Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

On paper it looks like Germany will have it easy but this may prove to be a fiercely contested group. Serbia are no push-overs, Australia have improved strides and Ghana will boast the 'home' African advantage. There are two massive Bavarian-theme pubs in London so, football style aside, supporting Die Mannschaft in town will be a load of fun.

Sunday 13 June, 3pm: Serbia v Ghana
Sunday 13 June, 7.30pm: Germany v Australia
Friday 18 June, 12.20pm: Germany v Serbia
Saturday 19 June, 3pm: Ghana v Australia
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Ghana v Germany
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Australia v Serbia

LondonTown top two prediction: Germany & Serbia

Germany

German football fans in London will feel right at home cheering on Die Mannschaft this summer, thanks to two bars that are veritable shrines to the German tradition of hearty beer drinking. First up is the Oktoberfest Pub in Fulham, a Mecca for lovers of Munich beer halls, which will be showing all the Germany action on its two massive screens and three additional large plasma screens. Premium, ice cold German beer will be served by Oktoberfest's beautiful beer maidens sporting traditional dirndl dresses, while classic dishes such as pork knuckle will be available. Standing tickets cost £5 and seating tickets £10 (each includes a beer). Meanwhile, at the other end in town, Old Street's Bavarian Beerhouse is offering more or less the same deal - the chance to watch Germany's games in a traditional Bavarian setting for just a fiver. Groups of 10 people can book a front-row table for £300, for which they also receive unlimited ice-cold German beer and soft drinks from/to one hour before/after the match, traditional German snacks (pretzels and meat balls) and a private waitress. Trust the Germans to organise everything so efficiently. On the pitch, Germany face a tricky task qualifying from their group - especially without their crocked captain Michael Ballack.

Sunday 13 June, 7.30pm: Germany v Australia
Friday 18 June, 12.20pm: Germany v Serbia
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Ghana v Germany

Australia

Australia are back in the finals after making their first appearance in 30 years last time round, narrowly going out to eventual winners Italy in the last-16. Former Everton, Blackburn and West Ham defender Lucas Neill captains the Socceroos, who boast Premiership stars Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer (and former hot-shot-cum-sick-note Harry Kewell) amongst their well-travelled squad. For an unadulterated, bawdy, brash Aussie fest of beer-swilling, shouting and raucous celebration then head to the Redback pub in Acton Town. Most Aussies will love the place to pieces - but stay well clear if you're adverse to noise, Fosters and bad behaviour. Although our antipodean distant cousins have yet to fully embrace a sport largely played by kids Down Under, those backpackers and temporary workers that end up in London tend to develop quite a passion for the beautiful game - so be warned. Other bars worth watching the Australia games are the Phoenix (formerly Bar Oz) in Bayswater and any of the Walkabout chain, most notably the popular Wimbledon branch and the huge offering above Temple Tube (which boasts so many TVs it might as well be an electrics shop on Tottenham Court Road).

Sunday 13 June, 7.30pm: Germany v Australia
Saturday 19 June, 3pm: Ghana v Australia
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Australia v Serbia

Serbia

There's only one place to watch Nemanja Vidic, Dejan Stankovic, Nikola Zidic and the White Eagles mix it up in the World Cup this year: London's first and only Serbian pub. Located next to Battersea Park and just 10 minutes from Big Ben, the Paya & Horse (known locally by its former name, The Chelsea Reach) isn't exactly picturesque (it occupies the bottom floor of a high rise and boasts perhaps the most garish carpets in south west London) but what it lacks in style it makes up in Serbian hospitality. The kitchen serves homemade Serbian delicacies (such as Balkan Burger, Minced meat fingers, Pork escallop and kebabs, and garlic sausages), the place is filled with bona fide Serbs (especially for the frequent live music nights and, we've been informed, Serbia football matches) and the landlord is the proud owner of the bushiest moustache you're likely to see outside Serbia. Given Serbia's at times rather fraught relations with both Germany and Australia, expect there to be a great atmosphere for the Group D games. Check the place out at www.payaandhorse.com. Other Serbian-owned establishments you could try in London include the Ravna Gora Hotel (29 Holland Park Road, London, W11 3RW) and the Gunnersbury Pub (590 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5RP). Many of London's 40,000 Serbs also congregate around the Serbian Orthodox Church off Portobello Road so that could be worth checking out.

Sunday 13 June, 3pm: Serbia v Ghana
Friday 18 June, 12.20pm: Germany v Serbia
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Australia v Serbia

Ghana

Head to The Gold Coast in Brixton to watch all of Ghana's games in a bar brimming with the rich, vibrant and colourful atmosphere of Africa. Renowned for its exuberant Ghanaian hospitality, TGC is a place steeped in the unparalleled traditions of Africa, a club, restaurant and bar which prides itself on customer satisfaction and which will give a warm "akwaaba" (welcome) to everyone, especially supporters of the Black Stars. Runners-up in this year's Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana are no roll over and, despite the injury concerns over midfield lynchpin Michael Essien, the team will be pressing both Australia and Serbia for a ticket to the knock-out rounds alongside probably group winners Germany. There's a second TGC in South Norwood and both venues serve up traditional Ghanaian delicacies and char-grilled meals. Guests will be asked to pay £10 at the door but will be given a voucher to redeem for food or drinks worth £10 once inside.

Sunday 13 June, 3pm: Serbia v Ghana
Saturday 19 June, 3pm: Ghana v Australia
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm: Ghana v Germany