The Socceroos: a preview for FIFA World Cup
Australia is one of those countries that call football by the name of soccer. But one should not take it easy as the change by no means suggests that there is any less passion for the sport in Australia. The Australian football team, popularly known as the ‘Socceroos’ back home, are placed in Group D along with Germany, Ghana and Serbia.
For a team that has been silent as a church mouse on the international level, the Aussie team does bring in the x-factor with some world class players. The team has a pretty good record since their arrival in international football and have matched up to top-notch teams. The country is already a dominating power in sports around the world and though they do face problems in football, they can certainly step up and change it.
They are facing some obstacles in the upcoming FIFA World Cup as well but that has become a routine. They have a few players on the injury list but they are on the track to recovery.
Renowned players like Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton and Vince Grella are all playing in clubs while others like Craig Moore and Jason Culina have taken a break from international football.
Kewell has just returned from a groin injury for which he underwent a surgery. After nine weeks, he is finally on the right track and is ready to bounce back into the game, targeting the World Cup as his first tournament. Australian team physiotherapist Phil Coles has confirmed that his presence in the team is available and he will be participating in the World Cup. The Socceroos are placed in Group D and their first match is up against Germany in Durban on the 13th of June.
Kewell earlier optimistically said, “This injury has come at a bad time for me so I’ve got to work hard to try to secure my place. He added, “I’ve got one of the biggest tournaments coming up now and this is a chance for me to show this club what I’m capable of doing.” Kewell who has led the Aussie attack for some time now was a big concern for the squad. But now it seems all is set for him to make a performance.
The Australian team has often fallen into the controversy of not being able to produce quality players at a steady rate. They are often remarked as an old and slow team. Some of their major players are considering retirement after this Cup. Players like Moore are pressing the Australian football organizations that new blood is required and for that, preparation for the next generation’s success should start immediately.
He said, “It (Asian Cup) has to be used as a rebuilding phase. I certainly won’t be continuing after the World Cup in South Africa and I’m sure there will be five or six others who won’t be either.”
There were concerns that Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell will not be released by their clubs for the World Cup despite their claims that they will not abandon their country. On this subject, Moore said, “Regardless of whether Tim or Harry is available, we have to build for the future and start to get the new boys ready for the World Cup qualifiers for Brazil (2014). That certainly is true if the concerned want to have their fill they will have to show concern and start early.”
In general, the Socceroos do have a talented squad which is capable of performing at the international level. They certainly have set high expectations with their impressive performances in the World Cup of 2006. In the friendly match, they beat New Zealand with a score of 2-1. They did not live up to expectations, only scoring at the last minute of the match. Their Coach Pim Verbeek, despite the setbacks, hopes for a good performance in South Africa. Their first match is against Germany in Durban on the 13th of June. With a good team at hand, which is not lacking in either skill or experience, many fans will have a close eye on the future of Australian football.
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