Predictions: Day 3

Match 1: Algeria v Slovenia (7 am est/4 am pst)

This match is of great interest to the Americans as their fellow group mates play in their first game. The Slovenians are led by stellar Keeper Samir Handanovic and Midfielder Robert Koren. Algeria is paced by Midfielder Karim Ziani and Forward Abdelkader Ghezzal. I see this game being relatively close as both teams have quality across the board. Algeria has shown the propensity to play somewhat dirty and also very emotionally, so the Slovenians will look to take advantage of that. Algeria is dealing with distraction, as captain Yazid Mansouri was benched for a lack of form and fitness. When told of the news, he left training immediately.

Prediction: Slovenia 2 Algeria 1

Match 2: Serbia v Ghana (9: 30 est/6: 30 pst)

This has the potential to be one of the most exciting and intriguing matches of the first round. The Ghanians is missing captain and best player Michael Essien to injury but still bring loads of class to the pitch in the form of Sulley Muntari, John Paintsil, and Stephen Appiah. Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, and Neven Subotic form a defense for Serbia that is considered one of the most talented in the world, and Midfield maestro Dejan Stankovic is pure class in the midfield. Forwards Nikola Zigic and Danko Lazovic form a very potent tandem up top that cause problems due to their sheer heights (6'7 and 6'1 respectively). The loss of Essien is paramount for The Black Stars, but their overall pace and youth could cause Serbia trouble. I see Serbia edging Ghana in a very up and down game chalk full of excitement and drama.

Prediction: Serbia 3 Ghana 2

Match 3: Germany v Australia (2 pm est/11:00 am pst)

The final match on Sunday pits a very youthful and inexperienced German side against a veteran Aussie squad. The loss of Midfielder and captain Michael Ballack hurts Germany as they've lost 3 starters over the last month to injury, but they still retain some great talent. Twenty-one year old Midfielder Mesut Ozil is an absolute dynamo and terror on the flank and looks to be the next German star at a big club. Along with Ozil, Germany will rely on stalwart Bastian Schweinsteiger and the experienced tandem up top of Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski. Out of the 23 man roster that Coach Joachim Low assembled, an astounding 15 are twenty-five years old or younger. The Kickeroos bring a team that has a nice blend of youth and experience. The team relies on Forward Tim Cahill and Midfielder Harry Kewell. Kewell, when healthy is a very impressive player but he is coming off of an injury and hasn't featured for a while. Australia hopes he will be healthy enough to start come Sunday. Keeper Mark Schwarzer is a very good goalkeeper, but the backline is very susceptible to speed. They were exposed numerous times a week ago by the United States in a friendly. I see the overall class of the Germans shining in this game even if they are an extremely young side. The midfield of the Germans will push the ball forward and I see them attacking the Aussies early and often.

Prediction: Germany 3 Australia 1

JOGA BONITO