2010 FIFA World Cup - Australia
2010 FIFA World Cup - Australia National Team
2010 FIFA World Cup Australia National Team:
Goalkeepers:
1 Mark SCHWARZER, 12 Adam FEDERICI and 18 Eugene GALEKOVIC
Defenders:
2 Lucas NEILL, 3 Craig MOORE, 6 Michael BEAUCHAMP, 8 Luke WILKSHIRE, 11 Scott CHIPPERFIELD,
20 Mark MILLIGAN and 21 David CARNEY
Midfielders:
5 Jason CULINA, 7 Brett EMERTON, 13 Vince GRELLA, 15 Mile JEDINAK, 16 Carl VALERI and 22 Dario VIDOSIC
Forwards:
4 Tim CAHILL, 9 Joshua KENNEDY, 10 Harry KEWELL, 14 Brett HOLMAN, 17 Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 19 Richard GARCIA and
23 Marco BRESCIANO
Coach:
Pim VERBEEK
Top Players Tim Cahill (AUS).
2010 FIFA World Cup Schedule & Scores
The star players
Undoubtedly Tim Cahill has become a talisman for the national team, with the attacking midfielder recording a remarkable goal return for the national team thanks to an uncanny positional sense and aerial ability. Galatasaray wide-man Harry Kewell provides a source of inspiration on the left, with Brett Emerton playing an equally important role on the opposite flank, while in the centre of the park, the under-rated duo of Vince Grella and Jason Culina are a well-oiled and invaluable engine room. The current side are renowned for their defensive capabilities with central defender Lucas Neill and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer an essential cog as the Socceroos leaked just four goals, including a record run of seven matches without conceding, en route to South Africa.
The coach
After a lengthy apprenticeship under Guus Hiddink, Pim Verbeek stepped out of the shadows to take Korea Republic to the 2007 AFC Asian Cup before assuming the reins of Australia in December 2007 just prior to the commencement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Verbeek has brought a pragmatic approach to the team, built on a thrifty rock-solid defence, but also with capabilities going forward on the flanks. Highly respected by the players, Verbeek has instilled a strong sense of team in what is a highly motivated and focussed unit.
Previous FIFA World Cups
Australia have appeared on the world stage just twice, but are now making up for lost time by claiming a second consecutive qualification. Following a breakthrough showing in 1974, where a team of amateur players were far from embarrassed despite a first-round exit, the sports-mad nation had to wait another 32 years for a return to the FIFA World Cup. The revisit to Germany proved a success with Australia finishing second in their group behind Brazil and ahead of Croatia and Japan. It took a penalty deep into injury-time for Italy to overcome the Socceroos in the Round of 16 and continue their run to the crown.
Records
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer claimed a national record as the team maintained a cleansheet for seven
consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Goalscoring honours in qualifying were shared by Brett Emerton and Tim Cahill with four goals apiece.
Australia - 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 - Australia
The outsiders It took the Socceroos 32 years to regain the world stage they had first trod in 1974. But, four summers
on from their impressive showing under Hiddink in Germany, the Australians make a quick return to the elite tournament. Now
under the tutelage of another canny Dutchman, Pim Verbeek, this pragmatic and strong-willed outfit made smooth progress through
their debut Asian qualification competition after the decision to leave the Oceania group. They finished well clear of Japan
in the final stage.