Socceroos will huff and puff but ultimately fail
Team Countdown - Australia. The days since Australia could be described as fairly good are long behind us. These days, even making it out of the Asian qualifying section is a real struggle. In November last year, the Socceroos were required to sneak into the World Cup via the backdoor option of a playoff against Honduras. It is a little encouraging that they dispatched their Central American opponents with some authority, winning a two-legged tie 3-1 on aggregate.
What is not so encouraging is the fact that exceptional talent is still proving hard to come by; it feels like a century since the days of Harry Kewell or Mark Viduka, and that partly explains why Australia is still hanging onto Tim Cahill, who turns 39 later this year. Not even a decent coach in Bert van Marwijk is likely to save the Australians another first round elimination.
How they play
The Socceroos’ style is dictated by their limitations; the scarcity of technically gifted players in their ranks has often meant relying on hard work and directness to make up for all they lack in terms of the finer gifts required to excel—and they lack quite a lot.
Strengths
With very little going for them in terms of midfield artists, the Australians have long resolved to make the most of their set-pieces and crosses. Indeed, all three of the team’s goals at the last World Cup arrived this way.
Weaknesses
The Socceroos and defensive frailties have always been bedfellows. In Brazil four years ago, the grafters from Down Under conceded three goals in each one of their three group games. In 2010, they were only slightly better; letting in seven goals in three games. New coach van Marwijk might not have time to correct that before the action starts.
Star man
Mile Jedinak has established himself not just as the leader of the group but also as an alternative source of goals to the reliable Cahill.
One to watch
Celtic’s Tom Rogic is a 25-year-old attacking midfielder who could contribute both creativity and goals in Russia.
Prospects
At the 2014 World Cup, there was always only going to be one outcome for the Socceroos the moment the draw punished them with fixtures against Spain, Chile and Netherlands. This time round, the challenges of France, Peru and Denmark in Group C appear kinder—on paper. Unfortunately, they coincide with an Australia which is significantly poorer on the pitch. Even if the Aussies will take on their latest World Cup expedition with heart, it will ultimately not be enough to get them past the group.
World Cup Low
The exit from the 2014 World Cup with zero points after losing all three of their group games.
World Cup Legend
Tim Cahill is likely to play his fourth straight World Cup in Russia and is Australia’s leading scorer at the tournament with five goals.
Fifa ranking
Australia are ranked No.40 by Fifa.
Coach
Bert van Marwijk
Fact file
How they qualified:
Beat Honduras 3-1 in a two-legged playoff
WC Appearances: 4
World Cup Record: 1974 - First round;
2006 - Second round; 2010 - First round;
2014 – First round
Overall Record: P13, W2, D3, L8
Best performance: Second round in 2006
WC High: A dramatic comeback as
three goals in the final eight minutes saw
Australia come from behind to secure a
famous win over Japan at Germany 2006.
Probable XI
1. Matt Ryan
2. Bailey Wright
3. Trent Sainsbury
4. Milos Degenek
5. Mark Miligan
6. Massimo Luongo
7. Mile Jedinak (captain)
8. Aaron Mooy
9. Tom Rogic
10. Mathew Leckie
11. Robbie Kruse
