Australia Face Tough Challenge in Group D

The Socceroos proved they can compete in 2006 but how will they fare in what Al Dannity feels is the real group of death in South Africa.

How they got here
Having received a bye through to the first group stage in Asia Australia made light work of the group initially, winning twice and drawing once in their opening three games. A defeat on the road to Iraq could have caused problems but the Socceroos made amends with a 3-1 win at Qatar to secure a place in the final group stage.

Having seen their World Cup hopes dashed in playoffs on numerous occasions while a member of the Oceania Confederation, the Socceroos showed they were in no mood to leave anything to chance during their first campaign in Asia. The final group stage was more like a coronation than qualification. Having opened with three straight win, Australia drew at Japan. Australia dropped just two more points, in a draw at Qatar, in the rest of the campaign and beat Japan 2-1 at home to top the table and qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Who to watch
While the squad Australia brings to South Africa will have a balance of youth and experience, the Socceroos have worryingly few young stars. The 26 year old Scott McDonald, a striker with Middleborough, in the only recognizable name on the squad under 30. Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is undoubtedly the star of the Australian team. The veteran has made over 200 appearances in the English Premier League (EPL). Fellow EPL star Brett Emerton can play in both defense and midfield although I expect to see more from him at the back in South Africa given Australia’s limited options.

One factor that should be factored into World Cup betting is the health of Harry Kewell. The versatile Galatasaray player can play in midfield, as a winger or as striker. Kewell has been hampered with injury problems for nearly 10 years and is currently battling a groin injury. The absence of such a veteran, one of only two Australians to ever win the Champions League, would be a significant blow.

How they will perform
This is undoubtedly the hardest group to call. The Socceroos start off against European giants Germany but I’m not even sure that will be their hardest game. Much like 2006, I expect Australia to stay in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages up until the last game of the group. It took some drama to make the second round last time out and against Serbia, in South Africa, I expect more of the same. The Socceroos can make the second round but they will have to do it the hard way.

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