Australia

Australia qualified for their first World Cup since 1974 when they got to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

They performed well and it took a last minute goal from eventual champions Italy to knock them out of the competition. Now the squad return and instead of Dutchman Guus Hiddink in charge it’s fellow countryman Pim Verbeek at the helm.

English based duo Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill were instrumental in getting the side to South Africa with Cahill netting 4 times and Schwarzer at the other end keeping an incredible 7 consecutive clean sheets in qualifying.

This year Australia qualified for the competition through the Asian zone instead of Oceania and the step-up in quality of opposition may hold the key to Australia’s success.

Star Man - Tim Cahill

Everton star Cahill is the key player for Australia, his superb performances in an advanced midfield role for club and country combined with his aerial ability and goal scoring talents make him the first name on the team sheet for Pim Verbeek.

He will be looking to go to the World Cup on the back of 4 goals in qualifying and fire Australia to success in their group stage fixtures against the likes of Serbia and Ghana.

It will be his defensive duties though that will be tested thoroughly against the efficient Germans in a game which could decide the winners of group D.

Coach - Pim Verbeek

The Dutch coach took over the reigns of the Socceroo side in late 2007 and has since moulded a team of solid and determined players who at the peaks of their careers will be looking to perform in South Africa.

Verbeek had embarked on a journeyman-like career as a manager until his success as Guus Hiddink’s assistant and then successor with South Korea led him to be appointed Hiddink’s heir once more with Australia.

Preferring to attack down the wings, crossing the ball in to a lone target man and soaking up pressure using two defensive midfielders, Verbeek’s side don’t play the most glamorous football but when its effective, its lethal.

One to Watch - Nikita Rukavytsya

The Ukrainian born Socceroo, Rukavytsya, goes in to the World Cup in hot form after joining Belgian side Roselaere on-loan from FC Twente in January. During his short spell at the club he hit the back of the net five times in eleven appearances.

Despite a tough start to life in European football when he joined FC Twente, Rukavytsya is well thought of in Holland and back home in Australia and national coach Pim Verbeek showed this by calling the youngster up to his World Cup squad.

The jet heeled striker may only make some substitute appearances in South Africa but against a tired defence he could make a real difference to the outcome of the match.


Odds to win - 125/1

GROUP STAGE FIXTURES