Preview: Ghana – Australia

(GSM) – Following Germany’s defeat to Serbia, there is life for Australia after all in Group D when they square off with Ghana in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon.

Also with Germany’s defeat, Ghana could go clear at the top of the group with a victory over the Aussies, who were beaten 4-0 by Die Mannschaft in their opener. Ghana secured a 1-0 victory over Serbia thanks to a late penalty.

A win would go a long, long way toward assuring the Black Stars of their second consecutive knockout round berth, and the squad is in great shape as there are no injuries to report for Milovan Rajevac’s men.

As an added boost, Sulley Ali Muntari is expected to get called into the starting XI at the expense of Kwadwo Asamoah, though Rajevac has not yet announced if this will be the case.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek will need to re-assess and reload, but he will have to do so without the services of Tim Cahill, who is suspended after being harshly sent off against Germany.

This could mean the introduction of injury-riddled Harry Kewell into the starting line-up, but Verbeek is also expected to shake up his midfield and attack after an abysmal showing against Germany.

For Ghana, both Isaac Vorsah and Prince Tagoe will want to avoid bookings lest they be suspended for the final group game against the Germans.

Australia, meanwhile, have Craig Moore, Lucas Neill and Carl Valeri all on yellow cards.