Ghana vs. Australia World Cup: Ghana Can All but Clinch Spot in Round of 16

So far in this 2010 FIFA World Cup, we have seen some great play and some surprises as we have finished the first week of the World Cup.

However, the most surprising fact has to be that the African sides have really struggled in South Africa to this point, with only Ghana registering a win.

But now, Ghana will have their second World Cup match, as they play the Socceroos of Australia in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

With Ghana and Australia's World Cup fate on the line in this match, here is my official preview of what should be a fantastic Group D match.

First Match:

Serbia 0, Ghana 1

Germany 4, Australia 0

Team News:

Ghana:

For Ghana, they will have the services of Sulley Muntari after Muntari missed the first match due to a thigh injury.

Australia:

The absence of Tim Cahill after a controversial red card against Germany has opened the door for Harry Kewell to start.

What is on the line:

Ghana:

For Ghana, it is their chance to get a favorable road in the knockout stage with a win.

Australia:

Meanwhile for Australia, a loss here would end their World Cup dreams and could cause the Socceroos to finish last overall.

Key Players:

Ghana:

For Ghana, their goalscorer from the win against Serbia (Asamoah Gyan) will be the player to watch.

The reason why was that Gyan was instrumental in forcing pressure onto the Serbian backline, and this match could only increase his stock as a great Ghanaian player.

Australia:

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer looked like an ancient goalkeeper against Germany in what was one of his worst matches of his career.

Now, the Socceroos keeper must be great in goal like he was in 2006 for Australia to win here.

What each side must do to win:

Ghana:

Ghana have to have a strong offensive match and have to take advantage of a weak Aussie defense here.

Australia:

The Socceroos must forget about Germany and pretend that the World Cup starts here. By doing this and having a strong defensive effort, they could win.

Biggest key to victory:

Ghana:

The strong play of their defense. The defense for the Black Stars was spectacular against Serbia, and must play great again here.

Australia:

Play strong defensively and make sure to capitalize on the counterattack.

Projected Lineups:

Ghana (4-2-3-1)

                                                        Kingson

               Pantsil                Mensah                        Vorsah                 Sarpei

                                         Annan                        Muntari

                      Tagoe                        Asamoah                        Ayew

                                                         Gyan

Australia (4-4-2)

                                      Kennedy                      Kewell

            Emerten               Bresciano                     Grella                  Culina

           Wilkshire                  Neill                          Moore              Chipperfield

                                                    Schwarzer

X-Factor:

The X-Factor here will be the weather in Rustenburg.

With the match starting at 16:00 South African time, the temperature will be dropping at a constant rate with sunset near and the days in South Africa getting shorter.

Now, who will be better equipped to play now in this match?

Prediction:

Right now, the Socceroos are not nearly as formidable of a side without the services of Tim Cahill.

With Cahill, Australia had a chance, but they will lose to a Ghana side that will all but clinch a spot in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win, raising their total to six points in Group D and sole position of the top spot.