Preview: Ghana vs. Australia

THE BIG PICTURE
Australia were absolutely mullered in their first game, 4-0 by Germany. Factor in Tim Cahill’s red card and his suspension for today, and you can see the problems mounting. Midfielder Cahill was easily the Socceroos main source of goals, and apparently Pim Verbeek’s solution to his team’s lack of strikers. One option is Harry Kewell of Always Injured FC. Apparently “Socceroos medicos believe Kewell, who is down on match fitness having played just 58 minutes of football since December, has no more than 45 minutes of football in him.” There’s a potential fairy tale ending there, but only if you like fairy tales where famous players play injured and have disappointing games. More at Australia World Cup Blog.

Ghana won their first game, beating Serbia 1-0. Obviously there’s no Michael Essien, but the after the way what I’m calling the A-Team: Kwadwo Asamoah, André Ayew and Anthony Annan played against Serbia, they seem to be coping just fine without him. More at Ghana World Cup Blog.

WHAT’S AT STAKE
Australia’s whole World Cup is at stake. If they don’t win here, I’d argue their minus four goal difference makes it impossible to advance with only three of four points. Ghana should be confident of a win, and their six points would be enough to play Germany in the final game without too much pressure.