup encounters against African sides.

England player to watch: Gareth Barry. A gaping hole in the England midfield was left when Barry went down with an ankle injury before the tournament, and Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were left to try to fill in against USA. Barry is fit again now, so the defensive midfield slot is assured and the balance of the England side is much better. The left-footer will be alongside Lampard, with Gerrard switched to the left, and suddenly England look capable of providing more of an attacking threat.

Algeria player to watch: Hassan Yebda. The 'heart and soul' of the team, Yebda's tracking back and tigerish tackling will assist in keeping the wing threat of England down. But he also has his own box of tricks and is a very capable crosser and dribbler of the ball. While he would want more in terms of a goal return, how he deals with Gerrard on the left of the midfield will determine how Algeria compete.

Key battle: Robert Green v David James v Joe Hart v Faouzi Chaouchi. A rather odd battle perhaps, but whichever England goalkeeper gets the nod in the end will have his hands full with the media spotlight and will be under pressure not to make a mistake. Green is expected to keep the gloves, despite his error against USA and conventional wisdom suggests James will take his place if he is dropped, although Hart has been the man in form of late. Algeria's Chaouchi is under his own pressure after his mistake against Slovenia gifted them the win, so the 'keepers at both ends of the pitch will be key to the game.

Trivia: Algeria's national anthem is called "Qassaman" - (The Pledge). Qassaman was written during Algeria's struggle for independence from French colonial rule. Seventeen of the 23 Algerian players were born in France.

Stats: England have never lost against an African team: 11 wins and four draws, while Algeria have never kept a clean sheet in seven World Cup matches.

Odds: England (1.25), Algeria (12.00) and the draw (6.25) are all on offer at Bet 365, but Steven Gerrard to score last at 8.00 looks a nice bet.

Prediction: England stuttered a bit in the first game, but then so did Algeria. If England get an early goal it will settle the nerves, otherwise it will be tough to break down the Algerian side.

Full-time - 90'
Germany
0 - 1
Serbia
Group D, 11:30 GMT, June 18, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Milan Jovanovic and Vladimir Stojkovic teamed up to re-ignite Serbia's World Cup campaign as much-praised Germany faltered.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Milos Krasic - A good attacking outlet for Serbia, Krasic's guile and skill down the right gave German defender Holder Badstuber a torrid afternoon. His cross to Zigic provided the goal and he was a constant threat, even when Serbia sat back and defended.

Germany verdict: Until the sending off they were excellent, but Klose's dismissal changed everything. Niggly fouls and tiredness played their part, but they continued to attack throughout, although the sense of injustice following the red card stopped them from focusing on getting back in the game.

Serbia verdict: Extremely lucky in both the sending off and the penalty save, Serbia knuckled down once they had a man advantage and offered very little by way of attacking intent. The result was all that mattered for them, but it was disappointing to see them fail to take control once Klose was off.

Could do better: Lukas Podolski - An incisive runner, Podolski was a threat down the left but all too often missed his chances to get Germany back in the game. The focal point of the attack after the sending off, his penalty was poor and his attitude was not impressive either.

Stat attack: Germany's last non-shootout penalty miss in the World Cup was by Uli Hoeness in 1974 versus Poland.

Jovanovic blasted home a 38th-minute winner from close range two minutes after Germany striker Miroslav Klose had been sent off, and Wigan keeper Stojkovic saved a second-half Lukas Podolski penalty to blow Group D wide open.

Each of the three games in the group to date has seen a red card, and Klose will be suspended for Wednesday's final first round clash with Ghana in Johannesburg as Serbia take on Australia in Nelspruit.

Germany arrived in Port Elizabeth having established themselves among the favourites to win the tournament once again following a crushing 4-0 defeat of the Socceroos in their first game, but with coach Joachim Low insisting he had not been completely satisfied by their performance in Durban.

Low's mood will have darkened considerably after an opening 45 minutes at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium during which little went right for his team.

Podolski blasted a seventh-minute volley just wide, but in a largely uninspiring first half, the fireworks came in the last nine minutes.

Spanish referee Alberto Undiano had issued the first of six yellow cards to Klose for a foul on Branislav Ivanovic with just 12 minutes gone, and it was the Germany striker who also collected the final caution of the opening 45 minutes for a trip on Serbia skipper Dejan Stankovic.

Things were to deteriorate further for the Germans within two minutes when impressive winger Milos Krasic picked out 6ft 6in striker Nikola Zigic at the far post and he headed down for Jovanovic to control in front of goal and steer the ball past stranded Germany keeper Manuel Neuer.

Low's men belatedly responded with midfielder Sami Khedira firing against the underside of the crossbar and Thomas Muller forcing a goal-line clearance from Aleksandar Kolarov with his follow-up in injury time, but Serbia held out.

Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil, who had started the game playing behind Klose, found himself pushed further forward after the break, but it was Podolski who shot across the face of goal within a minute of the restart.

For all they were a man short, it was Germany who made the running during the opening minutes of the second half, and it took a last-ditch challenge by Nemanja Vidic to prevent Bastian Schweinsteiger from collecting Philipp Lahm's superb 54th-minute through-ball.

Stojkovic spilled Schweinsteiger's well-struck shot seconds later and was grateful to see Podolski fire wide of the far post under pressure from Ivanovic with the Germans turning the screw.

But Stojkovic came to the rescue on the hour when, after Vidic had needlessly handled in the area, he dived to his left to save Podolski's spot-kick.

Serbia might have increased their lead, but Jovanovic's 67th-minute shot came back off the post and Zigic's header clipped the bar seven minutes later with Neuer beaten.

Stojkovic had to turn away substitute Marko Marin's deflected shot with 12 minutes remaining, but there was no way back for the Germans.

Full-time - 90'
Slovenia
2 - 2
United States
Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 18, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Slovenia went two up against USA after Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic goals, but Landon Donovan got one back before Michael Bradley rescued a point. Maurice Edu looked to have scored a winner for the Americans but it was controversially disallowed.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: - Michael Bradley. He may not have had the same impact in the first half, but the son of coach Bob was a key part of the USA's turnaround. It was fitting that he was the one to apply the finishing touch to grab the equaliser.

Slovenia verdict: A wonderful opening half with attacking football, neat moves and two goals. The pace of the game eventually caught up with the minnows, though, and when USA hit one back, they sat back and invited pressure. Luckily for them, the referee ruled Maurice Edu's goal out, for reasons best known to himself.

USA verdict: Awful in the first half, but whatever Bob Bradley said at half-time seemed to work and their attacking ambition was in full view. Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Landon Donovan as a front three can rattle anybody on their day, but questions will be asked where they were in the first 45 minutes.

Could do better: Samir Handanovic - As a goalkeeper you are expected to get everything behind the ball, whatever it takes to stop a shot. Therefore, when Landon Donovan was closing down on goal from a tight angle, Handanovic should have stood tall and taken the shot like a man. He didn't and Donovan blasted it past his ducking head to get the USA back on track.

Stat attack: It was the 13th time USA have conceded two or more goals in a World Cup game, losing 11 of the previous 12 games. Now they have a draw to add to the list.

It leaves all to play for in Group C going into the final round of matches. There was a very early stoppage when Clint Dempsey caught Ljubijankic with an elbow to the head as the pair challenged for a high ball near the halfway line. The Gent striker was fine to continue and Malian referee Koman Coulibaly opted to take no action against Dempsey.

Birsa created the first chance with a whipped cross from the right which Milivoje Novakovic failed to connect with on the volley, but the classy Slovenia number 10 took charge himself after 12 minutes. He was allowed to turn and take stock before curling a shot past the helpless Tim Howard from 25 yards, with no American defender going to close him down.

Francisco Torres tested Handanovic with a left-foot free-kick from a wide angle, with the Udinese goalkeeper probably expecting a ball into the box rather than a cross.

It lifted the US, who had Robbie Findley booked for a handball in the Slovenia box which ruled him out of the final group match against Algeria, and Slovenia full-back Miso Brecko had to get a vital touch to deny Donovan a far-post tap-in after a flowing move involving Altidore, Findley and Dempsey.

But in a flash Bob Bradley's men were 2-0 down as Novakovic slotted a pass through to strike partner Ljubijankic, who beat the offside trap and calmly rolled a right-foot shot under Howard. The US coach responded by bringing on Rangers midfielder Edu for Torres and Benny Feilhaber for Findley at the start of the second half.

Within three minutes of the restart the Americans had halved the deficit when right-back Steve Cherundolo's ball down the flank evaded Bostjan Cesar and Los Angeles Galaxy star Donovan raced into the box at an angle before drilling the ball hard and high past Handanovic at his near post.

Marko Suler then injured himself as he climbed over Altidore and from the resultant free-kick Dempsey's glancing header from Donovan's inswinging ball was just wide.

Howard then had to claw away a Birsa free-kick as Suler threatened to head it home and Suler was then involved at the other end to tackle Altidore after the former Hull loanee looked set to get clear of him just before the hour mark.

The game was now evenly poised and after Suler manhandled Altidore once too often for the referee's liking and was booked, the burly striker fired a shot straight at Handanovic. Andraz Kirm joined Suler in the book for going in late on Cherundolo and so too did Bojan Jokic for a clumsy foul on Donovan.

Bradley's final change was to bring on forward Herculez Gomez for defender Oguchi Onyewu as the US pressed for the leveller - and it was the coach's son who got it. Altidore climbed high to nod down a long ball into the box and Bradley junior sprinted into the box to fire past Handanovic and send the majority of the Ellis Park crowd into hysterics with eight minutes to go.

They thought they had a winner when Edu turned in Donovan's free-kick but the referee disallowed it, apparently seeing a tug in the box although both sides appeared equally guilty of that. Slovenia pushed forward for the glory goal and Aleksandar Radosavljevic forced an excellent parry from Howard from 25 yards as time ticked away.

Full-time - 90'
England
0 - 0
Algeria
Group C, 18:30 GMT, June 18, 2010

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

There was no happy birthday for Fabio Capello in Cape Town as England were booed by their own supporters following a dreadful performance against Algeria that leaves them needing to beat Slovenia to guarantee their World Cup progress.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: - Nadir Belhadj. He showed plenty of acceleration throughout and was always looking to get the cross in, causing Glen Johnson plenty of problems. In defence, he also made a crucial interception when Emile Heskey was through on goal. Karim Ziani was also impressive early on, pulling the strings in midfield, although he faded as the game went on.

England verdict: Completely outfought and constantly outnumbered in the middle of the field, England always seemed hurried and never had the opportunity to build their self-confidence. As the game went on, their passing grew steadily worse and worse. Despite having suffered similar problems using a 4-4-2 against a 4-5-1 in the first half of the warm-up match against Japan, it was surprising to see Fabio Capello so reluctant to bring on someone like Joe Cole or even Michael Carrick to help assert some control.

Algeria verdict: From the off, they looked more composed in possession and comfortable with their gameplan, restricting the space for England in midfield by playing a 4-5-1 formation and breaking at pace. While they never looked likely to win it, they will feel they have carried out their plans to perfection and were the better team on the night.

Could do better: Wayne Rooney - As so often for England, he looked frustrated and isolated, but even his usually assured touch completely deserted him against Algeria. With Emile Heskey putting in a poor performance, too, England's attacks constantly broke down as soon as they reached the front two.

Stat attack: Algeria had never kept a clean sheet in their previous seven World Cup matches.

Although they exerted some late pressure, if Capello's men had denied Algeria a point it would have been a massive injustice on a night when Franz Beckenbauer's assessment of England being a "kick and rush'' team was proved to be false. They weren't as good as that.

The maths are now quite simple. Beat Slovenia - when they will be without the suspended Jamie Carragher - in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday and England have scrambled their way into thes econd round. Fail and in all probability they will go home.

Having told the world he would not confirm the identity of his chosen goalkeeper until two hours before kick-off, it transpired Capello's mind had been made up by the final training session on Thursday night.

A couple of mistakes from Rob Green were enough to convince Capello the West Ham man could not be trusted, so David James was in for his first competitive start in 15 months.

Really though it was supposed to be a watching brief for the man who stood between the sticks. Against a side ranked 30th in the world, and from a continent that has never beaten England, in front of Prince William, the Three Lions were supposed to deliver a performance fit for a king.

How wrong that assumption was. England's lack of guile was embarrassing at times and it took Capello's men until three minutes before the break to retain possession for any decent period.

Every time they got hold of the ball, it seemed England were in a rush to get rid of it, or at least try to force something to happen, which ultimately amounted to the same thing.

Wayne Rooney did not appear fit and he certainly endured a frustrating time of it. Penalised after two muscular tangles, England's talisman eventually managed a shot when the opening period was in its death throes. Like so many England efforts, it was struck from the edge of the area and posed little threat.

The best chance fell Frank Lampard's way after Aaron Lennon's cross had been half-cleared by Rafik Halliche but it was saved.

For the first hour Algeria were the more inventive side. They were quicker, slicker, possessed greater imagination and incisive movement. In short, they were superior in all the technical aspects of the game.

After waiting so long for Gareth Barry to recover from his ankle injury, the England boss watched his preferred holding midfielder lose the ball to Karim Matmour.

Possession was quickly transferred upfield and after cutting inside Glen Johnson, Karim Ziani - a menace throughout - drilled his shot into the side-netting rather than testing James fully with the controversial Jabulani ball Capello hates so much.

The Italian could not have been happy, and the England supporters certainly weren't. And the second half did not start any better.

Steven Gerrard and Lampard both wasted possession after finding themselves in decent positions, while at the other end Carragher stuck out an arm to deny Hassan Yebda a chance to race into the box and was booked.

The yellow card had additional significance and means Capello must either turn to Matthew Upson for next Wednesday's encounter with unbeaten Slovenia, or hand Michael Dawson his debut.

Finally England's fitness was allowing them to dictate the game. Yet old failings remain and the introduction of additional pace in the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe could not rectify them.

After 83 minutes of fruitless toil, Capello turned to Peter Crouch. Back to the long ball, but even that did not work and Algeria stood firm, even coming close to winning the game themselves moments from the end.

Belhadj whipped a dangerous ball into the box, but with three Algerian players loitering with intent at the back post, James clung onto the ball like his life depended on it.

Ghana v Australia

Group D, 14:00 GMT, June 19, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

The display Australia put in as they went down to a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the opening game suggests that it cannot get much worse for the Socceroos. Ripped apart by the Germans, Australia now have to rebuild and somehow gather their confidence as they face a Ghana side who picked up Africa's first win at this year's World Cup by beating Serbia.


To add to the Socceroos' woes, they have to play the game without talisman Tim Cahill after he received a one-game ban for his sending off against the Germans. The Everton midfielder formed the focal point of their 4-6-0 formation and such a lack of attacking ambition will surely be punished again if Pim Verbeek does not alter his plans.

For their part, Ghana are flying after a hard-fought win over the Serbs and, although they did not set the world alight with their display, morale is at an all-time high. Shorn of Michael Essien before the tournament, Ghana have dealt well with his absence and will look to rework the history books by beating a side that are unbeaten in their last three meetings against them.

Ghana player to watch: Anthony Annan. He may play his club football in Norway, but Annan is one of the young stars of this Ghana side and does his best work in the centre of midfield winning the ball back. Rumoured to be on the radar of some big European clubs, he has a lot of strength for a man measuring just 5' 7'' and his tough-tackling and never-say-die attitude will be a key component in keeping the Australian attack quiet.

Australia player to watch: Lucas Neill. After a defensive performance against Germany that saw the former Blackburn defender screaming at anyone who would listen, he will have to do a lot better if he is to keep the Socceroo defence together. Alongside Craig Moore, Neill was guilty of playing a few German attackers onside, but he should be more confident of keeping a lid on the attacking ambitions of the Ghanaians.

Key battle: John Paintsil v Brett Emerton. They have come up against each other in the Premier League playing for Fulham and Blackburn respectively, and the battle down the flank at the World Cup could prove crucial. Paintsil likes to get forward when he can, while Emerton is a converted right back himself, so both are capable of making an impact at either end of the pitch. As Australia may not play with a recognised striker, Emerton's forays down the right will be key if they are to get behind the Ghana defence, but Paintsil is as committed as they come on the pitch - even if his reputation off it is that of dressing-room joker.

Trivia: Ghana have been awarded three penalties in just five World Cup finals games, and their last two goals came from the penalty spot (against USA in 2006 and Serbia in their 2010 opener).

Stats: Australia have won only one of their eight matches at World Cup finals and have failed to score in six of these fixtures, while Ghana are yet to draw after five games at the finals.

Odds: Ghana (2.00), Australia (3.80) and the draw (3.40) are all on offer at Bet 365, but Kevin-Prince Boateng could score first at 13.00.

Prediction: Australia were dire against Germany and something really has to change if they are to make an impact. Ghana are strong and talented and should overcome the Aussies.

Cameroon v Denmark

Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 19, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen slammed his side's attitude after their opening defeat to Japan, but some of the side's senior players have questioned the decision of the coach to play some of the young players in such a vital match. All is not well in the camp and, as Le Guen attempts to heal the divisions, Denmark arrive on the scene determined to press their claims for a spot in the next round.


In dire need of a win, both sides know that defeat here could end their World Cup campaigns, but Cameroon are in crisis as off-pitch criticism hinders their preparations and Denmark will view them as ripe for the picking.

The Danes were seen as favourites to come second in the group, but their opening defeat to the Dutch leaves them playing catch-up. They were exposed for a lack of creativity in midfield and something will have to change if they are to unlock the Cameroon defence, but a qualification campaign that saw off the likes of Portugal and Sweden proves they have the players to make an impact.

Cameroon player to watch: Alex Song. The Arsenal midfielder was left on the bench for the first game and they missed his presence in the middle of the pitch. A real ball-winner, Song's influence calms the Cameroon side and, when they have the ball, they can rest assured that he will provide the defence with cover. A good passer as well, he distributes the ball well and his inclusion is likely to stiffen the resolve of the Indomitable Lions.

Denmark player to watch: Nicklas Bendtner. A striker who blows hot and cold for club and country, he does not lack self-belief but, after a poor showing against Netherlands, he will be pushed further into the spotlight. A tall and agile frontman, he certainly gets himself into good positions but sometimes lacks the composure and finishing touch that make for a top-class striker. He will be under pressure to perform, but will fancy facing up against a shaky Cameroon defence.

Key battle: Samuel Eto'o v Simon Kjaer. After some pre-tournament build-up that suggested Eto'o may not even make the finals, he was marked out of the first game against Japan and did not make the impact he would have hoped for. However, now he will get his chance to play through the middle and will find himself up against one of the best young defenders in the business. The Palermo man is seeking his big move and most of Europe's elite are tracking him. How he handles one of Europe's best strikers could impact on where he ends up.

Trivia: Rigobert Song has racked up 135 caps with Cameroon. A defender now playing in the Turkish leagues, Song has the dubious distinction of being the youngest player ever sent off in the World Cup, aged 17.

Stats: Cameroon have won just one of their last 11 matches at World Cup finals, and have lost the last two without scoring. Denmark have always qualified for the knockout stages in their previous World Cup participations (1986, 1998 and 2002).

Odds: Ghana (2.87), Australia (2.50) and the draw (3.25) are all on offer at Bet 365, but a 2-1 win to Denmark will get you 10.00.

Prediction: Both historical encounters between Cameroon and Denmark have ended 2-1 with each team winning once, so this one is too close to call. With Cameroon's issues off the pitch, 2-1 to Denmark looks a realistic outcome.

Full-time - 90'
Netherlands
1 - 0
Japan
Group E, 11:30 GMT, June 19, 2010

Durban Stadium

Wesley Sneijder's second-half goal handed Holland a narrow win over Japan in their second Group E match and put the Oranje within reach of the last 16 of the World Cup.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - In a game that was largely bereft of excitement, Sneijder produced the stand-out moment as his vicious effort proved too much for Eiji Kawashima. The Inter Milan playmaker was his usual cultured self in possession and worked hard for his team in an unspectacular game.

Netherlands verdict: The World Cup is still waiting for the Oranje to bloom. Having beaten Denmark 2-0 in their opening game, Bert van Marwijk's side took a significant step towards qualification and should now top the group, but they are steady rather than spectacular. This was not a convincing performance from the country that brought us Total Football.

Japan verdict: Japan were widely expected to struggle at the World Cup following an abysmal build-up to the finals, but they have hardly disgraced themselves so far. A 1-0 win in their opening game against Cameroon means this defeat can be swiftly forgotten, but Okada's side were not overwhelmed against superior opposition and defended resolutely for much of the game. In Honda, Hasebe and Matsui they also have talent in attack and could have snatched a late equaliser.

Could do better: Eiji Kawashima - Sneijder executed his shot well but the Japan goalkeeper should have saved the effort. Instead, the ball squirmed in off his left glove. Kawashima denied Afellay late on with a fine stop but his mistake cost his side a point.

Stat attack: Netherlands have won all nine of their competitive games in which Sneijder has scored.

After a frustrating opening half for the Dutch side, they finally broke through in the 53rd minute with Sneijder's stinging drive deflected by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into his own net.

Japan had the best chance to level the score one minute from time but an unmarked substitute Shinji Okazaki fired over the bar from just 10 yards as Holland held on for victory.

The Oranje, who had a sea of supporters at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, dominated possession but had just one shot on goal in the opening half. Rafael van der Vaart's 25-yard shot towards the near post proved an easy save for Kawashima.

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk fielded the same line-up that beat Denmark 2-0 in their group opener, with Van der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt playing in support of forward Robin Van Persie.

Holland dominated the early exchanges and created the first chance after four minutes when Van Persie's teasing cross from the left flashed across the goal and just eluded Liverpool striker Kuyt. Shortly after, Sneijder's curled free-kick went over the bar.

At the other end, Yuto Nagatomo's right-footed strike from the edge of the area went wide.

On the half-hour mark, Yuji Nakazawa did well to clear Giovanni van Bronckhorst's cross from the right with Van Persie waiting inside the area. Soon after, Keisuke Honda nodded high from Daisuke Matsui's free-kick. Tulio Nataka then latched onto Yasushito Endo's free-kick and his header went wide as Japan got closer.

Japan first tested Maarten Stekelenburg in the 37th minute, with Matsui's volley forcing a save from the Holland goalkeeper. Five minutes before the break, Honda wasted a good chance when he fired a 40-yard strike way over the bar.

Holland pressed forward more aggressively after the break and Van Persie twice had the chance to break the deadlock. His weak header from Van Bronckhorst's cross proved an easy save for Kawashima and seconds later, the Arsenal striker fired wide from 15 yards.

Holland took the lead soon after. A poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net.

Japan reacted and Yoshito Okubo forced a good save from Stekelenburg with a stinging drive from 25 yards. Shortly after, Okubo fired over the bar as the Blue Samurai surged for the equaliser.

With 15 minutes remaining, the ever-present Okubo shot wide of the far post as another opportunity went by for Japan.

Substitute Ibrahim Afellay twice had the chance to put the game beyond Japan's reach in the latter stages of the match but his close-range efforts were denied by Kawashima.

With seconds left to play, Okazaki struck wide from close-range, much to the relief of the Dutch fans.

Full-time - 90'
Ghana
1 - 1
Australia
Group D, 14:00 GMT, June 19, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

Ten-man Australia kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup alive after a dogged second-half display earned them a point against Ghana in Rustenburg.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Asamoah Gyan - The Ghana striker's credentials have been questioned in recent months but he now boasts two goals in two World Cup games, albeit both from the penalty spot. Gyan put in a purposeful performance and was a menace throughout. He just pips his excellent team-mate Andre Ayew to the award.

Ghana verdict: The Black Stars started in sluggish fashion and were unable to take full advantage of the red card shown to Harry Kewell. Their second-half performance left something to be desired as they allowed Australia to gain a foothold in the game, missing the chance to take a huge step towards the last 16.

Australia verdict: After looking so devoid of inspiration against Germany, this was a vast improvement by Pim Verbeek's side. Australia found themselves down to ten men for the second game in succession but refused to buckle this time, and could have snatched an unlikely win in the latter stages of the contest.

Could do better: Referee Roberto Rosetti - The Italian was responsible for one of the worst mistakes in the World Cup so far as he inexplicably missed a superb save by Mark Schwarzer when deciding that a shot from Kevin-Prince Boateng had merely gone out for a goal-kick. Shocking.

Stat attack: Brett Holman is the youngest ever goalscorer for Australia in the World Cup, beating Tim Cahill by 105 days.

Harry Kewell was sent off for the Socceroos midway through the first half after referee Roberto Rosetti deemed he had used his arm to keep out a certain goal for Jonathan Mensah after 23 minutes.

Asamoah Gyan made no mistake with the resulting penalty to cancel out an earlier strike from Brett Holman at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as the two sides went on to end the Group D encounter with a point each.

At the start Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was forced into two changes in the key centre-back area, where Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah were ruled out, with Jonathan Mensah and Lee Addy drafted in instead.

There were changes from Pim Verbeek too - four in total with Holman, Marco Bresciano and Kewell amongst them - and it clearly made a difference from the outset.

Australia looked hungry and Kewell had an early penalty shout turned down after a nervous Addy was almost dispossessed in the box.

More suspect defending saw Addy and goalkeeper Richard Kingson collide after pressure from another chasing Australian, before the deadlock was broken.

Carl Valeri was brought down by Anthony Annan just outside the box and Bresciano's free-kick was fumbled by the Ghanaian goalkeeper allowing Holman to swoop.

The Black Stars slowly began to recover and came close after 20 minutes when Andre Ayew and then Gyan saw their shots deflected over.

Then came the turning point of the game - Ayew's trickery down the right allowing him to lay the ball on for Jonathan Mensah, whose shot was kept out by the hand of Kewell.

Referee Rosetti had no hesitation in sending off the forward and Gyan easily dispatched the penalty by sending Mark Schwarzer the wrong way.

The goal came in the 24th minute and moments later Prince Tagoe had a good chance to put his side in front, but dragged his long-range strike wide.

Schwarzer made a fine save moments before half-time when he turned Boateng's strike wide to ensure his side head into the break level.

After the restart Kwadwo Asamoah wastefully shot wide after a promising counter-attack, while Gyan showed good accuracy from distance with a low shot that was not cleanly gathered by the Australia goalkeeper, who was fortunate not to have had any attacking players close by.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie replaced Tagoe in the 56th minute, but Ghana were still restricted to long-range shooting - Rennes striker Gyan again sending in a comfortable shot for Schwarzer to deal with.

Scott Chipperfield was brought on ten minutes later and had a great chance to make an immediate impact when Luke Wilkshire swung over a cross from the right, but the free header went flying over.

When the Ghanaians did manage to get into the box, Gyan sliced wide after a neatly threaded pass from Boateng.

Verbeek's side had another great chance to take the lead after 73 minutes when Wilkshire was played in on the right, but Kingson did well to close down the shot and then acrobatically save the much easier rebound shot from substitute Joshua Kennedy.

Sulley Muntari was introduced but by then there was more defending to do for the Inter Milan midfielder with Australia throwing everything forward.

With time running out, Jonathan Mensah headed wide, while Quincy forced Schwarzer to punch over his 18-yard shot as the game finished 1-1.