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.