Post by David Walker
Outright Odds: 125/1Group F Winners: 14/one
Right after a 32 yr absence from the finals, Australia ultimately overcame their play-off hoodoo to qualify for Germany. Play off agony to Iran in 1997 and Uruguay in 2001 was vanquished very last November as the Australians yet again confronted Uruguay and beat them in a penalty shoot-out. Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was virtually taken off just before the shoot-out commenced, but two stunning saves booked Australia’s World Cup place.
Below coach Guus Hiddink, Australia have progressed immensely. The former South Korea coach and England target took over from Frank Farina previous July and even even though teams these kinds of as Fiji, Vanatu and Tahiti have been brushed aside with ease, Hiddink successfully finished what he called “almost mission impossible”.
Australia netted 32 objectives in 7 qualifying matches and even their two-legged ultimate in opposition to the Solomon Islands was a farce as they ran out seven- winners in Sydney in the initial leg. In fact, only fifth-placed South American aspect Uruguay offered genuine competition, winning 1- in Montevideo only for Australia to win the return leg by the identical scoreline and triumph on penalties.
When Australia switch to the Asian qualifying zone right after the finals the quality of opposition they encounter will boost dramatically and will make for a better team. Entry to this year’s Globe Cup will be a stage into the not known despite the squad all possessing encounter of European club football at some stage in their careers.
Even with their lack of accomplishment as an worldwide crew, punters in the UK may well be inclined to lump on the Aussies due to their Premiership contingent. Players these as Blackburn Rovers’ Brett Emerton, Everton’s Tim Cahill and Liverpool’s Harry Kewell will offer a lot of midfield course while Middlesbrough striker and Australia captain Mark Viduka can be a scary prospect when he’s in the mood.
While Kewell is capable of globe course displays, as he showed in the 2nd leg against Uruguay following coming on as a substitute, there are query marks about the team as a whole which should persuade you to make investments your betting financial institution elsewhere.
There is lots of flair heading forward but there is a telling lack of speed in defence which will be Guus Hiddink’s main trigger for problem. Total back’s Tony Vidmar at 36 and Kevin Muscat at 32 switched to the Dutch and Australian leagues respectively to see out the stop of their careers whilst centre back again Craig Moore is not mentioned for his lightening tempo possibly.
Proposed BetAustralia are able of causing an upset but they are likely to fall just quick of qualifying for the last sixteen. They could get their campaign off to a flying begin with an opening match victory more than Japan in planning to switching to the Asian qualifying zone following the finals.Australia to beat Japan @ 13/10
About the Writer
David Walker runs a free of charge Entire world Cup bets site and published Entire world Cup previews. A free of charge 45-page World Cup guideline is available from the web site and characteristics a “totally free Entire world Cup football shirt” supply.