australia

Manager: Pim Verbeek
Captain: Lucas Neill
FIFA Ranking: 16
World Cup Appearances: 2 – 1974, 2006
Best World Cup: 2006 – Last 16

Australia Team Profile

Australian manager Pim Verbeek will be aiming to eclipse the 2006 World Cup which seen Australia go as far as the last sixteen under former manager Guus Hiddink. Australia had to contend with the likes of Brazil, Croatia and Japan in group F and yet Guus Hiddink guided the ‘Aussies‘ out of a very tough group with their only defeat in the group stage coming against the classy Brazilians.

The 2006 finals was just Australia’s second world cup appearance but football has really started to take off down under and for a country that went over 40 years without a world cup apperance before the 2006 finals, the ‘Aussies‘ have now reserved a place in their second successive World Cup. That’s a massive achievement for a country that has only just come to light in terms of producing some players with real quality.

Australia go into the World Cup as the 20th best team in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They certainly have the right form heading into the finals but they have one huge weaknesses and that’s their lack of strength in depth. Their first eleven could push even the top teams close but they only have a team right now, not a squad. They have a great chance of bypassing the group stage but when it comes to competing against the classier countries, after some gruelling group games, we expect the Australians to unfortunately come up second best.

Nicknames: Socceroos

Manager

Pim Verbeek is a Dutch manager who spent most of his playing career in the Dutch league with Sparta Rotterdam, Roda JC and NAC Breda. However, Pim Verbeek made a name for himself when aiding South Korea to the Semi-Finals in the 2002 World Cup when he was assistant manager under Guus Hiddink. Before taken over as manager of Australia in 2007, Pim Verbeek led South Korea to a third place finish in 2006 at the AFC Asian Championship and has now guided Australia to their third world cup appearance.

Pim Verbeek prefers to play with two holding midfielders and concentrates his attacking emphasis down the flanks. He tends to employ just the one front man with the tactic of overloading the opposing defence with crosses from the wings. Pim has been criticised back in Australia for playing ‘Dull football’ but remains adamant that as long as his team reaches the finals, it doesn’t matter what style of football they play.

Australia Key Players

Tim Cahill

The Everton maestro has been the best player to come out of Australia for some time, and with the likes of Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell bracing the Premiership in recent years, that’s some statement to make. Not only can the former Millwall play-maker create a goalscoring opportunity out of nothing but he’s made a reputation from being a nuisance in the oppositions penalty area, especially from set-pieces. Despite not being the tallest of players at 5ft 10in, he has an immense talent for putting himself in the right place at the right time and defenders often struggle to pick the little ‘Aussie’ up. Cahill has become a talisman for Australia and he will be crucial to their chances in south Africa.

Mark Schwarzer

The Fulham goalkeeper has bags of experience on his C.V. and has been a sought after keeper throughout his career. When Middlesborough let Schwarzer leave, some Australian critics thought Mark would find it hard to remain as the ‘Aussie’ number 1 in goal but he’s made that position his own and his performances, not only for his country but for his club as well, has reinstated his stance as the best goalkeeper in Australia at current. Schwarzer is the most capped player in the squad with 68 caps and his experience and quality at the back will be a huge boost for manager Pim Verbeek.

Australia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 1
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-0
Goals Scored: 12
Goals Conceded: 1

World Cup Potential: 3/5

Football, or Soccer as it’s referred to over in Australia, is growing at a rate of knots ‘Down Under’ and it’s easy to see why when you see the national team performing so well, encouraging the younger generation to take up a sport which had been overshadowed by a number of other sports for decades. The country got right behind their team when they made their first ever appearance in a World Cup back in 2006 and they’ll do the exact same the second time around.

In fairness, Australia don’t have a particularly bad set up considering they’re one of the outsiders to win the competition. They have a world-class goalkeeper in Mark Schwarzer, a super shot-stopper and a man who commands his box with authority. Their defence doesn’t have many household names but the ones they do have tonnes of grit and determination, and a heap of experience needed on the big stage; Lucas Neill (53 Caps), Brett Emerton (72 Caps) and Scott Chipperfield (63 Caps) three of the more experienced Australian defenders. With Tim Cahill (19 Goals), Harry Kewell (13 Goals) and Scott McDonald (0 Goals) all strutting their stuff in the final third of the pitch, the Australians might just have enough to etch enough points to sneak through what is a difficult Group.

Australia were drawn in a tough group back in 2006 and they battled their way through adversity. They’ve  been put in a similarly difficult group this time around as well. However, while the group does look tough on paper, it’s mainly because it’s a competitive group and that’s good news for the Australians as it means they have just as much chance of making the knock-put stage for the second World Cup running as the rest in Group D; Germany, Serbia and Ghana, of making the last-sixteen. The Aussies could be South Africa’s Dark Horses.

Australia World Cup Betting Odds

Australia to win the World Cup: 500/1 Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Australia were 150/1 

Official Australia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

Brad Jones (Middlesbrough)

Adam Federici (Reading)

Defenders

Craig Moore

Lucas Neill (Galatasaray Istanbul)

Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow)

Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel)

David Carney (FC Twente Enschede)

Mark Milligan (JEF United)

Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira)

Midfielders

Jason Culina (Gold Coast)

Tim Cahill (Everton)

Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers)

Mark Bresciano (Palermo)

Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn Rovers)

Brett Holman (Alkmaar)

Carl Valeri (Sassuolo)

Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu)

Richard Garcia (Hull City)

Dario Vidosic (MSV Duisburg)

Strikers

Harry Kewell (Galatasaray)

Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus)

Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Australia Fixtures – Group D

World Cup 2010 Group D - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Algeria

Pre-World Friendly Form: WL

Republic of Ireland 3-0 Algeria
Algeria 1-0 UAE

One of England’s opponents in Group C, Algeria were thrashed by one of England’s neighbours when the travelled to Ireland to take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The Irish cruised to a 3-0 win against a toothless Algeria, with the African’s messy and lacking organisation in defence. It doesn’t bode well for the Algerians, after all, Republic or Ireland are nothing in comparison to England and the fact Algeria rarely troubled the ROI goal will be a concern for coach Rabah Saadane.

Algeria did make amends in their final warm up game however, registering a 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates thus ensuring the Algerian’s went into their first World Cup game against Slovenia with something to shout about. Wolfsburg Karim Ziani with the game’s only goal, Algeria’s one and only in their two pre-World Cup friendlies.

Argentina

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Argentina 5-0 Canada

Diego Maradona clearly didn’t see the point in scheduling a load of friendlies in before the finals, opting instead to keep his squad fresh ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Nigeria on June 12th. However, the one and only pre-World Cup friendly they did play finished with an impressive Argentine victory, smashing North Americans Canada 5-0 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Amongst the scorers was Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez with a brace, Benfice’s wonderkid Angel Di Maria, Man City’s Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, as Argentina ran riot in the Argentine capital.

The talk beforehand surrounding Argentina has been the wide array of striking talent Maradona has at his disposal; Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Diego Milito, and against lowly Canada, Argentina shown exactly why everyone is hyping up their chances, especially in regards to finishing the tournament with the most amount of goals scored.

Australia

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Australia 1-0 Denmark
USA 3-1 Australia

Pim Verbeek, Australia coach, pencilled in several friendlies ahead of the finals and must be under the impression that his Aussie players were rusty and needed to tweak their match sharpness before their Group D opener against three-time World Cup winners Germany. Despite obtaining a winning result in their final home international before the World Cup, Australia were ordinary at best throughout their clash with international neighbours New Zealand. However, a late strike from Holman ensured the euphoric Aussie support would say their goodbyes with celebrations. It would appear Verbeek was correct in his identification of a rusty squad as with a first pre-World Cup friendly victory under their belts, Australia recorded an impressive 1-0 win over fellow World Cup participant Denmark.

However, in their final game before facing Germany in Durban on June 13th, Australia were given a bit of a pasting by the United States, losing 3-1 to the Americans, with Tim Cahill grabbing the only Aussie goal. No longer will Pim Verbeek’s Australia head into the World Cup with immaculate, the complete opposite in fact after their USA humbling.

Brazil

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil
Tanzania – Brazil

Just the two friendlies for the five-time World Cup winners starting with a bizarre although money spinning trip to Zimbabwe in Harare. The opening exchanges went, surprisingly, the way of Zimbabwe as ‘The Warriors’ carved out a number of glorious opportunities, even walloping a shot against the woodwork. It wasn’t until 42 minutes when Brazil found some confidence, as a free-kick from left-back Michael Bastos was rifled into the top corner of the Zimbabwe net. The ‘Samba Kings’ didn’t look back thereafter and just minutes later doubled their lead through Robinho. In the second half Zimbabwe lost their erly first period swagger which seen them cause the Brazil defence all sort of problems, with Lucio in particular all over the place, and after a sweet passing move involving Baptista and Alves, Elano prodded home into an empty net to complete the rout. Hardly convincing stuff from the tournament’s second favourites but a win nonetheless, while there’s getting away from the fact that all three of Brazil’s goal were sublime.

Brazil’s second and final warm up match will be against Tanzania on June 7th. Another game they should win rather comfortably.

Cameroon

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLDD

Georgia 0-0 Cameroon
Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon

Paul Le Guen publicly expressed his concern over the Cameroon team by scheduling four friendlies, more than most of the remaining 31 participants. The fact none of the four went the ‘Indomitable Lions’ way leads to many an alarm bell ringing in the Cameroon camp. Against Georgia, a team which struggled throughout qualifying, Le Guen’s men could only muster a 0-0 draw, as chances were few and far between for Cameroon. Their second warm up game did see them score, although it was the scrappiest goal you’ll ever see, as Enoh’s scruffy goal levelled the scoring against a more adventurous Slovakia. Their third, arguably their most difficult on paper, was against Portugal of which they found themselves completely outclassed. A 3-1 defeat to one of the weakest Portugal teams in recent history doesn’t bode well, while Eto’s dismissal in the first half won’t have gone down too well back home whatsoever.

In their final game before the finals, Cameroon put in their best attacking display thus far but still came away with nothing to show for their efforts, with the 4-3 loss to Serbia leaving Cameroon winless after four pre-World Cup warm up matches. They were. Though, without the suspended Samuel Eto so coach Paul Le Guen can at least take some heart from Cameroon’s three goal exploits without their superstar forward on the pitch. His defence, however, has now conceded eight goals in four goals and that has to be of great concern for the coach.

Chile

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWWL

Mexico 1-0 Chile
Chile 3-0 Zambia
Chile 1-0 Northern Ireland
Chile 3-0 Israel

While Chile have played more friendlies recently than most, they exactly overextended themselves in either. Two, though, were comfortable 3-0 wins, thus reinforcing the comments made by many experts claiming Chile can and will score goals in South Africa. Zambia and Israel were both despatched with a touch of class, but their second string could only conjure a narrow 1-0 win over Northern Ireland which does have us drawing up conclusions that Chile’s strength in depth isn’t great. Even so, eight goals in four games isn’t to be sniffed at, and neither is three successive clean sheets.

Chile will be the last of two teams to take to their field in a warm up match ahead of the finals in South Africa, with New Zealand awaiting them on June 9th.

Cote d’Ivoire

Pre-World Friendly Form: WD

Paraguay 2-2 Ivory Coast
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast

New Les Elephants coach Sven Goran Eriksson, a manager which took England to the quarter-finals at Japan/Korea in 2002, didn’t dither when selecting his sides pre-World Cup friendlies when choosing games against two South Africa-bound teams in Paraguay and Japan. Their first clash ended 2-2 with Paraguay, a game which produced as many negatives for Eriksson as positives. Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, found chances in front of goal easy to come by although putting them away was another matter, with captain Drogba in particular wasteful. They did, though, power their way into a 2-0 lead with goals from Drogba and Bamba, but goals from Barrios and Torres cancelled out some early Les Elephants celebrations leaving Sven to ponder over his sides in complacency issues, as well as some arrogance in front of goal.

Their second and final warm up game ended in disaster despite beating Japan in a straightforward manner. Goals from Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure were enough for Sven’s Les Elephants to record a vital victory ahead of their opener against Portugal on June 16th, however, the win came at a heavy price as captain Drogba now looks destined to miss the entirety of the finals after fracturing his arm.

Denmark

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLW

Denmark 2-0 Senegal
Australia 1-0 Denmark
South Africa 1-0 Denmark

The Danes have looked in good nick during their warm up encounters despite falling to a narrow defeat in one of them. Their one loss came against Australia in a game neither side really deserved to win, but in their first run-out against African side Senegal, Denmark displayed the sort of solid, reliable and clinical traits that seen them finish above Portugal and Sweden in qualifying.

Despite fielding a strong and experienced starting eleven in their last game before the finals against South Africa, Denmark fell to pretty shocking 1-0 defeat to the hosts South Africa. The Danes were toothless and wasteful in front of goal and paid the price with defeat. It leaves Olson’s Danes winless once again following their 1-0 loss to Australia days earlier. Far from ideal form heading into a game against Holland on June 14th.

Australia V Denmark

Tuesday, 2nd June – 13:00 GMT
International Friendly
Johannesburg, South Africa

We have the pleasure of viewing two of the 32 teams about to compete in this summer’s forthcoming FIFA World Cup or at least we would have had this match been played in Australia in front of the Betfair and Bet365 cameras. Instead, because both teams have already landed in South Africa ahead of the finals in a little over a weeks time, we will have to find alternative means to watch this intriguing game on South African soil.

Australia

For the Socceroos, this will be the first game since their 2-1 defeat of New Zealand in Melbroune. A game the Aussies didn’t play particularly well in and will want show the coach they’ve taken on board all the constructive criticism they surely received after that mediocre display. However, Tuesday’s game represents a final chance to shine for some of the fringe players in the squad, as coach Pim Verbeek has yet to whittle down his provisional squad to the allocated 23 players. It is, however, clear that Harry Kewell won’t play any part against Denmark as the former Liverpool winger is still recuperating from a groin injury, while Scott McDonald of Middlesbrough was omitted from the Aussie camp only last week.

Pim Verbeek expects a more intense and committed performance from his team on Tuesday after their average showing against neighbours New Zealand a week ago. “We know we were rusty against New Zealand and that we have to improve our organisation. We also have to work on our communication when we don’t have the ball and that is why you play friendlies", stated Verbeek in a recent press conference. However, he also stated that he wasn’t overly concerned with the display nor that he would be outraged with his team should they suffer a setback against the Danes on Tuesday. The Dutchman’s main priority is to get his entire squad fully fit in time for their final pre-World Cup warm up game against the United States on June 5th thus meaning Australia will be in the correct physical shape when they take on Germany on June 13th in their first of three Group D encounters.

Against the Kiwi’s in their last outing Australia were poor although may be forgiven for having a few nerves as it was their last match on Australian soil, their ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank-you’ game if you like. It won’t get any easier mind on Tuesday against a more equipped Denmark side, while it remains to be seen just how the Australian players handle the South Africa conditions.

Denmark

Unlike their Australian opponents on Tuesday, Denmark cruised through their final friendly on European soil when brushing aside Senegal in a 2-0 victory. While it was hardly a win and a performance that would strike fear into the Aussies, it was accomplished with little fuss and without the Danes really exerting themselves too much.

Denmark coach Morten Olson has already finalised his squad, filling the allocated 23 slots before sending Denmark out to South Africa to adapt to an environment few will be used to while it’s one they need to quickly become accustom with as it could be their home for the next month or so depending on how they fare in the tournament. Olson’ decision to name his final 23-man team is a smart one in our eyes, as Olson now knows roughly he needs to play a prominent part in the finals and who will merely be used as back-up thus allowing the the Danish manager to concentrate on getting the possible starting eleven against Netherlands on June 14th to come together as a unit, to form some camaraderie and build a positive atmosphere in camp, nullifying any anxiety in the process.  If players know their roles, those likely to start and those serving as back up, there should be little apprehension and nerves as a direct result. At the same time, though, it allows those currently on the fringe of the starting eleven to push for a starting claim and a pleasing display against Australia wouldn’t do anyone any harm.

With the Denmark squad having been finalised, we expect Olson to field his strongest starting eleven on Tuesday, or at least close enough. With that first game against Holland not far away, the Danish coach will be desperate to see how his players will handle the African conditions, playing at altitude and in the formation that’s likely to be used throughout the course of the tournament.

Match Odds:

Australia – 3.40 VCbet
Draw – 3.40 bWin
Denmark – 2.38 Coral

Monday 24th May

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Japan 0-2 South Korea
Portugal 0-0 Cap Verde Islands
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
England 3-1 Mexico
Argentina 5-0 Canada

In regards to those heading to South Africa for the World Cup next month; Argentina, Australia, England and Australia all recorded some valuable, morale boosting wins. Whereas Portugal and South Africa could only muster low-scoring draws.

The two early encounters seen Australia secure a last-gasp winner against the Kiwi’s after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 via goals from Dario Vidosic and Brett Holman; Chris Killen scored New Zealand’s opener with just 16 minutes on the clock. A little later and it was the turn of Japan and South Korea, two nations with a fierce Asian rivalry. The Japanese have been disappointing their adoring fans all year long and kept up their miserable trend by losing 2-0 to the Koreans on home soil, with Manchester United#s Ji-Sung Park scoring Korea’s opener while forward Park Chu-Young scored a late penalty to wrap up a relatively straight-forward win over a nation also competing in next months show-piece.

In the evening, kicking off within 15 minutes of one another, South Africa and Portugal were playing out draws would could yet be like a dagger to the pride of both camps in games both country’s will have fancied their chances of winning. The Portuguese, who struggled throughout qualifying for the World Cup and needed a play-off before sealing their qualification, limped to a 0-0 draw against a Cape Verde Islands team ranked 117th in the FIFA Rankings. Bafana Bafana registered another international friendly draw, their fourth in six friendlies, as Bulgaria held Carlos Alberto Parreria’s side to a 1-1 draw, after defender Siyabonga Sangweni sent the home fans into raptures only to see the Bulgarians draw level 12 minutes later after FC Parma’s Valeri Bojinov’s strike.

The two night games seen three World Cup teams in action, as England of Group C took on Mexico of Group A while Argentina arranged one of the more simpler of friendlies against Canada. The battle between England and Mexico was intriguing, with Mexico succumbing to a 3-1 loss despite enjoying large spells of possession and carving out numerous opportunities. Goals from Ledley King, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson were enough for Capello’s Three Lions though, while West Ham’s Guillermo Franco scored Mexico’s only goal of the night at Wembley. Argentina were the last team to conclude Monday’s friendly encounters beating Canada in a resounding fashion. Goals from Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and a brace from Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez was enough to send the Argie’s to an impressive victory over a Canadian side which provided little threat in the final third of the pitch.

Australia 2-1 New Zealand

Scorers: Dario Vidosic and Brett Holman (Australia); Chris Killen (New Zealand)

WCB(World Cup Betting) Man of the Match: Jason Culina (Australia)

A game which came with it’s usual Derby off-pitch jabs from both camps in their pre-match interviews, started in a tame manner, with New Zealand controlling the tempo of the game, enjoying a large spell of possession in the first 10-15 minutes. And it was fitting that the first goal should go the way of the side which began with more adventure, as with 16 minutes gone Chris Killen was poking home an effort from inside the six-yard area to take New Zealand into an early and surprising 1-0 lead, although questions will be asked over the defending from Australia, who missed the long ball over the top altogether and had no-one marking Killen at the back post.

With home advantage, it wasn’t too surprising to see Australia as the overwhelming favourites to win this eagerly awaited clash between two nations who, in football terms, just don’t like each other. The latter statement began to ring true as after 30 minutes of drab football from Australia and some neat play and impressive ball retaining from the Kiwi’s, frustration began to kick in from the Aussie corner, as three yellow cards were dished out in the first half alone, with both Tim Cahill and Vince Grella receiving one each and lucky to remain on the pitch after some rash challenges which, were they to occur in South Africa, would have resulted in red for sure.

After a poor start to proceedings; spending the early part on the back-foot, sloppy in possession, lacklustre and clueless in defence and lacking any sort of guile and creativity in the final third, as well as any real forward urgency, Australia did end the half in a promising manner and perhaps should of levelled when Scott McDonald was presented with a volley from a mere 5 yards out, at an angle, only to see it saved by an alert Kiwi keeper. Pim Verbeek’s men ended the half on the front foot, with New Zealand retreating further back as the half drew to a close.

The key points in the first half were Australia’s poor start, sloppy defending and lack of cutting edge in the final, as well as some dreadful tackles. For New Zealand, plenty of promise and positives for Ricki Herbert to take into consideration. They were lively in the final third, carving out half-a-dozen decent opportunities and putting one away through Chris Killen, but it was their resolute defending which impressed us the most. Herbert had the Kiwi defence very well organised and disciplined throughout the first period. A welcome plus point to take into consideration from a nation which isn’t expected to pull up too many trees in South Africa next month.

Australia started the second half as they finished the first; on the front foot and seeking an equaliser. It was clearly evident that Australia coach Pim Verbeek laid into his players after a dire opening 45 minue display from his side, so it was of no surprise to see the Aussies sprinting out of the blocks in the second period and quickly asserting themselves on the game.

Unlike the first half, Australia were bossing proceedings in the opening 10 minutes of the second, creating more openings in this 10 minute spell than they did throughout the first period. And, with 57 minutes on the clocks, Dario Vidosic found himself in behind the Kiwi defence after a deflected ball over the top landed on his feet, to which the Bundesliga striker volleyed home with aplomb to level the scoring. Thereafter, everyone was expecting an explosive finish from Verbeek’s men, but that wasn’t really the case as Australia dropped into their comma like state once again and almost paid the penalty when Rory Fallon’s diving header was superbly kept out by Middlesbrough’s Brad Guzan in the Australia goal, with New Zealand signalling that they weren’t willing to roll over for the remainder of the game.

In fairness, Australia were in control for the majority of the final quarter of the game although without creating a great deal of goalmouth pressure. In fact, New Zealand were presetend with some scrappy openings, once again from set-pieces which Australia struggled to deal with all night, but the Kiwi’s failed to capitalize.

So it was somewhat fitting that with time almost up, and the game seemingly petering out into a stalemate, Brett Holman popped up with an injury time winner for Australia, a winner which was largely undeserved and an injustice to what was a pleasing performance from New Zealand and a flat display from Australia. 2-1 it finished though, leaving Pim Verbeek of Australia the happier coach, at least from the perspective of the result, and Ricki Herbert of New Zealand slightly dejected, although equally pleased with his sides performance against the odds.

Summary:

There was food for thought for both managers, with the Kiwi’s catching a flat Australia off-guard in the opening exchanges. The slow start from Australia coincided with their sluggish tackling and temperamental attitude, and both traits will have angered coach Pim Verbeek and, in many respects, taken him straight back to the drawing board. Australia did improve the second half, as Verbeek’s half-time rant led to a more urgent and high-tempo second half display from his side instead of the passive mode they were in for the majority of the first period. Clear-cut chances however were few and far between despite the Aussies dominating possession. However, in typical Pim Verbeek fashion, Australia snatched a 94th minute winner when Brett Holman strolled in at the back past to side-foot in the winner.

For New Zealand, despite being on the losing end of a 2-1 scoreline, coach Ricki Herbert will have been pleased with the overall performance from his team; their aggressive attitude in the final third and the ease at which they carved out some decent openings, whilst their defending for the most part was organised and committed. The problem with the Kiwi’s was they tired fast, while they seemed quite content to defend for the final 45 minutes in the knowledge that they had the advantage. In the second period New Zealand had far less of the ball and that’s a major concern ahead of some gruelling encounter in South Africa, as team will dominate possession against the Kiwi’s and the fact Australia had them run ragged in the latter stages of the game is a worry for Herbert, with fitness levels clearly an issue. Even so, considering Australia were strong favourites at the start of the game, New Zealand left Australia with their dignity in tact and with plenty of promise, with their final scoreline a harsh and unfair result. 

Australia Positive: Winning the game without playing well.

Australia Negative: Had no answer to the aerial balls, whether it be balls over the top or set-pieces. Australia will face Serbia in South Africa, a team with a huge striker by the name of Zigic and the Serbian giant will range over the entire Australia defence.

New Zealand Positive: All-round solid performance, especially at the back from an area of the team many were targetting as a weak spot.Very unlucky to lose this game.

New Zealand Negative: Despite creating a number of good openings, only one was put away. Moreover, the Kiwi’s tired too early and that’s a big concern ahead of some gruelling encounters in a warm South Africa.

WCB Man of the Match: Jason Culina

Started the game in the centre of midfield, Jason Culina was largely ineffective in the first period but found countless amount of time and space when switched to the right-midfield position, a position on the field where he came into his own in the second half, sprinting down the touchline and whipping in some delicious balls. Culina played a significant part in every positive forward move from Australia and with his impressive stint down the right in the second half, coach Pim Verbeek may consider making the switch permanent.

Full Name: Timothy Cahill
Date of Birth: 6th December, 1979
Position: Midfielder (Attacking-Midfielder)

Current Club: Everton (England)
2009-2010 Club Appearances/Goals: 43-10

International Caps: 37
International Goals: 19

Australia have enjoyed the services from some top-notch players in the past, Mark Viduka instantly springs to mind, but in South Africa the hopes of a nation, a nation which is slowly but surely beginning to show it’s public love for the sport – With Australia within the top five countries having brought the most tickets in South Africa – lye with Tim Cahill. The former Samoan international only made his international début for Australia in 2004, and despite having a six-year span between then and now, Cahill has only notched up a meagre 37 caps. In fact, it took a while for the country to fully discover Tim Cahill’s qualities, and identify that the dogged Aussie is a talented and highly-motivated individual, often used as a sub in the early part of his career and rarely a permanent fixture in the first-team. The Everton vice-captain is a prime example of a player willing to shed blood and tears for the team on the field, and one player which always wears his heart on his sleeve, both for club and country. In Germany 2006, it was Tim Cahill who scored Australia’s first ever World Cup goal when coming off the bench to score twice against Japan, single-handily driving his team towards three huge points, three points which ultimately pushed them in the direction of the knock-outs and the country’s first ever win in a World Cup. If anyone ever doubted Cahill’s commitment to his country, Cahill certainly put them in their place with that mean 10 minute spell of his.

Ever since Tim Cahill’s heroics at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he’s been a permanent fixture in the national team, and because of his English Premier League background Cahill is a player everyone else in camp looks up to and seeks inspiration and knowledge from. Cahill has played in arguably the most demanding league in Europe, the English Premier League, and against some of the world’s finest players, so his knowledge of today’s brand of football will be second to none and a trait Australia coach Pim Verbeek will look to make full use of in South Africa. In terms of Tim Cahill’s overall footballing ability, he has tonnes of it. His best attribute, though despite being just 5ft 10in tall, is his aerial prowess, this unique ability of his to jump several feet in the air with his spring like leap, similar to a kangaroo in fairness, and out-jumping even the tallest of defenders. However, it’s not just his aerial ability which gets him his fair share of goals, his vision and awareness, as well as some fantastic positional sense, ensures he fits the tag of ‘In the right place, at the right time’ on so many occasions. Cahill reads the play so well and so often is Cahill the first to react inside the penalty area. From set-pieces, although his weight would make some managers think otherwise, Cahill is a menace and a constant threat. After all, he’s made both a living and a formidable reputation off set-pieces in England.

Tim Cahill isn’t just about goal however, his attitude on the pitch is second to none and a shining example to how the rest of the team should act when representing their country on the field. If Australia are to at least match their 2006 feat of making the Round of 16 stage, Tim Cahill needs another notable tournament, leading from the front with some industrious performances as well as some crucial goals.

Confirmed 2010 World Cup Participants

Australia

Brazil

Ghana

Japan

Netherlands

North Korea

South Africa

South Korea

Teams on verge of qualification

England

Ivory Coast

Denmark

Spain

Bahrain/Saudi Arabia/New Zealand

Brazil and Ghana became the newest members to join the 2010 World Cup club. Brazil’s 3-1 romp in Argentina on Saturday night was enough to earn them a spot in South Africa and become the first South American nation to qualify for South Africa.

Ghana became the very first South African country to confirm it’s appearance in the forthcoming finals, apart from the hosts themselves – South Africa. Ghana, accompanied by captain Michael Essien, beat Sudan 2-0 on Sunday to confirm their status as winners of Group D in the African qualifying zone.

Asian qualifying has all but been finalised although there is still a few matches before we fully know if a fifth Asian country will make the fold. Bahrain & Saudi Arabia (Both Asian contingents) have yet to finish their two-legged play-off with the reward being another play-off showdown with New Zealand (Oceania contingent) with the prize for being victorious over two-legs a ticket to South Africa.

The Netherlands, for the time being, are the only nation to have qualified for the 2010 World Cup after strolling to qualification in the smallest of nine groups, Group 9, which has just five countries competing. However, they could soon be joined by both England & Spain who, with victories in midweek, will earn their rightful place in South Africa by topping their respective groups.

Ivory Coast routed Burkina Faso on Sunday, a result which leaves them on the cusp of securing a place in South Africa. A single point from their remaining two games is all that’s needed for them to confirm their spot in the World Cup finals.

2010 World Cup South Africa – Updated Outright Odds

Brazil – 5/1 StanJames

Spain – 5/1 Ladbrokes

England – 8/1 WilliamHill

Argentina – 8/1 SkyBet

Germany – 12/1 Bet365

Netherlands – 12/1 BetFred

Italy – 14/1 VictorChandler

France – 22/1 totesport

Russia – 33/1 SkyBet

40/1 Bar the rest

Early qualification for Brazil has seen them share favouritism with European champions – Spain. England‘s impressive run in Group 6 (European Sector) hasn’t gone unnoticed with The Three Lions now a best price of 8/1. Despite a disastrous result at the weekend, Argentina remain a frontrunner, according to the bookies anyway, with Diego Maradona’s side still an 8/1 shot to qualify and go all the way in South Africa.

The consistent German‘s look a very good E/W bet at 12/1 although they do still face a two-way tussle for supremacy in Group 4 (European Sector) with 33/1 shots, Russia. Two nations who are always there or thereabouts; Netherlands & Italy, are both double-figure prices with the Dutch at 12/1 via early qualification and the Italians at 14/1.

France are struggling to even make the cut in Group 7 (European Sector) and this shows in the bookies evaluation of their chances of winning the crown in South Africa by pricing Henry & Co up at a huge 22/1.

As you can see, Europe dominates the market with just two nations breaking into equation as far as the bookies are concerned. Going by their performances in qualifying, England look the team to be on right now. They’re playing out of their skin at the moment and are just a solitary victory away from confirming their spot in South Africa.

As far as value goes, Germany look a stunning price at 12/1. They are very inconsistent and even if they were to lose out on a top spot finish in their group, which is still unlikely, you would still fancy their chances against any of the potential play-off candidates.

Manager: Pim Verbeek
Captain: Lucas Neill
FIFA Ranking: 16
World Cup Appearances: 2 – 1974, 2006
Best World Cup: 2006 – Last 16

Australia Team Profile

Australian manager Pim Verbeek will be aiming to eclipse the 2006 World Cup which seen Australia go as far as the last sixteen under former manager Guus Hiddink. Australia had to contend with the likes of Brazil, Croatia and Japan in group F and yet Guus Hiddink guided the ‘Aussies‘ out of a very tough group with their only defeat in the group stage coming against the classy Brazilians.

The 2006 finals was just Australia’s second world cup appearance but football has really started to take off down under and for a country that went over 40 years without a world cup apperance before the 2006 finals, the ‘Aussies‘ have now reserved a place in their second successive World Cup. That’s a massive achievement for a country that has only just come to light in terms of producing some players with real quality.

Australia go into the World Cup as the 20th best team in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They certainly have the right form heading into the finals but they have one huge weaknesses and that’s their lack of strength in depth. Their first eleven could push even the top teams close but they only have a team right now, not a squad. They have a great chance of bypassing the group stage but when it comes to competing against the classier countries, after some gruelling group games, we expect the Australians to unfortunately come up second best.

Nicknames: Socceroos

Manager

Pim Verbeek is a Dutch manager who spent most of his playing career in the Dutch league with Sparta Rotterdam, Roda JC and NAC Breda. However, Pim Verbeek made a name for himself when aiding South Korea to the Semi-Finals in the 2002 World Cup when he was assistant manager under Guus Hiddink. Before taken over as manager of Australia in 2007, Pim Verbeek led South Korea to a third place finish in 2006 at the AFC Asian Championship and has now guided Australia to their third world cup appearance.

Pim Verbeek prefers to play with two holding midfielders and concentrates his attacking emphasis down the flanks. He tends to employ just the one front man with the tactic of overloading the opposing defence with crosses from the wings. Pim has been criticised back in Australia for playing ‘Dull football’ but remains adamant that as long as his team reaches the finals, it doesn’t matter what style of football they play.

Australia Key Players

Tim Cahill

The Everton maestro has been the best player to come out of Australia for some time, and with the likes of Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell bracing the Premiership in recent years, that’s some statement to make. Not only can the former Millwall play-maker create a goalscoring opportunity out of nothing but he’s made a reputation from being a nuisance in the oppositions penalty area, especially from set-pieces. Despite not being the tallest of players at 5ft 10in, he has an immense talent for putting himself in the right place at the right time and defenders often struggle to pick the little ‘Aussie’ up. Cahill has become a talisman for Australia and he will be crucial to their chances in south Africa.

Mark Schwarzer

The Fulham goalkeeper has bags of experience on his C.V. and has been a sought after keeper throughout his career. When Middlesborough let Schwarzer leave, some Australian critics thought Mark would find it hard to remain as the ‘Aussie’ number 1 in goal but he’s made that position his own and his performances, not only for his country but for his club as well, has reinstated his stance as the best goalkeeper in Australia at current. Schwarzer is the most capped player in the squad with 68 caps and his experience and quality at the back will be a huge boost for manager Pim Verbeek.

Australia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 1
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-0
Goals Scored: 12
Goals Conceded: 1

World Cup Potential: 3/5

Football, or Soccer as it’s referred to over in Australia, is growing at a rate of knots ‘Down Under’ and it’s easy to see why when you see the national team performing so well, encouraging the younger generation to take up a sport which had been overshadowed by a number of other sports for decades. The country got right behind their team when they made their first ever appearance in a World Cup back in 2006 and they’ll do the exact same the second time around.

In fairness, Australia don’t have a particularly bad set up considering they’re one of the outsiders to win the competition. They have a world-class goalkeeper in Mark Schwarzer, a super shot-stopper and a man who commands his box with authority. Their defence doesn’t have many household names but the ones they do have tonnes of grit and determination, and a heap of experience needed on the big stage; Lucas Neill (53 Caps), Brett Emerton (72 Caps) and Scott Chipperfield (63 Caps) three of the more experienced Australian defenders. With Tim Cahill (19 Goals), Harry Kewell (13 Goals) and Scott McDonald (0 Goals) all strutting their stuff in the final third of the pitch, the Australians might just have enough to etch enough points to sneak through what is a difficult Group.

Australia were drawn in a tough group back in 2006 and they battled their way through adversity. They’ve  been put in a similarly difficult group this time around as well. However, while the group does look tough on paper, it’s mainly because it’s a competitive group and that’s good news for the Australians as it means they have just as much chance of making the knock-put stage for the second World Cup running as the rest in Group D; Germany, Serbia and Ghana, of making the last-sixteen. The Aussies could be South Africa’s Dark Horses.

Australia World Cup Betting Odds

Australia to win the World Cup: 500/1 Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Australia were 150/1 

Official Australia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

Brad Jones (Middlesbrough)

Adam Federici (Reading)

Defenders

Craig Moore

Lucas Neill (Galatasaray Istanbul)

Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow)

Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel)

David Carney (FC Twente Enschede)

Mark Milligan (JEF United)

Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira)

Midfielders

Jason Culina (Gold Coast)

Tim Cahill (Everton)

Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers)

Mark Bresciano (Palermo)

Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn Rovers)

Brett Holman (Alkmaar)

Carl Valeri (Sassuolo)

Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu)

Richard Garcia (Hull City)

Dario Vidosic (MSV Duisburg)

Strikers

Harry Kewell (Galatasaray)

Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus)

Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Australia Fixtures – Group D

World Cup Group D - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Australia