Live Commentary

Last Updated at 9:23 pm, June 23rd 2010

1. 90+4

   The final whistle blows. A cracking game of attacking football and Holman produced one of the goals of the tournament so far. But both teams bow out, with Serbia paying the price for missing a host of first-half chances.

2. 90+3

   Culina has a chance to seal Australia's victory, but his shot is blocked by Stojkovic. Kennedy tries to keep the attack alive by finding Cahill, but he can't bring the ball under control. Time's up, surely.

3. 90+3

   Terrible miss from Pantelic! He blazes over the bar from six yards out after being picked out by Lazovic. In fact, the linesman's flag spares his blushes, but it's an astonishing miss.

4. 90+2

   Serbia exposed at the back, but Stojkovic is out playing sweeper to clear.

5. 90+1

   Good cross from the right for Serbia, and Jovanovic tries to nod it into the path of Tosic. Carney gets there first, though, and hacks clear.

6. 90

   The corner comes to nothing. Three added minutes for Serbia to save their World Cup.

7. 89

   Lazovic wins a corner off Culina. A goal for Serbia would take them through on goals scored as things stand. I think.

8. 88

   Australia still throwing men forward, but it's surely too much to ask now. Three-goal swing required.

9. 87

   End-to-end stuff now, and Australia nearly extend their lead as Carney picks out Kennedy who shrugs off the last defender but slices wide.

10. 86

    It's all turned round again, and suddenly Serbia are pouring forward. Pantelic has the ball in the back of the net again, but he's flagged offside. Tight call, but probably the right one.

11. 85

    Tosic produces another powerful long-range effort that bounces just in frount of the keeper, but this time Schwarzer gathers cleanly.

12. 84

    GOAL - PANTELIC! A goal that condemns both these nations to an early exit. Tosic's long-range shot is parried by Schwarzer, and Pantelic reacts quickest to turn home the rebound.

13. 82

    Australia certainly pushing forward in search of a third goal. Still 1-0 to Germany in Joburg.

14. 81

    Wilkshire's pulled up holding his groin and makes way for Richard Garcia. He actually did it in the build up to that cross a minute ago, but still got the cross in. Fair dinkum.

15. 80

    Wilkshire's cross from the right is well claimed by Stojkovic.

16. 79

    Pantelic crosses from the right, but it's blocked and deflects off the Serbian for a goal-kick. Disbelief on the faces of the Serbian supporters. At half-time it appeared only one of these teams had any chance of progressing here.

17. 78

    Good work from Chipperfield in midfield to nick the ball away from Ninkovic and launch another Aussie attack.

18. 77

    Kuzmanovic, like most of his team-mates impressive in the first half and not in the second, makes way for Danko Lazovic.

19. 77

    Lukovic goes for goal from distance, but scuffs it wide rather than doing a Holman.

20. 76

    Tosic swings the ball in, but Neill heads clear.

21. 75

    I'm studying the group table rather than the on-field action here. But Serbia have a free-kick out on the right.

22. 74

    Serbia now surely going home, but Australia's World Cup is suddenly alive again. They're now level on points with second-placed Ghana but need a two-goal swing to get through on goals scored. One more goal for Australia or Germany and things get very interesting.

23. 73

    GOAL - HOLMAN! What a goal! One of the goals of the tournament from Holman. He picks the ball up in midfield and is placed under no pressure by the defence. He runs unchallenged before rifling home from 30 yards. An unstoppable drive into the bottom corner.

24. 72

    Tosic's corner comes to nothing.

25. 71

    Serbia now throwing men forward as they absolutely must. They do have a corner.

26. 70

    Serbia now need two goals, or a favour from the Germans. An equaliser for Serbia here would leave them with an identical record to Ghana's, but the Black Stars won their head-to-head clash and that would take them through.

27. 69

    GOAL - CAHILL! Australia take the lead, and Serbia do pay the price for their first-half profligacy. It's a wonderful header from Cahill, finding the bottom corner from Wilkshire's pinpoint cross from the right. It's now Germany, Ghana, Australia, Serbia in this tight, tight group.

28. 68

    Kuzmanovic gets to Jovanovic's cross but heads just wide. Certainly had Schwarzer worried there.

29. 68

    Marko Pantelic replaces Zigic for Serbia.

30. 67

    A bad first touch from Emerton puts him in trouble, and he responds with a two-footed challenge on Ninkovic and might be a fraction fortunate to escape with only a booking. He got a slither of the ball: without that, it was a certain straight red.

31. 66

    Carney's cross is blocked by Ivanovic. But it's an Australian throw, and they look the likelier now.

32. 66

    Neill's long throw is headed clear.

33. 66

    Double change from Australia: Bresciano and Valeri make way for Brett Holman and Scott Chipperfield.

34. 64

    Fierce shot from Bresciano is parried by Stojkovic, and Cahill can't quite latch on to the rebound. Australia growing in confidence.

35. 62

    A goal at Soccer City: Mesut Ozil has given Germany the lead. Doesn't change things hugely - Serbia still going out as things stand. But another German goal would take Serbia through on goal difference and send Ghana out. What that goal does mean is that Germany now top the group as things stand. Which would mean they meet England in the last 16.

36. 61

    Cahill heads Culina's cross from deep straight at the keeper.

37. 60

    Krasic has faded after that bright start, and gives the ball away in a promising position on the right.

38. 59

    Corner for Australia, who are shading this second half, but Bresciano's flag-kick is headed clear.

39. 58

    Ninkovic goes into the book for a studs-up challenge on Wilkshire. Might have been a hint of retribution about that.

40. 57

    Emerton fouls Obradovic and then complains to the linesman for some reason. Clear tug on the shirt.

41. 56

    Still goalless in Joburg. Time just starting to run out for Serbia if things stay that way.

42. 55

    A foul by Zigic on Cahill gives Australia a free-kick 10 yards inside Serbian territory.

43. 54

    Poor header from Zigic straight at Schwarzer from six yards after being picked out by Ninkovic, but the linesman's flag was up in any case.

44. 54

    Serbia's best attack of the second half as Jovanovic finds space on the left and picks out a cross for Zigic who brings the ball down well before fizzing a half-volley over the bar from 15 yards. Difficult ball to keep down, and he couldn't quite manage it.

45. 53

    Carney tries to break from left-back, but Vidic makes a strong challenge to halt his progress.

46. 52

    Kennedy gives away a free-kick in midfield, but Serbia can't make anything happen from the set-piece.

47. 52

    Been better from Australia since the break, pressuring Serbia higher up the field and launching a few more attacks of their own.

48. 51

    Cahill goes for the spectacular from 30 yards after Kennedy's knockdown, but he slices well wide of the target.

49. 50

    Schwarzer comes through a crowd of players to punch clear from the free-kick.

50. 49

    Easy decision for the ref as Wilkshire responds to being nutmegged by Ninkovic by chopping the Serbian down. Nasty tackle.

51. 48

    Krasic finds some space down the right, but his cross is deflected to safety.

52. 47

    Good start to the second half from the Socceroos here.

53. 46

    Australia make the early running in the second half, winning a free-kick and a corner on the left. Neither comes to anything.

54. 46

    Australia get the second half under way in Nelspruit.

55. Serbia's impressive first-half performance sees them drift only to evens from 4/5 to win with Sky Bet despite so far failing to make the breakthrough. The draw is 11/8 and Australia 9/2. Serbia are 4/1 to win by more than one goal.

56. HT

    Goalless at half-time in Joburg as well. That scoreline gives Serbia a great chance to top the group with a win - but means that a draw will not be enough for Raddy Antic's men. Ghana and Germany going through as things stand.

57. 45+1

    The half-time whistle blows. Serbia have spent most of the half on the front foot and have played some cracking football. But Schwarzer has been solid when called upon and Serbia have just lacked that cutting edge in the final third for all that they impress with their passing and movement. Australia have attacked infrequently, but look dangerous when they do with Kennedy a willing target man and Cahill buzzing around menacingly.

58. 45+1

    Emerton's deep cross is nodded goalwards by Kennedy, but with no real venom and Vladimir Stojkovic - who's had precious little to do - scoops the ball up on the half-volley.

59. 45

    We're about to enter a single minute of additional time at the end of this entertaining first half.

60. 44

    The free-kick is launched into the danger area, but Kennedy and Cahill end up getting in each other's way.

61. 44

    Kennedy tries to launch a break for Australia, but he's crowded out on halfway by three red-and-white shirts. Unfairly, says the referee, and Australia have a late free-kick in this first half. Chance to get bodies in the box.

62. 43

    Neill concedes a dangerous free-kick out on the Serbian right-hand side, but it comes to nothing.

63. 42

    Jovanovic coming into the game more and more on the left. He gets his cross in, but clears everyone in the centre, and Carney calmly chests it back to Schwarzer.

64. 40

    Another disappointing set-piece, as Bresciano sends the corner sailing high over everyone.

65. 39

    Carney and Cahill combine well on the Australian left, and Carney's low cross causes a bit of panic as first Cahill and then Brett Emerton try to turn the ball goalwards. It's eventually smuggled behind for a corner.

66. 38

    Serbia have the ball in the net, but the linesman's flag cuts shorts the celebrations. Jovanovic gets away from Wilkshire for the first time in the contest really and slips a neat pass through for Krasic's diagonal run. He diverts the ball past Schwarzer and over the line, but he'd strayed a yard offside.

67. 36

    Serbia try to catch Australia napping with a free-kick routine involving Stankovic and Milos Ninkovic, but it comes to nothing.

68. 35

    Vidic tries to find Jovanovic with a diagonal ball from defence, but Wilkshire gets to it first and heads clear. He's playing well, the Australia right-back.

69. 34

    Another wonderful ball into the box from Serbia - whipped in by Kuzmanovic from the right - but the ball glances off Zigic's head and flashes wide of the target. The Birmingham new boy really should have done better there.

70. 34

    Long throw into the box from Ivanovic, but Neill heads clear.

71. 33

    Cahill outjumps two defenders to get his head to Bresciano's cross, but he can't guide it goalwards. Giving away at least three inches to both defenders there, but it's amazing how often he wins those headers.

72. 32

    Krasic plays in Kuzmanovic on the right, but his cross is behind Dejan Stankovic, who can't bring the ball under control.

73. 31

    Australia try to release some pressure with a spell of passing football. They've been under the cosh for most of the opening half-hour.

74. 30

    Ivanovic's cross from the right is overhit, and Australia bring the ball clear.

75. 29

    Vidic brings the ball out of defence confidently for Serbia.

76. 28

    Kuzmanovic flagged offside as he tries to get on the end of Vidic's long clearance.

77. 27

    Still goalless between Germany and Ghana in the other game in this group. So it's as we were in Group D: Ghana, Germany, Serbia, Australia.

78. 25

    Krasic's cross from the right slices behind and lands on the roof of the net. Serbia gradually taking control of this. They're playing some lovely football box-to-box - just need the finishing touch.

79. 24

    Kuzmanovic, Krasic and Ivanovic are linking up dangerously on the right for Serbia. That lively trio looks Serbia's likeliest way through. This time Kuzmanovic's cross is headed clear by Wilkshire at full stretch.

80. 23

    Great save from Schwarzer. Ivanovic continues his run from full-back and is played in beautifully. He shoots across Schwarzer from close-range, but the big Fulham keeper sticks out his right arm and makes a strong block before gathering the loose ball.

81. 22

    Ivanovic's first-time pass down the inside-right channel just asks too much of Kuzmanovic. Schwarzer mops up.

82. 21

    The corner is taken short to Bresciano, who tries to pick out Kennedy on the back post. Smartly defended by Serbia, though.

83. 20

    Kennedy wins a corner for Australia off Lukovic.

84. 19

    The free-kick is swung into the box, and the referee blows up for a foul by Kennedy on Vidic.

85. 18

    Aleksandr Lukovic goes into the book for a clumsy challenge on Wilkshire. Promising free-kick for Australia out on the right.

86. 17

    Beautiful fizzing cross from Jovanovic on the left, but Zigic doesn't really attack it and the more committed Neill is able to head clear.

87. 16

    Another lovely sweeping move from Serbia ends with Zdravko Kuzmanovic played in on goal, but his first touch takes him wide and his second is scuffed across goal. Serbia have been sensational so far - right up until they reach the Australian box.

88. 15

    Milan Jovanovic just fails to keep the ball in near the corner flag, and then almost falls over before stumbling around like a Serbian Bambi as he tries to recover his balance. He grins sheepishly as he jogs back into position.

89. 14

    Good, open start to the match here. Both teams really needing a win here, and they're both going for goals in the early stages.

90. 13

    Krasic's attempted cross deflects off Carney, taking all the pace off it, and Lucas Neill completes the clearance.

91. 12

    Wilkshire's corner is headed clear, as is Carney's attempt to turn the ball back in. Suddenly Serbia are breaking and Krasic, who is clean through on Schwarzer's goal. He goes round the keeper but then slices wide from an acute angle. Schwarzer just forced him wide enough, but a player of Krasic's ability really should have scored.

92. 11

    Good deep cross from Carney, and Ivan Obradovic plays safe and heads behind with Cahill lurking.

93. 11

    Too casual from Krasic, who gives up possession to Kennedy.

94. 10

    Good work from Kennedy, who holds the ball up well before playing it out to Cahill on the right. His cross is blocked, though.

95. 9

    Bright start from the Serbians, but Australia starting to put a few passes together in midfield now.

96. 7

    David Carney's going to have a busy evening against Krasic based on the early evidence, but comes out on top this time after a firm but fair challenge.

97. 6

    Poor corner from Serbia, and Australia clear easily.

98. 6

    Krasic looking really lively here and bursts into the Aussie box before aiming a shot at Schwarzer's near post. Not likely to beat the Aussie keeper from there, and he knocks it behind easily for a corner.

99. 5

    Bresciano makes a strong forward run and clips in a neat cross meant for Josh Kennedy, but Nemanja Vidic reads it and heads clear.

100. 4

     Krasic prominent early for Serbia on the right, but his raking crossfield ball is well read by Luke Wilkshire who nods calmly back to his keeper Mark Schwarzer.

101. 4

     Two things we should be sure of today, based on these sides' previous outings: Serbia giving away a ridiculous penalty for handball, and Australia having a man sent off.

102. 3

     Mark Bresciano's tenacity wins the ball back for Australia in midfield, and the Socceroos have their first chance to attack. A patient build-up comes to nothing, though.

103. 2

     Liam Ferguson: "I can see Serbia winning this game against Australia and hopefully Ghana can get a win or draw against Germany, which they are more than capable of doing, so it will be an interesting night for everyone involved." The last part of that is definitely right, Liam.

104. 1

     Serbia get us under way, and are instantly on the attack but Nikola Zigic can't find a pass through for Milos Kranic. Kranic goes to ground too easily in search of a penalty, but gets short shrift from the ref.

105. Serbia have been popular all day, according to our pals at Sky Bet, and are solid favourites at 4/5 to pick up the win that takes them through to the last 16. It's 7/2 for the Aussies to win and give themselves a chance, while the draw's 5/2. Tim Cahill, back from suspension, is 9/1 to open the scoring.

106. Josh from Birmingham (the Alabama one, not the midlands one) writes: "As a USA fan I am hoping for an outcome that pairs us with either Ghana or Serbia rather than Germany. Despite a few main players being out for the Germans I see them nicking this one 2-1 while Serbia whip the Aussies 3-0."

107. Teams:Australia: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Beauchamp, Neill, Carney, Culina, Valeri, Emerton, Cahill, Bresciano, Kennedy.Subs: Federici, Chipperfield, Holman, Jedinak, Rukavytsya, Garcia, Milligan, GalekovicSerbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Vidic, Lukovic, Obradovic, Stankovic, Kuzmanovic, Ninkovic, Krasic, Jovanovic, Zigic.Subs: Isailovic, Rukavina, Kolarov, Kacar, Tosic, Lazovic, Pantelic, Milijas, Petrovic, Subotic, Mrdja, Djuricic.

108. My head hurts. Get your views in to Dave.Tickner@bskyb.com and I'll publish the best.

109. Welcome to our live minute-by-minute coverage of this crucial Group D clash between Australia and Serbia. Both teams can make the last-16 but for Australia, only a victory will do. Then the Socceroos will need a handsome German victory over Ghana in the other game to help them sneak throug. For Serbia, the chances are rather better: any victory here takes them through, while a draw will do if Ghana win against Germany, or conversely Germany win by more than two goals. Top spot - and a last-16 clash with England - will be Serbia's if they win and Germany-Ghana ends all-square. Got that? Good, cos I'm not sure I have.