World Cup Preview: Serbia, Ghana Face Each Other in Group D Battle in Pretoria

Going into this World Cup, there has been much debate over who will finish alongside Germany in advancing from Group D.

Since the World Cup draw on December 4, this matchup in Pretoria has been portrayed as the match of who will finish alongside Germany.

This matchup is between two great sides, as Serbia will face Ghana in this titanic clash in the nation's capital.

With this in mind, here is my official match preview of this Group D clash between Serbia and Ghana from the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria .

What is on the line:

Serbia:

For Serbia, they know that this will be their best chance to secure second spot in Group D.

That would turn out to be major for Serbia after their last place finish in 2006.

Ghana:

Ghana have the expectations of a continent on the line here in Pretoria on this night, and this will be the opportunity to show that they could make a deep run here in South Africa.

Key Players:

Serbia:

For Serbia, the player to watch will be, without question, Nemanja Vidic.

Vidic is considered to be one of the top central defenders on the plane, and as the rock of the Serbian defense, he must perform well against Ghana.

Ghana:

For Ghana, their key player will be Sulley Muntari.

Muntari did not have the best year ever with Inter, but now he is Ghana's top man with Michael Essien out of the World Cup, and must perform well for the Black Stars.

What each side must do to win:

Serbia:

The White Eagles must rely on playing a strong offensive match, but also must have Vidic to continue to build off his great qualifying campaign here.

Ghana:

Ghana must maintain possession for as long as they can and be sure to utilize the wings on the passes to keep Vidic out of the match as long as possible.

Biggest key to victory:

Serbia:

Serbia just need a strong offensive effort and use all of their chances to the best of their ability.

Ghana:

Ghana must keep the ball away from the middle and rely on strong crosses.

Projected Lineups:

Serbia (4-4-2)

                                                      Stojkovic

           Ivanovic                   Vidic                      Lukovic                 Obradovic

             Krasic                Stankovic                    Milijas                   Jovanovic

                                         Zigic                      Pantelic

Ghana (4-4-2)

                                       A. Gyan                     Tagoe

       D. Boateng             K. P. Boateng                  Appiah                   Muntari

          Inkoom               John Mensah                   Vorsah                    Pantsi

                                                      Kingson

X-Factor:

The X-factor here has to be the African advantage.

So far, it wasn't so kind to Nigeria against Argentina, but will it show in this match?

Prediction:

Overall, this is a pretty even match with two sides that will try not to do too much.

With that in mind, I do see two goals scored here, but the final score will be a 1-1 draw.