Normally Germany would be long odds on to win the group stage against opposition such as this, but this German side is a poor rendition of past versions.
They are very young, which though exciting is not ideal for a World Cup campaign. The average age of the winning squad tends to be towards the 28-29 years average. They are about 3 or 4 years short.
A lot has been said about Australia after an excellent 2006 rendition, but this side is not that strong, and will struggle to qualify.
Particularly as they must face a Serbian side that have high hopes in this tournament and could well take the group.
Ghana are an interesting prospect, but things have not been going too well in preparations, and they could miss out.
Tip: 1pt Serbia to win the group at 10/3 (4.33 at Betfred and William Hill)
There is no doubt in my mind that this Holland outfit are capable of going all the way and should make mincemeat out of this group.
The toughest challenge is likely to be Denmark who have a strong work ethic and beat Portugal and Sweden to qualify.
Cameroon, though, are probably Africa's best hope of progress into the second round and should not be discounted.
Japan, meanwhile, look shocking, and it is difficult to see them competing here.
Tips: 4pts Holland to win group at 8/13 (1.62 at Stan James); 2pts Japan to finish bottom at 10/11 (1.91 at Ladbrokes)
Italy are not the force of old and may even struggle to qualify despite being in a group that has minnows New Zealand in it. Paraguay, who have beaten all the big South American sides in the last two years, look the pick in a weak group, though if the erratic Slovakia reproduce the kind of form that beat Poland and the Czech Republic they could make it a very tricky last game against Italy for the final qualification spot.
The chances of New Zealand getting a point are slim.
Tip: 2pts Paraguay to win the group at 10/3 (4.33 at Bet365)