Preview: Australia – Serbia

(GSM) – After breathing some life into their respective campaigns, Serbia and Australia face off in a crucial Group D match on Wednesday in Nelspruit.

Serbia got the benefit of a card-happy referee and a missed penalty as they beat a 10-man German squad to give them a vital three points in their last game.

As a result, Serbia control their own destiny as a win will ensure Ratomir Antic’s side progress to the Round of 16 despite losing their opener to Ghana.

Australia, meanwhile, earned a 1-1 draw with Ghana despite playing with 10 men after Harry Kewell’s dismissal, though their road to the next round is far tougher.

The Soccerroos must win to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout rounds, and they also must then hope that Ghana knock off Germany to go through in second place.

As a result of his red card, Kewell is banned. The same goes for defender Craig Moore after picking up two bookings already in the tournament.

There is a huge boost, however, as Tim Cahill returns after a one-match ban for his red card against Germany in their opener. Vince Grella, however, will miss out due to injury.

Serbia, meanwhile, have no absences to concern themselves with as Aleksandar Lukovic is back in the team after serving a one-match ban of his own.