Group D / Dave Farrar / 14 May 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

We all remember the dramatic manner of Australia's exit last time out and though they may lack a magician in charge this time, they still have a handful of solid internationals who might yet spring a surprise..

"I like them all around the pitch, they have strong characters in Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella and co, and in the manner of all Australian sporting teams, they won’t leave anything behind in the dressing room."

Guus Hiddink's Australia were arguably the unluckiest team at the last World Cup. They were outstanding in their last 16 game against the eventual Champions Italy, only to be robbed by an awful piece of cynicism and a weak bit of refereeing.

This time round it's another Dutchman, Pim Verbeek, who takes charge of them, and he has quite an act to follow. The switch to the Asian qualifying groups can only have helped the Aussies, who have had to really test themselves to get through, and they'll be battle hardened after a long campaign, rather than simply a two leg play off.

They struggled a little in the first round of qualifying, twice losing to Iraq, but really impressed and hit their stride in the second round, when they were absolutely dominant in what had looked a difficult group. If they can hit that kind of form in South Africa, then they could be a real threat.

I like them all around the pitch, they have strong characters in Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella and co, and in the manner of all Australian sporting teams, they won't leave anything behind in the dressing room.

That said, they might just lack a bit of quality, and be a few players short of delivering a genuine challenge for a place in the latter stages. I thought long and hard before crossing them off my list of potential semi finalists, but I just can't see Scott McDonald and Brett Holman finishing off whatever chances are created by Harry Kewell. Of course, there's always Cahill, but he can't always get on the end of things, and the lack of subtlety is what could cost Australia a place even in the next round.

Coach: Pim Verbeek

The Dutchman knew that he had his work cut out after Hiddink's departure but he wasted no time in impressing his style onto the players, and has been richly rewarded with their respect as well as a series of wholehearted performances. Verbeek doesn't conform to Dutch cliché, and he is more than happy to sacrifice style for substance, hence the Socceroos' excellent defensive record. He's inherited, and built upon, a tightly bonded squad, and it will be fascinating to see just how far the men in green and yellow can go. Verbeek will leave his job after the tournament, and it may be with some happy memories.

Key Players

Tim Cahill

He's Australia's most famous player, and that's for a reason. Cahill's career path is an object lesson in making the most of yourself, and he has made the leap from highly rated unknown at Millwall to Premier League regular with uncanny ease. He also looks good at this level, and his ability to score goals that matter, to stand up when it counts, has served his country particularly well. He got Australia's first ever World Cup goal in Germany last time, and he'll almost certainly be on the score sheet again here.

Mark Schwarzer

Australia's defensive record throughout qualifying was extraordinary, conceding only four goals, and at one point going seven games without conceding. Their back line is solid, but they're helped by having a terrific goalkeeper behind them. Schwarzer was one of the main reasons behind Fulham's Europa League run, and he'll be one of the best keepers on view in South Africa.

Harry Kewell

Three very obvious choices as the Roos key players I know, but this trio all have to bring their "A" game to the tournament. Kewell has been rejuvenated in Turkey, and must get on the ball in forward areas. Australia have plenty of tough tackling midfielders, but only one man who can act as their pickpocket, their unlocker of defences. He's managed 9 goals in Turkey this season, and may just be a bit of value against Cahill to finish as Australia's top scorer.

Recommended Bet:

Back Australia to finish third in Group D @ [3.9]

Tags: Australia football, Australian footballers, Coach Pim Verbeek, Guus Hiddink, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald, Tim Cahill