Germany who thrashed Australia 4-0 in their World Cup opener, will take on Serbia in its toughest group stage clash on Friday, hoping to book the second round ticket in advance.

A young German team looked to be in ominous form during the 2010 World Cup. However, Serbia is likely to present the Germans with a far sterner challenge.

Germany and Serbia have met just once in the past in 2008 when Germany ran out a 2-1 winner.

Germany's form ahead of its second World Cup match has been impressive. The Germans have recorded four wins and single loss in the last five matches, culminating in Sunday's 4-0 thrashing of Australia.

They have scored 13 goals in the last five appearances while their defence has conceded just two goals.

Serbia, meanwhile, is recovering from a shock defeat to Ghana that saw the team record its second loss in five games, with other results including two wins and a draw.

The Serbian attack has been inconsistent scoring seven goals in two of these matches, while remaining scoreless in the other three. Defence has been solid enough, conceding a goal a game during the last five matches.

Serbia is fighting for its life in the match, but is up against one of the most solid defences at the World Cup.