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This is an archive article published on June 23, 2010
Tough task for Australia to qualify
Australia suffered a red card in each of its opening matches,while Serbia conceded penalties in both of its games.
Written by Associated Press
Nelspruit | June 23, 2010 02:07 AM IST
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2 min read
Australia and Serbia have already experienced the highs and lows of this World Cup ahead of their decisive Group D encounter on Wednesday. Australia suffered a red card in each of its opening matches,while Serbia conceded penalties in both of its games.
But on the positive side,Serbia bounced back from an opening defeat against Ghana to beat Germany,while Australias 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Germans was followed by a battling 1-1 draw with ten men against Ghana. After those ups and downs,both sides are left in the position of knowing defeat in Wednesdays match at Nelspruits Mbombela stadium could equal an early flight home.
Australia needs to win and also rely on a favorable result in the simultaneous Ghana-Germany game to reach the round of 16. If Australia and Ghana both win,Australia is through. If Germany wins,Australia must beat Serbia and hope its goal difference is boosted and Ghanas reduced by a sum of five goals.
A Germany-Ghana draw would leave Australia having to win by seven goals.
For Serbia,a win guarantees progression,while a draw would also do the job provided Ghana wins. Not much separates the two sides according to FIFAs rankings; Serbia is in 15th spot,with the Australians five places further back. Australias preparation has been hampered by suspensions to two key players. Forward Harry Kewell will miss out after his red card against Ghana.
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