Likely Starting Team

Australia

Mark Schwarzer

Position: Goal Keeper

Age: 37

International Caps: 70
Club: Fulham, English Premier League

One of Australia’s favourite sons. Look for the Socceroos giant between the pipes to be eager to stand tall for his country in which will undoubtedly be his last world cup.

Craig Moore

Birth Place:

Position: Defender

Age: 34

International Caps: 70, Goals 3 Club: unsigned

There has been much criticism over Pim Verbeeks decision to select the currently unattached Moore ahead of his former Queensland roar team mate Sasa Ognenovski who is in good form. However Moore’s experience and physical presence will be very important for the Socceroos against strong opposition in the group stages.

 

Lucas Neill (CAPTAIN)

Position: Defender

Age: 33

International Caps: 50 Goals 0 Club: Galatasaray, Turkish Superliga

Neill will be very important for Australia during this World Cup and needs to play his role to perfection.

Scott Chipperfield

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Age 34
International Caps: 63, Goals 12 Club: FC Basel, Swiss Super League

A tough and solid contributor who can play midfield having scored 12 goals for his country, but is just as comfortable holding his own down in defense. He will again play a big part for his country in this years World Cup Campaign.

Luke Wilkshire

Position: Defense/Midfield
Squad

Age: 28
Int
international Caps; 40, Goals 2 Club: Dinamo Moscow, Russian Premier League

A versatile player whose pace will be important for the Socceroos, although has to work on controlling his challenges giving away 5 yellow cards in his 11 qualifying games.

Vincenzo Grella

Position: Midfield

Age: 30

International Caps: 41, Goals 0
Club: Blackburn Rovers, English Premier League

With a name like Vincenzo, Europeans can’t help to take a liking to the solid socceroos midfielder. Australia will need him to step up when called on.

Jason Culina

Position: Midfield

18
Age: 30
International Caps: 12, Goals 1Club: Gold Coast United, A-League, Australia

A handy midfielder whose delivery into the 18 yard box will be vital if Australia is to utilise the heading power of striker Josh Kennedy.

Harry Kewell

Position: Midfield

Age: 31

International Caps: 45, Goals 13
Club: Galatasaray, Turkish Superliga

Ella

Haralambos, score it baby one last time!

Tim Cahill

Position: Midfield

Age: 30

International Caps: 34, Goals 18 Club: Everton, English Premier League

Arguably Australia’s most important player, Cahill’s effectiveness is super important for the socceroos. He played only 6 out of 13 World Cup qualifying games but scored 4 times, the equal most of any Australian player.

Brett Emerton

Position: Midfield

Age: 31

International Caps: 72, Goals 17 Club: Blackburn Rovers, English premier League

He always puts in 100 per cent effort for his county and was the second player to also score four goals during the qualifying stages. The Socceroos will need Emerton’s strong presence and experience in the World Cup, and he will be primed to have a big impact.

Joshua Kennedy

Position: Striker
Squad

Age: 28

International Caps: 51, Goals 6 Club: Nagoya Grampus, J League divison 1, Japan

Kennedy needs to score in the group stages if Australia is to advance. With tough opposition including Germany and Ghana, goals could be hard to come by for the Aussies and Kennedy will need to take his chances at set pieces.

Brett Holman

Position: Midfield/Striker

Age: 26

Club: Alkmaar Zaanstreek, Holland

Dangerous attacking midfielder who will trouble opposition with his fierce pace. Scored with the last kick of the game to earn the Socceroos a 2-1 victory over the All Whites in the Australia’s farewell game. Could be the X-factor Australia needs in the World Cup.