Serbia, Australia fight to stay in World Cup

NELSPRUIT, South Africa (AP):

Australia and Serbia have already experienced the highs and lows of this World Cup ahead of their decisive Group D encounter today.

Australia suffered a red card in each of their opening matches, while Serbia conceded penalties in both of their games.

But on the positive side, Serbia bounced back from an opening defeat against Ghana to beat Germany, while Australia's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Germans was followed by a battling 1-1 draw with 10 men against Ghana.

After those ups and downs, both sides are left in the position of knowing defeat in today's match at Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium could equal an early flight home.

Australia need to win and also rely on a favourable result in the simultaneous Ghana-Germany game to reach the round of 16. If Australia and Ghana both win, Australia are through. If Germany win, Australia must beat Serbia and hope their goal difference is boosted and Ghana's 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 win.

Not much separates the two sides according to FIFA's rankings. Serbia are in 15th spot, with the Australians five places further back.

Australia's preparation has been hampered by suspensions to two key players. Forward Harry Kewell will miss out after his red card against Ghana and experienced defender Craig Moore is sidelined after picking up two yellow cards.

"They still have good players in the reserves, but these two are big players for them," Serbia captain Dejan Stankovic said. "We will try to use that to our advantage."

The brighter news for Australia is that attacking midfielder Tim Cahill is available after serving a one-match ban for his red card against the Germans.

Cahill averages a goal every second game for the Socceroos and his ability to arrive late in the box from midfield is among the national team's principal weapons.

Serbia can count on players from some of Europe's top clubs. Nemanja Vidic is a regular in the centre of Manchester United's defence, while Branislav Ivanovic impressed with Chelsea in the season past.

Inter Milan midfielder Stankovic is fresh from victory in the UEFA Champions' League and also carries the distinction of playing in his third World Cup - each time for a different nation. He represented the former state Yugoslavia in the 1998 World Cup and for the combined Serbia and Montenegro four years ago. The latter union was dissolved the same year when Montenegro declared independence.