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World Cup 2010 Teams – Australia

Australia has been handed a tough group in which to begin its World Cup campaign. The Australians will be eyeing a second-place finish in Group D, but they face some stiff competition against Germany, Serbia and Ghana. If they are to progress to the knockout stages, as they did in 2006, the ‘Socceroos’ will need to be on top form.

Qualification

Australia looked far from convincing in its initial World Cup qualifying group. The Australians finished level on points with Qatar but with a superior goal-difference. Losses to both Iraq and China did not bode well for the next stage.

However, Australia went on to win the final group with 6 wins, 2 draws and no losses. They finished 5 points clear of Japan in second, and only conceded 1 goal. Despite having overcome fairly mediocre opposition, the Australians will nonetheless be delighted to have reached the 2010 World Cup

World Cup History

South Africa 2010 will be Australia’s third appearance in the World Cup finals. The ‘Socceroos’ first graced the World Cup stage in West Germany in 1974, but finished last in their first round group. The fledgling soccer nation did not embarrass itself, however, with two battling losses against both West and East Germany and a notable goalless draw against Chile.

It would be another 32 years until Australia again qualified for the World Cup. In Germany 2006, Guus Hiddink’s Australia made history by becoming the first ever Oceania team to reach the knockout stages. Despite a 2-0 loss to Brazil, the Australians managed a second-place finish in Group F with a 3-1 win against Japan and a 2-2 draw with Croatia. They then met Italy in the next round, where a controversial last minute penalty sent the Australians out of the competition.

The Coach

Dutchman Pim Verbeek has coached a number of club sides in the Netherlands including Sparta Rotterdam, De Graafschap, FC Groningen and, most notably, Feyenoord. His time with Feyenoord, the biggest club he has managed, was not a great success and Verbeek was sacked after a string of poor performances.

At international level, Verbeek served as assistant manager to Guus Hiddink during South Korea’s incredible run to the semi-finals in the 2002 World Cup. He later rejoined South Korea for the 2006 World Cup campaign, this time as assistant to Dick Advocaat. Verbeek took charge of South Korea after the World Cup but resigned in July 2007. He took charge of the Australian national team five months later.

Verbeek is a pragmatic coach with a focus on solidity rather than flair. He has worked wonders with the Australian defence, a fact reflected in the team’s World Cup qualifying campaign. His defensive approach, however, has been criticised by the Australian media.

The Players

The Australian squad looks solid but a lack of attacking flair could be a potential problem. Fulham’s experienced goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will help to keep the defence organised. In front of him, the likes of Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Patrick Kisnorbo and Scott Chipperfield will make for a strong back line.

For defensive reasons (and due to a lack of quality strikers), Verbeek may well opt for a five-man midfield. Luke Wilkshire and Vince Grella are likely to feature (perhaps together) as defensive midfielders, while Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton will play out wide. Everton attacking midfielder Tim Cahill will be the key man for Australia, possibly playing behind a lone striker. Cahill is a big-game player and works hard for his team; his determination, and his goals, will be vital.

Striker options are limited, but both Joshua Kennedy and Mile Sterjovski will be looking to get some goals.

Group D

Australia has been drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Ghana. The Germans are clear favourites to win the group and progress into the later stages. Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski will be particularly dangerous in attack. Serbia qualified for South Africa on top of its group and above the struggling French. They, like Australia, have a very solid defence.

Ghana will be playing in only its second World Cup finals, but the squad looks strong and will benefit from playing on African soil. The battle between Ghana’s Michael Essien and Australia’s Tim Cahill will be an interesting one to watch.

Group Matches and Analysis

Australia will start its campaign with a game against the Germans. If the Australians can hold out for a draw they will have done very well indeed. The following game against Ghana is one they will need to win. It will be a tricky match but possibly Australia’s best chance for 3 points.

In all probability, the final group game between Australia and Serbia will be decisive. This game could well be a straight battle for second-place and a passage to the next round. The two teams are strong both physically and defensively which could make this a gruelling game. If the Australians can clinch second-place they will likely face England in the first knockout round.

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