The international cricket team of Australia is quite a formidable force. However, the Australian international football squad is much more of an underdog. Their FIFA World Cup history is not very eye-catching, with only three participations apart from the upcoming event to be held in Brazil in June 2014: in the events of 1974, 2006 and 2010 only. their highest achievement was the chance of playing in the round of 16 in 2006 World Cup. They occupy the 59th position in the FIFA international rankings.
The Potential Team Australia FIFA World Cup
However, we always seek for pleasant surprise, and the recent announcement of the World Cup roster has showed us just that. The Australian coach Ande Postecoglou has taken the pleasure of announcing a very ‘young’ squad with a lot of potential.
As most of the experienced Socceroos (yes, the team is called by that name) have retired recently, the coach had to arrange his squad with young and inexperienced players, who have the chance to show the world their worth.
The only players carrying on from the previous World Cup in the squad are the top scorer of Australia Tim Cahill, captain Mile Jedinak, Luke Wilkshire, Josh Kennedy, Mark Bresciano, Mark Milligan, Eugene Gelkovic and Dario Vidosic.
Players in their Respective Roles
Despite the sparkle of novelty, the Australian team will be looking towards Borussia Dortmund keeper Mitch Langerak or Club Brugge keeper Matt Ryan to strengthen their base level defense. Beside that, Newcastle United and Dynamo Moscow defenders Curtis Good and Luke Wilkshire respectively will also be there to threaten the opposition’s attack.
The midfield, though, is made of pure youth. Aside from captain and Crystal Palace player Mike Jedinak, every other midfielder will have their debut in this world cup. However, there are also talents in the midfield like Oliver Bozanic, Adam Sarota and James Holland. Only a bit of teamwork, and they will be a deadly combination in the center of the field.
On the forward line, there are 9 players, each from different clubs. Tim Cahill, who probably faces his career’s last World Cup, will definitely hold the key to finding the back of the net, as he has the most goals for his country (31). He will be supported by Josh Kennedy, whose 83rd-minute header bought Australia the ticket to Brazil, Ben Halloran, Tommy Oar, Adam Taggart, James Troisi, experienced Dario Vidosic, Tom Rogic, and in-form winger Matthew Leckie.
The Layout
The likely formation for the team could be the traditional 4-3-3, with Jedinak and Cahill playing the center of midfield and forward respectively, both flanked by Bresciano and Milligan and Leckie and Kennedy respectively.
The Challenge
Australia faces a staggeringly hard group this time in the world cup. At Group B, the Socceroos will have to face defending champions Spain and present Runners-up Netherlands along with Chile, which itself is an intimidating opponent. Thus, this world cup show will be thrilling for Australia as they face immensely strong opponents in a group which could as well be called the second Group of Death.