Thunder from Down Under

Thirty-two years after their one and only World Cup finals appearance back in 1974 in West Germany, Australia will again grace the sport’s greatest stage fully aware of their giant task.

Pooled in Group F, with formidable opposition such as Brazil, Croatia and Japan, the Socceroos have their sights on second place, which would mean qualification to the knockout phase.
It is an ambitious objective but within the grasp of a side coached by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who took over in the summer of 2005 following the resignation of Frank Farina.

While Brazil appear untouchable, Japan and Croatia must be on full alert to the progress of the team which was in evidence in beating Uruguay on penalties after the two legged play-off for the final ticket to Germany 2006 finished level at 1-1.

Comprised with many European-based players including Premiership stars Liverpool’s Harry Kewell and Middlesbrough’s  Mark Viduka the Australian team will put their money on a physical game.

Miracle coach Hiddink who led unfancied South Korea to the 2002 semi-finals, has been employed in part to instill greater defensive rigour in the back-line while at the same time developing the attack.

While the team often go for a direct approach, they proved against Uruguay they have other options. The recent appointment of Johan Neeskens, a former lieutenant of Johann Cruyff at the great Ajax sides, will also bring an inspirational touch to the tactics.