We have Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia. Germany often do well in the World Cup, so will be the clear favourites to win it, but Serbia have stars from many top teams and Ghana and Australia have talented players too. A match to watch will be Germany v Ghana were there is a possibility that brothers Kevin Prince and Jerome Boateng will go head to head.
Key men: With Ballack out, they will have to rely on players like Bastian Schweinsteiger. He will be vital for them. New skipper Phillip Lahm is one of the best full backs around, but many are questioning manager Low's decision to name him captain. If Miraslov Klose scores four in this tournament, he will be the new world cup highest scorer.
Story of qualifying: They won their group, four points ahead of Russia. They didn't lose a game, but a worrying point might be that they failed to beat Finland at all.
How will they do?: It's a tough group but come on, it's the Germans. 1st
Key men: Harry Kewell is a major player for them, but their most important must be Tim Cahill. The Everton man has had a good season and will hope to carry on his form into the tournament. I didn't know he played for Australia until a few years ago. Not because I didn't know he was Australian but because on Championship Manager 01-02 he is retired from international football.
Story of qualification: They topped their group without losing, drawing twice. They had no problems at all.
How will they do?: They will look to improve on a second round exit in 2006 (against the eventual winners, Italy) but I can't see it. 3rd
Key men: Like Germany, Ghana are missing their most influential player. It's worse for Ghana though, because they rarely have one of the best players in the world. Without Essien, skipper Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari will be two key midfielders who will be desperate to shine in Essien's absence. They have a good solid defender in John Mensah, who scored an own goal when he played Wolves for sunderland but he is struggling with injury. And, as I previously mentioned, Kevin Prince Boateng is in the Ghana squad.
Story of qualification: They topped their group, in a pretty easy one. They finished three points clear of Benin, and four clear of Freddie Kanoute's Mali.
How will they do?: Without Essien, it doesn't look good. They won't give up easily, but I don't think they will be able to replicate their 2006 performance. 4th
Key men: Their captain is recent Champions League winner Dejan Stankovic at Inter. He will pull the strings in midfield alongside Wolves star Nenad Milijas. Watch out for his set piece ability, his free kicks cause havoc. They have two great defenders in Ivanovic and Vidic, they will be the centre back pairing. Six foot eight striker Nikola Zigic is sure to be a menace up front.
Story of qualifying: They finished above controversial qualifiers France. By a point. They beat them once and drew with them to secure qualification.
How will they do?: I think this team can go far. They have some great players and a good team spirit. 2nd
I think I could have predicted all of the wrong. It's that tight. What do you think?
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