2010 World Cup Preview: Australia

Australia seems to get more and more comfortable when it comes to getting through qualifying stages and onto the final stages of the World Cup.

An entire country is eager to prove that 2006 was not a fluke, and as most of Australia's stars approach what could potentially be their last big tournament, the time seems right for the Socceroos.

Having qualified as the only undefeated team in its group, leaving Japan, Bahrain, Qatar and Uzbekistan behind, Australia has finally had both the experience and the talent to get to the final stages, with a squad and a momentum building that resembles that of the United States.

The main problem for Australia, however, could be the way Pim Verbeek is transitioning his team from mainly physical, to a style that treats the ball more nicely.

The Socceroos have not fully adopted this tweak in the way they are supposed to play, and that could be disastrous in the group stage and against teams that either really know what they are doing (Germany,) have the advantage of a coach that stays two steps ahead of you (Serbia,) or a team that outplays you physically (Ghana.)

Schedule

Germany — June 13

Ghana — June 19

Serbia — June 23

A group of death where Germany stands taller than three very competitive teams will surely be one of the big attractions of the group stages.

When it comes to thinking about Australia's chances, their chances would be even bigger if the schedule were any different.

The Socceroos take on mighty Germany on the very first day.

The German team has about had enough of hovering around the title, and after being runner-up in Korea and Japan in 2002, and third in its own country in 2006, they will want to start the tournament with a strong win against Australia.

While Germany moves on to get nine out of nine, Ghana will await Australia.

The physical strength and desire to do well in South Africa of The Black Stars could prove deadly for Australia, even more if they happen to get three points out of Serbia in the first game.

Whether Australia gets three points out of Ghana or not will determine if the last game against Serbia will be of any importance for the Socceroos.

Serbia has in Radomir Antic a strategist who knows when to play his cards; if Serbia has anything to play for on this last game, Australia will have to counteract with the experience of Mark Schwarzer and Cahill.

One of the most competitive groups in South Africa will see three teams looking to get those six points to move on to the round of 16, with Germany hoping to do its homework sooner than later and watch the other three teams fight for the second qualifying spot.

Key Players 

The core of the Australian national team is on its prime, or slightly over it. However, the time seems right for several of Australia's key players.

For once, Mark Schwarzer will arrive to South Africa having played a Europa League final.

Regardless of who the champion is between Fulham or Atletico de Madrid, the 6'4" goalkeeper will have one more experience to add to his repertoire in the World Cup.

At the same time, Australia possesses two important players in the midfield—and one upfront—all with over decade of experience in Europe, and all three ready to shine at an international level.

Both Mark Bresciano and Tim Cahill should take over in the midfield against teams with less quality of pass in this position.

Harry Kewell has found regularity in Turkey, leading Galatasaray with one goal every two games in the current season, and showing that he can still be Australia's main target man.

If he does not follow his Turkish strike, Scott McDonald is willing and able to look after his first international goal.

Strengths and Weaknesses 

Australia has an experienced team, and they are physically capable of beating anyone.

The team has exponentially improved in the past eight years, to the point to where not going to the round of 16 would be a shame for the entire country.

After the 2006 run, the team has earned the mentality that it needs to believe in itself and act accordingly upon it.

The backbone of the team, Schwarzer-Neill-Bresciano-Cahill-Kewell has the quality and experience needed to perform well, but without the downside of being too old, such as Italy's key players.

A couple of things could cut Australia's stay in South Africa short. First, without those key players, Australia's capability is very limited.

Galatasaray defender Lucas Neill will have to work out any flaws in his defense, during every minute of the ninety minutes of every game.

Same with Bresciano and Cahill; everybody else in the midfield just looks up to them, too much. Upfront, Kewell is pretty much on his own, unless McDonald wakes up from his international siesta.

At the same time, Pim Verbeek will need to stop experimenting with his team, at least for the time being.

Australia's run in 2006 showed the team was capable of performing against better teams. We add that to the fact that the team has gained other skills in the past four years, and Australia should have a good run in South Africa as well. If the dutch manager starts asking for things that not even the big players are used to doing with the national team, the setback could be catastrophic.

It Would Be A Great World Cup If 

For Australia, anything beyond the group stage would be superb.

A balanced squad, if none of the older players suffers a minor injury during the first three matches, could take the team beyond the round of 16.

However, the more than likely rival in this round would be England; only a major surprise, with either Australia getting the first spot in its group, or England failing to qualify as the best team in theirs, would see the Socceroos advance to the round of eight.

It Would Be A Disaster If

Australia does not prove competitive against both Ghana and Serbia.

Nobody is going to ask much of them against the Germans, but against two teams just as hungry as Australia is (but not as gifted as them,) they should prevail as the better team.

Anything below second would be disappointing, even more after the successful run in Germany.

My Prediction 

On one hand, Australia has what it takes to surprise anyone.

On the other, their dependency on their key players, or their manager trying to experiment with the way they plat could have them sent back home two weeks after they arrive.

The best players Australia has ever gotten are on their prime, and they know this is it.

This is their last chance to make it happen.

If Australia's coach lets them play they way they know how, and the less experienced players bring on their hunger to shine, Australia could give England a run for their money, or even go to the round of eight if Capello's powerhouse does not get the first sport in their group.