Germans will be Germans.

Germany win the group by beating Ghana 1-0. Ghana qualify in second after Serbia fail to beat the Australians, which is a damning indictment of the Serbians attacking prowess rather that the Australians abilities, they've been average at best this tournament, and by calling themselves the 'Socceroos' make everyone else hate them. Personally I think the name 'shackle-draggers' would've been more appropriate, especially with the distinct lack of pace show throughout this World Cup. Anyway enough about them.

Ghana are a curious outfit, probably the only African team to progress to the last 16 but they seem very reluctant to score from open play, 2 goals scored, both from penaltes. They love to creat chances, they love to create plays up to the edge of the box. then they love to shoot when they should pass, they love to cut inside with an overlap available. They love to pass when they should shoot, and they love to turn chances into goal kicks. How many opportunities did they create without troubling the goalkeeper. How many times did the turn the Germans inside out? How many times did they make the german midfield looks pedestrian, and yet can thy score. NO. Kevin Prince Boateng is a gifted footballer in anyones eyes, so naturally talented, and yet his decision making is on a par with my 7 year old nephew. h's strong, he's quick, he's go great feet and more tattoos that Beckham. But that final ball just eludes him, how Ghana missed the able Appiah beside him,or the irrepressible Essien, just to give him some support, some maturity, some option. Or to start Muntari for his experience. They can beat the USA, they can beat them comfortably, Ghaa are more instinctive footballers, they look like they should play, not like they've been taught, and that is part of the reason they can give anyone a game at this tournament. They carry the hopes of Africa and a quarter-final place is certainly within reach. I for one will be a Black Star until it returns to West Africa.

But what of Germany. They started so strong, though flattered by the pedestrian Australians. From there it's been shakey from the usually efficient Germans. Youngest squad ever taken to a tourament, and some would say the most entertaining. Schweinsteiger was dominant in the first game, but once he was put under some real pressure the loss of Ballack becomes more apparent - who knew! Ozil is a player of quality and with an exceptionally bright future ahead of him. The strike for the only goal of the game against Ghana took real composure and skill. He's a cracking player and is in a team tat won't peak until the next World Cup, they're exciting and adventurous, with players like Muller, Ozil, Khedira, Lahm and Neuer all to mature they really are a team to watch for the next Euro's and then World Cup. The game against England could and should be a really exciting game. you've got a team that's at it's last tournament together, and have (apparently) underachieved, against a team that is young and on the way up. It's unfortunate in a sense as one of them has to leave, and so far this is far from Europe's World Cup with two of the traditional 'powerhouses' going home bottom of their group. It's hard to see either England or Germany winning the tournament, but whoever comes out of this game the victors will have great confidence going forward to meet the goal shy Argentinians.