Australia has always been thought of as an average side in previous World Cups.  But at Germany 2006, the Socceroos have been blessed with the most talent they have probably ever had.

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Led by Premiership players Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Brett Emerton, the Aussies have a skilled bunch who are at or near the peak of their abilities.  To top it off, coach Gus Hiddink, who guided an underdog South Korea side to the final four when they co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan, chose to left PSV Eindhoven in Holland to manage them at this World Cup.  

Although Kewell and Cahill have limped into the tournament with injuries due to a grueling Premiership season, Aussie fans were counting on Hiddink’s experience and, maybe, provide another feel-good story in the World Cup.

Australia faced Japan in the first group match, and felt hard done by to have gone into half-time down one by a Shunsuke Nakamura cross on which keeper Mark Schwarzer, another Premiership player, was bumped into by Atsushi Yanagisawa.  But Cahill, who is reminiscent of Paul Scholes in the way he makes late runs into the penalty area, came on as a substitute to save the Socceroos with two goals, and another sub, John Aloisi, added a goal in stoppage time to give Australia a 3-1 win.  Next up was defending champion Brazil , and the Australians were not daunted by the Samba Boys in the slightest.  Viduka caused havoc in the Brazil defense, and the midfield gave Kaka and Ronaldinho no time to give examples of their wealth of talent.  Kewell, when he was introduced for Cahill, was a constant threat, but missed a couple chances, including a sitter with the goal wide open.  Australia learned that against teams like Brazil, you have to be nearly perfect, and two defensive breakdowns led to a 2-0 defeat.  The Aussies can hold their heads high, however, as they made it a very uncomfortable day for the holders.

With the last game of the group phase coming up against Croatia , Australia is in the driver’s seat.  A draw or win against the Croats will send them through, although Kewell may be banned after a charge of insulting the referee in the Brazil match.  Hiddink has the Socceroos full of confidence, and a confident team can make some noise in the later rounds.