World Cup Watch: Australia

Australia

With just 15 days until the FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa kicks-off at Soccer City, SI Online shines the spotlight on the 32 teams vying for soccer supremacy. Next up are the Aussies, who arrive in SA today for a pre-tournament training camp.

Profile: The Socceroos had an inspiring World Cup tournament in 2006, losing their round of 16 clash to eventual winners, Italy. They are a plucky team of fighters, but are no longer the unknown quantity they once were. They had few problems finishing top of their Oceania qualifying group, winning all their matches and conceding a single goal. However, the reigning Oceania Nations Cup champions will be up against the odds when they tackle the big boys. This is Australia’s third World Cup finals appearance.

FIFA World ranking: 20

Their group: The men in gold and green share Group D with Germany, Serbia and Ghana. The letter ‘D’ is fitting, as it unofficially stands for the group of death. The Socceroos, a consummate group of professionals, play to a set structure, but will battle to get past the first round.

Opening match: Australia open their account against Germany at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on June 13.

Star man: Mark Schwarzer was in outstanding club form for Fulham this year, and there’s no reason to suggest he won’t carry that to South Africa. At 37, he is a fountain of experience between the sticks. His imposing frame and superquick reflexes make him one of the best, and yet most underrated keepers around.

One to watch: Tim Cahill is a mesmerising football talent. He’s a gifted playmaker, with an eye for goal. Many of his goals are headed, which is something of a surprise considering his diminutive stature. Keep your eyes glued to the screen because the Socceroos’ lucky charm always seems to come up with the goods. He is Australia’s leading World Cup goalscorer.

The coach: The Socceroos have had success with Dutch coaches in the past, with Guus Hiddink springing to mind. His compatriot Pim Verbeek is now in the hotseat. As a player, he spent the majority of his days at Sparta Rotterdman. Directly after hanging up his boots he cut his teeth in management, coaching the side between 1981 and 1984. He coached South Korea at international level and his current crop of players will look to lean on his experience. The 54-year-old is known to favour two holding midfielders and lone striker upfront. He has been criticized for employing boring tactics. He will vacate the managerial post after the World Cup to take up a youth technical director role with Morocco.

Most capped current player: Mark Schwarzer (73)

Top current goalscorer: Tim Cahill (19 goals in 38 games)

Provisional 28-man World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer, Adam Federici, Brad Jones, Eugene Galekovic (on standby).

Defenders: Scott Chipperfield, David Carney, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, Shane Lowry, Craig Moore, Mark Milligan, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire.

Midfielders: Vince Grella, Carl Valeri, Jason Culina, Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, Brett Holman, Dario Vidosic, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia, James Holland, Tommy Oar.

Forwards: Nikita Rukavytsya, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell.

SI World Cup prediction: First round exit.

Courtesy of Grant Shub

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