Germany vs. Australia in Durban Stadium in Durban, South Africa 2:30 PM EST Sunday June 13. 2010

Match Odds: Germany 1.50 / Australia 7.00 / Draw 4.20 Over/Under: 2.5 goals Moneyline: Germany -265 / Australia +650 / Draw +320

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In both teams first match in Group D on Sunday night in South Africa 3-time World Cup champion takes on Australia. The Aussies had their best World Cup showing in 2006 when they advanced to the knockout phase and put up a fight losing to eventual champion Italy 1-0 on a penalty kick in injury time.

The Socceroos, as the Australians are called, have almost the same squad they did in 2006, but they are not coming into the World Cup playing great soccer. Even though they played 2 countries that will be playing in South Africa they have lost their last 2 matches and in those 2 matches only scored 1 goal.

Germany is the odds-on favorite to win Group D, but their odds slipped a little a while back, as they lost a couple of defenders and captain Michael Ballack to injuries. The loss of Ballack may hurt, as he is not only the team captain, but also the leader of the midfield and he is one of the best at his position in the world. However, Germany has played two solid European teams in their last 2 friendlies and won both matches by a combined score of 6-1.

Australia plays great team soccer, but lacks the talent that the Germans have, which is why they are the big underdogs in this match. They cannot allow the German midfielders to dominate the match in terms of time of possession, as if they do they are in a for a long night.

Germany has looked great heading into the World Cup and even with their losses due to injury they have way too much talent to lose to an inferior team like Australia. I think the Socceroos may keep it close for a while, but Germany's offense will score at least three goals in this match and their defense will not concede any. Germany will win this match rather handily.