Australia - World Cup 2006 Team Preview

Marc Fox reports...

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Road to Germany

The Socceroos' concluding qualification campaign in the feeble Oceania section was always a fait accompli. The only question was which nations they would come up against in the twin double-header at the end of a predictable group phase.

The surprise answer to their Oceania playoff opponent was the Solomon Islands after the Melanesians pipped traditional bridesmaids New Zealand to second spot. The answer to the nationality of their playoff foes from South America caused fewer shocks though.

With 2001 nemesis Uruguay once again standing in the way of their first finals since 1974, Australia lost the first leg, won the return in Sydney and then held their nerve to beat the former world champions 4-2 on penalties.

Analysis

For a side so traditionally centred around the English game, Hiddink has encouraged a more patient build-up and introduced flexible formations after ex-boss Frank Farina's rigid insistence on 4-4-2.

The Socceroos are likely to start against Japan with a 3-5-2 to exploit midfield resources the envy of a string of higher-ranked opposition. Hiddink can call on the likes of Premiership pair Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill as well as Parma duo Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella and the underrated Jason Culina (see one to watch) when piecing together his midfield ranks.

With Mark Viduka and John Aloisi offering experienced striking power, the major question marks still hang over the vulnerability of the centre backs. If fit again Craig Moore and Lucas Neill can be joined by one of the promising new guard - perhaps FC Thun captain Ljubo Milicevic - confidence will mushroom.

Neill was the outstanding contributor during the playoff victories over Uruguay in what used to be an unfamiliar central defensive role. Already an intelligent defender, the converted full-back took to marshalling the backline like a duck to water.

Key player

Mark Viduka's had his critics - most recently 1974 World Cup coach Rale Rasic who blasted the striker's Socceroos contribution - but Hiddink clearly isn't one swayed by popular opinion. The Dutch tactician pulled off a masterstroke by making the occasionally temperamental Viduka captain ahead of more qualified candidates after former skipper Moore was sidelined.

The striker repaid Hiddink's faith with goals against the Solomons and Jamaica after being outshone by John Aloisi at the Confederations Cup. Viduka knows his international strikerate should be higher but his game is not just about finding the net.

The 30-year-old offers an essential outlet upfront with many supporters claiming only Alan Shearer is a better Premiership master of the football with his back to goal. What's more, the speedy trio of Kewell, Bresciano and Cahill all rely on Viduka's imposing frame for their sighters on goal.

One to watch: Jason Culina

Hiddink favourite who made a low-profile switch to PSV from FC Twente Enschede last August. A mobile attacking midfielder who can pop up on either flank, Culina's father Branko is a former national league coach of the year and current technical director of New South Wales.

Coach

Guus Hiddink might only be Australia's coach part-time but he takes the role as seriously any managerial stint. The Dutchman is fiercely proud of his reputation of miracle worker and will take charge of the under-performing Russian national team after the finals.

Meticulous in his planning - which dedicates as much time to analysis as fitness - Hiddink proved his extensive knowledge of the game when he called up unknown Swedish-based goalkeeper Ante Covic for a training camp just before the Uruguay playoffs.

Hiddink has managed to extract greater commitment from superstars Viduka and Kewell than any previous coach - domestic or otherwise.

Recent Previous tournaments

1994: Did not qualify
1998: Did not qualify
2002: Did not qualify

World Cup Squad

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The Squad

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Zeljko Kalac (AC Milan), Ante Covic (Hammarby
Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast Mariners), Stan Lazaridis (free agent), Craig Moore (Newcastle United), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC)
Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Parma), Tim Cahill (Everton), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Vince Grella (Parma), Josip Skoko (Stoke City on loan from Wigan Athletic), Mile Sterjovski (Basel), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City)
Strikers: John Aloisi (Alaves), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Archie Thompson (PSV Eindhoven on loan from Melbourne Victory), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), Josh Kennedy (Dinamo Dresden)

Soccerphile says …

Progression to the second phase from Group F will boil down to how the World Cup novices handle a potentially emotion-charged clash with Croatia. A draw by then might just be enough with a quarter-final berth within grasp should momentum start to build.

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