World Cup Sunday preview By MIKE ZEISBERGER, QMI Agency

ALGERIA vs. SLOVENIA

Sunday, 7:30 a.m. (EST)

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

ALL-TIME SERIES: First ever meeting.

FREE KICKS: Don’t expect either team to post a shutout in this one, based on past history. Both teams have conceded at least one goal in every World Cup game they have appeared in - six for the Algerians, three for the Slovenians.

OF NOTE: Algeria’s most famous World Cup victory came in 1982 when they defeated the powerhouse Germans 2-1.

SERBIA vs. GHANA

Sunday, 10 a.m. (EST)

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

ALL-TIME SERIES: Serbia has one victory in the only previous meeting.

FREE KICKS: The Serbs are mired in a four-game World Cup losing funk, having dropped decisions to the Netherlands in 1998 and 2006; then defeats to Argentina and Ghana, also in 2006.

OF NOTE: Ghana will be hard-pressed to fill the void left by injured star Michael Essien.

GERMANY vs. AUSTRALIA

Sunday, 2:30 p.m. (EST)

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

ALL-TIME SERIES: Germany has won both previous matches.

FREE KICK: The Socceroos have captured the hearts and imaginations of Australia, with thousands expected to watch on big screens back in a public gathering spot in Sydney. They’ll have to tighten up their defence, however, allowing seven goals in their previous two meeting with Germany.

OF NOTE: The Germans have won their opener in each of the past five World Cups.