05 December,2009 10:17 AM IST | | AFP
Despite an unbeaten qualifying campaign, Germany coach Joachim Loew insists his side can take nothing for granted as they front up to Australia, Ghana and Serbia in World Cup Group D.
Germany have never lost to any of their three future opponents in previous meetings, but Loew insists he is taking nothing for granted.
"I wouldn't say we were too lucky with the draw," said Loew, who succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann as head coach after the 2006 World Cup.
"It's not going to be an easy section, but it's certainly not beyond us. What strikes me is that it's a very balanced group."
Germany open their Group D against Australia in Pretoria on June 13, then play Serbia in Rustenburg on June 19 before the pool stage final game against Ghana at Johannesburg's Soccer City on June 23.
Led by Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, Germany face a potential banana skin in their opening game against the Australians, who reached the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup.
After Australia's 32-year absence from the world stage, it took a penalty deep into injury-time for eventual champions Italy to overcome the Socceroos in 2006 and continue their run to the crown.
Under coach Pim Verbeek and with star player Tim Cahill of Everton, the Socceroos impressed in a 14-match Asian qualification campaign by overcoming some of the continent's best to finish top of their group and be one of the first nations to reach South Africa.
Germany were also given a scare when they beat Australia 4-3 in the Confederations Cup in 2005 in their last meeting, when a late Lukas Podolski goal proved to be the winner.
Serbia deserve some respect for the way they dominated their qualifying group and forced France to qualify through the play-offs.
Widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic is a rock at the heart of the Serbian backline and his side are tipped to cause an upset in South Africa.
As the only African side to get out of the group stage at the 2006 World Cup and the first to qualify for South Africa 2010, Ghana are anxious to prove themselves.
This will be only their second appearance at the finals, but last time out the Black Stars beat the Czech Republic and the USA before falling to Brazil.
Although Ghana lack the attacking firepower of many African sides, they rely most prominently on a world-class midfield led by Michael Essien and coach Milovan Rajevic is backing his side to make the second round.
