Nobody who saw this Australian side taken apart by Germany in the opening game at Durban could have thought that Pim Verbeek’s men would have any chance of a place in the knockout stages. Technically, they do, although they will have to beat Serbia and hope Ghana overcome the Germans in Soccer City. To do this, you imagine they would have to keep 11 players on the pitch, something the Socceroos have failed to do in either of their first two matches. However, Tim Cahill, harshly dismissed in Durban, will return and there can be no better news for Verbeek’s often beleagured side. 

Serbia’s two games thus far have been decided by penalties, the one Asamoah Gyan scored for Ghana and the one Lukas Podolski saw saved by Vladimir Stojkovic in Port Elizabeth. However, while focusing on Podolski’s failure, it would be wrong to ignore the contribution made by both Dejan Stankovic and Nikola Zigic, who have both signed contracts to play in the Premier League next season. They might fancy their chances to do some damage against an Australian defence that has proved fallible.

Australia have been thoroughly overshadowed by New Zealand in this competition, something that can only cause angst in Sydney and Melbourne. However, they showed enough fighting qualities following Harry Kewell’s dismissal against Ghana to convince them that they can get something against a Serb side that realistically has to go for the win in Nelspruit. They may cancel each other out. Verdict: Draw.