Group D

The rules are quite specific when it comes to squad size and the preliminary squad announced by Australia a few hours ago isn't going to be the same one that they officially submit to FIFA today. The final list that has to be submitted today will have 30 names, not 31 like the one below. It appears one person from this list below is going to miss out.

There is the surprise inclusion of Harry Kewell, who it turns out hasn't been injured since he hobbled off in the 2005 Champions League final and has in fact played a bit of football. Head coach Pim Verbeek is also confident he will be fit for the Group D opener against Germany on June 13th.

Read more: Australia give us Neighbours and a 31 man squad

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has included Kevin-Prince Boateng in his 30 man squad list, although his nationality switch is yet to be finalised by FIFA.

Michael Essien and John Mensah also made it into the list as the final 23 man squad list has to be made from this 30 man list. Bologna’s Stephen Appiah is also named despite the fact that he has not played at club level for a while.

Read more: Ghana name 30 man provisional squad

Germany are going to be without keeper Rene Adler and midfielder Simon Rolfes for the World Cup because both are going under the knife.

Germany coach Joachim Loew says he was informed on Tuesday that the 26-year-old Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper won't be able to travel to South Africa as he is having surgery on a rib while Leverkusen midfielder Rolfes will be having surgery on his knee.

Read more: Germany lose keeper and midfielder ahead of World Cup

Ghana have confirmed they will play Latvia in Milton Keynes on June 5th, eight days before they play their first World Cup match against Serbia in Pretoria.

Read more: Ghana to play Latvia in England on June 5th

Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted today that he is thinking about ending Kevin Kuranyi's exile from the national team and taking the striker to the World Cup in South Africa this year.

Loew vowed never to select Kuranyi again after he turned his back on the national team in October 2008 out of frustration at being omitted from the squad although he did later apologise.

Read more: World Cup beckons for Kevin Kuranyi as Joachim Loew opens door for return

Australia will play Denmark on June 1st at Ruimsig Stadium in Johannesburg as part of the teams' preparations for the 2010 World Cup.

The match, announced today by the Australian Football Federation, is the third and final warm-up match scheduled before the start of the World Cup and their opening match against Germany on June 13th.

Read more: Australia confirm friendly match against Denmark