3 Games, 9 Points. It's Not Impossible For Australia at The World Cup.

After such a memorable performance in Germany 2006, you'd expect the Socceroos to improve on that in South Africa 2010. However, most people have already written them off. The squad is aged, the opponents may look harder and now the weight of expectation is bearing down on Pim Verbeek and his men. But there is hope, and reason for why the Socceroos can escape into the second round. Hell, they can even win all 3 games. First up is Germany: managed by Joachim Low and led by Chelsea enforcer Michael Ballack. You'd expect us to lose this one. But Germany always start slow in World Cups, they never look like potential winners until suddenly the semi-finals arrive and they are still there. They do have good players all over the park, but no real world class game breakers of the past German sides such as Oliver Kahn or Jurgen Klinsmann. If there was ever a time to beat Germany, it will be in this first game. They will not take us lightly, but Australia can combat their physicality and sneak a 1-0 win before they even get started. The key will be for Craig Moore and Lucas Neill to combat the aerial presence of big men such as Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez. The Black Stars of Ghana also present a physical challenge but the big question mark lies around Chelsea star Michael Essien. He has been named in the squad but hasn't played since January, so don't be surprised if he struggles to be full strength come this game. Without him, Ghana are still a internationally competitive side, but Essien brings that confidence and stability to this side. This should be the easiest of the three games for the Australians, so perhaps a 2-1 win with Ghana just unable to get going without the power of Essien. Serbia represents a different challenge altogether. They are technically very sound, well drilled and will be strong in defence with Vidic and Ivanovic, both in the prime of their careers and tough to break down. But they are weak in midfield, and the Socceroos are stacked there with Cahill, Bresciano, Culina, Grella and Emerton all having played with each other for the national team for several years. This is where the Socceroos can win this game, dominate the middle of the park and grab a goal when Serbia begin to tire. I'm not saying this is what will happen, it may well not and the Socceroos could finish bottom of the group. But there are ways for Australia to win this group, mentality and composure will be crucial and for all you pessimists, have hope and bring on South Africa.