Germany opens FIFA Confederations Cup bid vs Australia

The FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 begins in earnest for the German national team on Wednesday evening when Jurgen Klinsmann's men face Australia in Frankfurt's Waldstadion in their opening game.

The Germany coach and his side are under enormous pressure. Following their disastrous exit in the first round of the FIFA Confederations Cup 1999 in Mexico, the nation's only appearance in the tournament to date, the Mannschaft are hoping to make up for past disappointments by winning the competition in front of their home fans this time round.

Coming just a year before the start of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and 12 months after their early exit at UEFA EURO 2004, this is a must-win game against the Oceania champions.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff, meanwhile has stated that "there would be disappointment and a great deal of criticism if we were to fail to reach the semi-finals". This means that Germany have to take all three points from the match against Australia if they are to move one step closer to the latter stages of the tournament and it is essential Germany field the strongest possible team for this match against the supposed underdogs.

However, the game against the side currently in 56th position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking is anything but a foregone conclusion. The Aussies are brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.

Despite the huge amount of pressure and the high level of expectation, the Germany coach is convinced that his team are in peak condition for the challenges ahead. The first test of the team's resolve will be whether they can overcome the challenge presented by Australia.

Australian international captain Craig Moore is one man with a point to prove at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany having left the country under a cloud in May.

Borussia Monchengladbach claimed Moore turned up drunk for training and terminated his contract, due to run until June 2006, with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos have confirmed that Mark Viduka will start on the bench for the match in Frankfurt. Middlesbrough marksman Viduka has played just 10 minutes all year for the English Premiership club due to a hamstring injury and Australia coach Frank Farina has decided not to gamble on his fitness.

Osasuna striker John Aloisi will be the attacking spearhead in a 4-5-1 formation with Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton and Everton star Tim Cahill supporting from deep.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: PinnacleSports

Odds to win the 2006 FIFA Confederations Cup:

1 Germany +245

2 Brazil +156

3 Argentina +243

4 Greece +1468

5 Mexico +981

6 Australia +2963

7 Japan +2962

8 Tunisia +7807

Prediction: Playing in front of your home crowd is like adding a twelfth player on the field. Germany must be the favorite to win the Cup with Brazil and Argentina breathing down Jurgen Klinsmann's neck. A Germany-Brazil title match will be one for the ages. Brazil will recover from its loss against Argentina and will win this year's competition.

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