2010 FIFA World Cup: Will Australia Find Success This Year?

Australia enters their second consecutive World Cup with much of the same team as last time as well as, the same level of confidence.

The move to the Asian qualifying system has helped the Socceroos. It has given them an experience of more competitive games, a regional international tournament, and a more structured basis with which to enter in 2010.

The Aussies were the first country, apart from the hosts, to qualify for the World Cup. They have finished ahead of Japan, and will be the first to arrive in South Africa. They will be setting up their camp as early as tomorrow.

Despite topping their group with six wins out of eight games, Pim Verbeek's team found it difficult to shoot goals, especially away from their home field, and unfortunately, it won't get any easier against Germany, Ghana, and Serbia.

In Germany, Guus Hiddink's team was denied a quarter final berth because of Fabio Grosso's dive, and Francesco Totti's penalty, but the Socceroos will be delighted to come away with a similar result this time.

Schedule

Germany    June 13th- Durban

Ghana         June 19th- Rustenburg

Serbia         June 23rd- Nelspruit

The draw has not been as kind as it was four years ago.

These three opponents are a significantly more daunting challenge than Brazil, Japan and Croatia in 2006.

With that said, the Aussies certainly have a chance of getting through the group, and a repeat of the spirited performances and team work from the previous World Cup will be the least of what they will have to produce.

Beyond Germany, who will make it through one way or another, the other three will fancy their chances of joining them in the last 16.

Australia, however, are slight underdogs considering the superiority of some of the players representing Ghana and Serbia.

Key Players

The make up of the starting XI is reminiscent of the last competition. They are only missing Mark Viduka.

There will be a heavy reliance on Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell to score goals, and Mark Bresciano, Luke Wilkshire, Vince Grella, and Brett Emerton to help create them.

Tim Cahill, a Samoan under 17 international, has been an essential part of Australia's team since being capped in 2004. His goals from midfield won Australia their only World Cup game against Japan in Germany. 

The Everton midfielder will need to put in some goal scoring performances if they're to move on.

Mark Bresciano has been an ever present player for Palermo in Italy for years now, and has played on the peninsula for the past 11 years. This makes him the country's most consistent European performer. He is a set piece specialist who will be fighting over free kicks with Harry Kewell. 

Mark Schwarzer has played over 60 games for Fulham last season, and at the age of 37 his career doesn't seem like it is slowing down. He has played for the Socceroos since 1993, but was dropped for the pivotal game with Croatia four years ago, only to return for the second round. His goalkeeping prowess will be priceless with the unattached Craig Moore in front of him.

One to Watch

Tim Cahill 

Best Case Scenario

Qualification from the group is not impossible, but it'll be tough going to get to the second round.

A realistic shot at the quarter finals will then be the reward.

Worst Case Scenario

A first game defeat followed by two more and taking a big step backwards from last time.

Prediction

First round exit, but not without a credible fight.