Australia

Australia enter their second consecutive World Cup with much the same team as the last time. but with no less confidence.

The move to the Asian qualifyng system has helped the socceroos no end. It has given them more experience of competitive games, a regional international tournament to play in and a more structured basis with which to enter 2010.

The Aussies were the first country, apart from the hosts, to qualify for the World Cup having finished ahead of Japan and camp will be set up in South Africa as early as tomorrow meaning the Australians will be the first team to arrive. 

Despite topping their group with six wins out of eight games, Pim Verbeek's team found goals hard to come by, especially away, and it won't get ant easier against Germany, Ghana and Serbia. 

In Germany, Guus Hiddink's team were denied a quarter final berth by Fabio Grosso's dive and Francesco Totti's penalty, but the Socceroos would be delighted to come away with a similar result this time.

SCHEDULE

Germany    June 13th- Durban

Ghana        June 19th- Rustenburg

Serbia        June 23rd- Nelspruit

The draw has not been as kind as four years ago. These three opponents are a significantly more daunting challenge than Brazil, Japan and Croatia in 2006. Saying that, the Aussies certainly have a chance of getting through the group, and a repeat of the spirited performances and team work of last time will be the least they'll have to produce.

Beyond Germany, who will surely make it through one way or another, the other three will fancy their chances of joining them in the last 16. Australia, however, are slight underdogs considering the superiority of some of the players representing Ghana and Serbia. 

KEY PLAYERS

The make up of the starting XI is reminiscent of the last competition, only minus Mark Viduka. There will be a heavy reliance on Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell to score goals, and Mark Bresciano, Luke Wilkshire, Vince Grella and Brett Emerton to help create them.

Tim Cahill, a Samoan under 17 international, has been an essential part of Australia's team since being capped in 2004. His goals from midfield won Australia their only World Cup game against Japan in Germany. The Everton midfielder will need to put in some goal scoring performances if they're to progress.

Mark Bresciano has been an ever present for Palermo in Italy for years now, and has played on the peninsula for the past 11 years, making him the countries most consistent European performer. He is a set piece specialist who will be fighting over free kicks with Harry Kewell. 

Mark Schwarzer has played over 60 games for Fulham in the last season and at the age of 37 his career doesn't seem like slowing down. He has played for the Socceroos since 1993, but was dropped for the pivotal game with Croatia four years ago, only to return for the second round. His goalkeeping prowess will be priceless with the unattached Craig Moore in front of him.

ONE TO WATCH- Tim Cahill 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Qualification from the group is not impossible but it'll be tough going to get to the second round. A realistic shot at the quarter finals will then be the reward.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A first game defeat followed by two more and taking a big step backwards from the last time.

PREDICTION

First round exit, but not without a credible fight.