Socceroos Road to World Cup Germany 2006

2008-06-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

20080616 The World Cup campaign has been going for a few months now. Socceroos have made through the first phase of qualifying.

Australia v Qatar 6 Feb 2008

China v Australia 26 Mar 2008

Australia v Iraq 1 June 2008

Iraq v Australia 8 Jun 2008

Qatar v Australia 14 Jun 2008

Australia 1 v Japan 1 (3-4 penalties)

2007-07-21T23:39:00.001-07:00

20070721 Not good enough, forget the biased refereeing, forget the Grella red card, forget the lottery of the penalty shootout. Over 90 minutes, the Socceroos were the inferior team and Japan deserved to go through. Time to rebuild for the next World Cup qualifying tournament. Olyroos will provide the new stars for the team; names like Carney, Milligan, Djite will provide the backbone of the new look Socceroos, along with Cullina, Grella, Bresciano, Emerton and Kewell.

Relief: Socceroos 4 v Thailand 0

2007-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Socceroos had a Great Escape tonight, qualifying for the quarter finals of the Asian Cup. But after Beauchamp scored the opening goal, the Socceroos were pegged back on the back foot for prolonged periods in the match. Had the Thais finished better, Australia would surely be on the plane home tonight. In the end the heroes were Beauchamp and Mark Milligan who were immense in the centre of defence, Tim Cahill the playmaker set up two goals for Viduka and one for Kewell. Next opponent Japan, in the replay of the World Cup 2006 match in Germany. With this defence being shaky, the Socceroos need to buck up to stand any chance.

16 July 2007 Crunch time for Socceroos

2007-07-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

It will be Bangkok, It will be hot, It will be a caudron in the arena with 60,000 baying Thai fans. It has come down to this, the Socceroos needing to win to keep their Asian Cup dreams alive. The Thais need only a draw. Can the star studded Socceroos do it? The weight of history is often against teams who need to win. Cast your minds back to May 2007, when Sydney FC went to Japan to play Urawa Reds, needing a win, Urawa needed a draw. The outcome was 0-0. So that could be it, the big heads in the Socceroos team could well be on the way home tomorrow. But for Australian football's sake, let's hope their star quality rears its head and they achieve the impossible.

Socceroos 1 v Iraq 3

2007-07-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

Shocking, bad, poor play, clown defence, big heads, small performances: just a few of the many words to describe the Socceroos inept performance against Iraq. Now they can point to the weather, but hey every other team in the competition has to endure the same conditions. Arnold has a lot to answer to as well, playing a lone striker system that is devoid of any attacking flair or ideas. Let's hope the Socceroos can pick themselves up to beat Thailand to progress. Can they even progress? Even if they progress, can they go further? Might as well go home early la, because they won't get past the latter rounds. Hopefully I am proven wrong.

The rules for the competition are:(from AFC Asian Cp official website)

If two or more teams in a group are equal on points on completion of the group matches, their places shall be determined as follows:
a) Greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned.
b) Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned.
c) Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned (Away Goals do not apply in this stage of the competition).
d) Goal difference in all the group matches.
e) Kicks from the penalty mark if only two teams are involved and they are both on the field of play.
f) Drawing of lots.

Bottom line: Australia has to beat Thailand to qualify for the next round.(from the goal difference between the group match rule in bold above) A tough task, seeing Thailand convincingly beat Oman, who caused Australia many problems in the first match.

Socceroos 1 Oman 1

2007-07-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

A stuttering performance, described by many as The Great Escape. Again Tim Cahill turns the super sub hero, blasting a 91st minute equaliser to a truly forgetable match. Schwartzer was the other hero, making world class saves from the tacky and speedy Oman play. However the time wasting by the Oman players feigning injury were disgraceful. Only teams from the Mid East are notorious for this type of behaviour, learning from their South American coaches. The South American cheating way is finding its way into the rest of the world game, starting in West Asia. FIFA needs to put a stop to this: maybe instruct the 4th official to add on double the time when players are 'obviously' feigning injury, or if a player is stretchered off in an international, he has to stay off the pitch for 3 minutes, not just hop straight off the stretcher back into play.

2007 Asian Cup warmup: Singapore 0 Australia 3

2007-06-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Socceroos had their final hit out against Singapore, ranked 134 in the FIFA rankings, but made heavy work of despatching of a plucky Singapore side, who hit the woodwork. Australia needs to improve on the teamwork and fluency to have any chance of lifting the Asian Cup. But the 3rd goal was a classic, Harry Kewell breaking down the left to put in a sublime cross for Mark Viduka to head home from 6 yeards. A throw back to their Leeds United days.

Asian Cup 2007: Socceroos favourites

2007-06-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

One year after the heroics in the World Cup in Germany, the Socceroos are embarking on the quest for the Asian Cup 2007. Having joined the Asian Confederation, the Socceroos have had the 'favourites' tag branded on them for the title. But wait, they are still only the 3rd ranked team in Asia. Two days ago, they touched down in Singapore and start their preparations with acclimatisation and a warm up match against singapore, before the first match on July 8 v Oman. Check back here for commentary on their progress.

2006-10-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

20061029 Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA today apologises to Australian football fans for the Italian dive by Grosso, which knocked the Socceroos out of Germany 2006. Confirms the Italian's penchant for 'simulation' and misleading of referees.

2006-10-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

20061010 A full strength Socceroos team beat Bahrain 2-0 and finish as seeded qualifier for the 2007 Asian Cup.(Bahrain sent its U23 team) A wonder strike by Mark Bresciano via a spectacular overhead kick in the 24th minute sealed the victory, after an 18th minute goal from John Aloisi. The Saturday before, the Socceroos drew 1-1 with Paraguay in Brisbane in a match that saw the retirement of four senior Socceroos: Zjelko Kalac, Tony Vidmar, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Popovic, who scored a dream goal. A good homecoming for the heroes of Germany 2006 World cup campaign.

Zidane sent off on video evidence?

2006-07-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

So Thierry Henry said that if video evidence was to be used, then it should be used for everything and not just selected incidents (like the zidane case). This brings up an interesting final word on the World Cup Germany 2006.

Italy beat Australia on a dubious last minute penalty which could be seen as 'simulation' on a video replay.
Italy went on to win the World Cup.

So it is a case of, 'What could have been, for the Socceroos', if video was used. Intriguing thought!

Some of FIFA awards: Zidane wins Golden Ball

2006-07-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

Zizou, despite the red card in the final, wins the Golden Ball.

Zidane provoked into head butt? Typically Italian job

2006-07-10T01:37:00.000-07:00

Zenadine Zidane was sent off for a head butt on Italian Matarazzi. Beckenbauer and Domanech, both were quoted as suspecting Matarazzi provoked the action. This is typically an Italian job, using cheat tactics (although legal by FIFA rules) to win at all costs, unsportsmanlike and unfairly. So rest well, Lucas Neill, Fabio Grosso's dive is a long line of Italian jobs pulled by Italian soccer players to achieve a means to an end. Zidane, a superstar of world football, is just as susceptible.

Final Italy 1 France 1 (Italy wins on penalties)

2006-07-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

3 rd place goes to Germany, 3-1 winners over Portugal

2006-07-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

Semi final France 1 Portugal 0

2006-07-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

What could've been for the Socceroos

2006-07-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

So it's Italy with some scintillating play into the final of the World Cup 2006. Grosso scored a brilliant goal. A master of all trades, brilliant play and play acting for the academy award. Oh woe for the Socceroos, it could have been them in the final on July 9.

Semi Final Italy 2 Germany 0

2006-07-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Soccers rebuilding on solid foundations

2006-07-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

With the bulk of the 2006 Germany squad possibly continuing to play international football, the base for rebuilding the Socceroos for the Asian Cup 2007 and 2010 World Cup looks bright.

Portugal and France into semi finals

2006-07-02T02:19:00.000-07:00

Portugal were held by 10 man England for the best part of the 2nd half, after Wayne Rooney was sensationally sent off. Portugal advancing on penalties 3-1, after Ricardo made a World Cup record number of 3 saves in a penalty shootout. Zidane was in inspirational form, putting on a virtuoso performance to set up France's semi final berth, setting up the winner for the ever predatory Thiery Henry classic goal.

First 2 quarter finals see Italy and Germany through

2006-06-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Germany 2006 Socceroo hero line-up

2006-06-30T04:27:00.000-07:00

I guess FIFA is not serious on stamping out 'simulation'

2006-06-27T03:04:00.000-07:00

From smh.com.au, pictures tell the story. Greg Louganis, Despatie eat your heart out on how to score perfect nines off the 10 m platform at the Olympics.

I guess FIFA is not serious on stamping out 'simulation'

2006-06-27T02:41:00.000-07:00

From smh.com.au, pictures tell the story. Greg Louganis, Despatie eat your heart out on how to score perfect nines off the 10 m platform at the Olympics. Even former World cup winners such as Pierre Littbarski cringe at the Italian tactics.

Socceroos bow out of World Cup, Italians through

2006-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

And so it was, Australia are out of the World Cup to a dubious last minute penalty. Basically, an act of simulation by Grasso, referee fell for the con job and awarded the penalty. Overall though, the Italian team had the better clear cut chances to win the match, Socceroos failed to make their numerical advantage count, after Matarazzi was sent off for a straight red card. They paid for it with their lack of adventure to go for the winning goal.

But there is plenty of sympathetic support for the Socceroos.

Independent British press labels the penalty 'questionable' and 'dubious'.

But the Socceroos heads are held high, exceeding their expectations to score a goal and earn a point from these World Cup finals. Good on ya. Go Go Go Socceroos.

Korea, Hiddink factor, underestimation, penalty shootout

2006-06-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tim Cahill has warned Italy to not underestimate the Socceroos. I think the match might be headed to penalties, with the mean defence of Italy hard to break down formthe Italians, and the Socceroos never say die attitude.

Socceroos team news

2006-06-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hiddink has indicated Schwarzer to be the goalkeeper, while Harry Kewell, who hasn't trained at all since the Croatia match, might well come off the bench. Read the Yaoo preview. The Italians are firm favourites, with the socceroos firm underdogs, which is the way Hiddink likes it.

More Socceroo pictures

2006-06-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Quotes from the Socceroos

Which keeper to use for the Socceroos?

2006-06-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hiddink faces a dilemma on whether to choose Schwarzer o Kalac for the Italy game. For me, Schwarzer is the better shot stopper, but Kalac will have the physical presence to thwart aerial attacks. Judging from Matarazi's headed goal versus the Czech Republic, Kalac can provide an effective defensive weapon in this regard. The problem is his lack of match time, being understudy to Brazilian Dida at AC Milan. This showed in the calamatous 2nd goal conceded to Croatia. Prior to that, he collected a ball from the air then almost dropped it across his own goal line. I think a top notch goalkeeper like Kalac will learn from this and not these lapses of concentration get the better of him versus Italy. The Italians will also be lulled at taking long range potshots at his goal, expecting him to make the same blunder, rather than play attacking football on the ground. So Guus, pick Kalac, in my opinion.

Some of the Cocceroos believe that their edge lies in superior stamina and fitness. I reckon this will be a great asset in the knockout game against the Azzuri.

Nesta ruled out of Italy Socceroo clash

2006-06-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Nesta, along with the suspended de Rossi are out of the Italian defence. This would seem to be good news for the Socceroos attack, but I think the Aussie strikers need to find a way past Boufon the Italian goalie, who has been huge in the Ghana and Czech games for Italy.

Socceroos v Azzuri previews

2006-06-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

from www.smh.com.au

Socceroos into last 16: Payback for 32 years of heartbreak

2006-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

22 June 2006 Stuttgart will be a date in Australian football folklore. A hard fought 2-2 draw with Croatia earned the Socceroos a dramatic, tension packed, finger biting and gut wrenching match that sees the Socceroos into the final 16 of the World cup.

Highlights

A 2nd minute Beckhamesque free kick put Australia on the back foot.
10th minute, Mark Viduka was rugby tackled to the ground inside the box. English referee Graham Poll incredibly waved play on.
A stirring fightback by Australia, camping in the Croatian half for long spells of attacking football.
39th minute. Croatian defender (Viduka's friend and former team mate at Zagreb) handled the ball deliberately in the box. Craig Moore stepped up to slot the penalty home.
A calamatous bungle by Kalac saw a Niko Kovac shot slip into the Australian net. Socceroos down again, needed character to come back.
Heartbreak loomed large again for the Socceroos, as another blatant handball by Tomas right in front of the ref in the box, incredibly was waved off. FIFA, think carefully before appointing a Pom as the referee in matches involving Australia.
79th minute, substitute Bresciano crossed for Harry Kewell to slam home the equaliser.
A heroic clearance by Craig Moore off the goal line denies Croatia the winner.
Brad Emerton sent off for deliberate handball. Croatian Australian born defender Josip Simunic given a 2nd yellow card, but incredibly stayed on the pitch. He was given a third yellow card and a red card after the final whistle.
Sustained Croatian pressure saw clear cut chances spurned. Finally the Socceroos get payback for the 32 years of heartache.

Jubilant scenes were reported in Melbourne and Sydney street parties.
Read the coashes post match comments. Read the players' comments.
Nest up a round of 16 match against Italy. GO SOCCEROOS.

The big match today

2006-06-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

With the traditional links, friendships between the two countries, this match will prove the biggest for Australia. a place in the second round beckons for the Socceroos, in this Australia I v Australia II match. (or Croatia I v Croatia II)

Says a lot for quality of Socceroos play

2006-06-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Mark (Viduka), the fact that people like Japanese FA president and the others are out to smear the Socceroos as a dirty team(article), shows that they are scared by the Socceroos great football skills and atractive play. Even USA head coach Bruce Arena wrote off the Socceroos as easybeats. (His USA team however got thrashed by the Czech Republic 3 zip) Bottom line, they are scared stiff of the prospect of playing the Socceroos. The referees falling for it could be a ploy by FIFA to undermine the Socceroos, seeing that they denied 'divine right' 2 time champion Uruguay to reach the final. Just tell the lads to be professional and play the quality of football to show the world Australia are here to stay in the World Cup.

Good news is that Harry kewell's charges by FIFA have been thrown out due to 'inconsistent' reporting by match officials. Is there a conspiracy there? How can the match official's reporting be 'inconsistent'. could it be that one or more of them show a 'bias' to zealous reporting. Prodding by some of those who fear the Socceroos maybe? FIFA, you might as well dispense away with the captain of the team, since Mark, the referee in question, don't want to answer Viduka's queries. I mean, what is the point of having a captain when he cannot even communicate with the referee? I think this is the reason the disciplinary charges were dropped, FIFA realises the biasnessness of the referee in this match in this respect.

Australian Coratian alleigance

2006-06-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

There'll be six on the Socceroos side, who have links to Croatia, with 3 Aussie born players playing on the Croatian side. They call it the biggest match in Australian football history. The Socceroos with the Croatian ethnic background are Kalac, Govic, Bresciano, Viduka, Cullina, Skoko and Popovic. The 3 Aussie born players in the Croatian team are Didulica, Seric and Simunic.

Disciplinary charges brought on Kewell by FIFA

2006-06-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Oops, that is what happens when discipline and professionalism goes out the window, 'in the heat of the moment'. Harry should follow the example shown by Cefu, the Brazilian captain who smiles and accepts the ref's decisions. All players for that matter should not play act, remonstrate with refs and accept decisions. Now Kewell could miss croatia match. No matter, he missed a gilt edged chance to equalise against Brazil, due to his being not 100% fit. I am sure other Socceroos can fill in admirably.

Brazil 2 Australia 0 Gallant effort by Socceroos

2006-06-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

A defeat by the World Champions by two goals. The first was dubious as Ronaldo was coming back onside from an offside position when he received the ball, before he set up Adriano. Few other notable observations come from the match.

Australia could have got a point if not for poor finishing by Harry Kewell, who shows his lack of sharpness, missing a gilt edge tap in.
Robinho should start for Brazil ahead of an obese Ronaldo.
Other teams will take heart that Brazil can be beaten, Australia caught their defence square numerous times.
In theReferees usually favour the fancied teams, be it from pressure or otherwise.

In the end a moment of brilliance separated the two teams in a hard fought close encounter.

Some quotes from the players involved in the match.
Next up Croatia, the Socceroos will only need to avoid defeat to progress to the round of 16. GO Socceroos.

Japan 0 Croatia 0 Good news for the Socceroos

2006-06-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Croatia Japan match ended in draw, which is great news for Australia. Both sides had their chances, Croatia more, but were utterly wastful, poor finishing. And to think that the Croatian striker Klasnic boasted before the match that "Croatia will win and win with great ease". Sometimes arrogance doesn't pay off. Go the Socceroos. And thanks to Kawaguchi, the Japanese keeper who made a brilliant save from a Croatign penalty.

2006-06-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Guus Hidding took the socceroos into a closed door training session today, to work on the tactics against the world champions Brazil. Today we saw Argentina hammer Serbia and Montenegro 6-0. Aussie fans might fear the worst for the Socceroos come Sunday, however all that is important is for the players to remain confident, to try to get something from the match. According to Jason Cullina, the tactic might well be the same 'in your face' ones employed in the friendly game against the Netherlands.

Vinnie Grella and Craig Moore likely to be saved for Croatia

2006-06-16T01:53:00.000-07:00

Some news out that Grella and Moore would be saved for the crucial game against Croatia. Hiddink obviously thinks that the defensive midfield and defence is paramount to contain Croatia.

2006-06-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

16 June 2006 Birchell, the Port vale midfielder who played for the Soca Warriors v England yesterday, says on their performance in winning 2-0, England may not be good enough to win the World Cup. All the better news for the Socceroos!

Players on yellow cards could be rested against Brazil

2006-06-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

Hiddink hinted on the possibility of using tactical changes, resting some key players who are on yellow cards. This is to preserve their availability for the crucial Croatia game. A tricky situation, because the Socceroos don't want to let Brazil run riot. But I am sure the other members of the squad will fill in admirably into those positions. Tactics though is all important, because from all accounts of the Brazil v Croatia match, Croatia were very impressive.

1 in 9 Aussies watched the Socceroos first win in World Cup

2006-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

News from Bloomberg.

Buildup to the biggest game: Socceroos v Croati, with Australian born players in Croatian team

2006-06-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

With a few Aussie born players in the Croatian team, the Australia v Croatia match will be an interesting tussle.

3 points 3 goals!

2006-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Ther I was, writing off Australia with 10 minutes of the match to go, the belief seemed to be gone. Then came the goals that rained down, giving Australia 3 points with 3 goals. The Japanese tactics of riling up the Aussies and the referee with accusations of foul play backfired. I thing the superior conditioning the players got under Hiddink has a lot to do with the victory. And also the new star in world football, Tim Cahill. So now bring on Brazil, maybe a draw will do nicely.

Bloomberg's account of the game and Hiddink history.

Confident Aussies getting ready to cheer on Socceroos

2006-06-12T02:33:00.000-07:00

News reports on the excitement and anticipation of the Socceroos first World Cup match in 32 years.

The tactical preview indicates an even match, the team with the strongest willpower to prevail.

Maurice Iemma, the NSW Premier is predicting victory for Australia.

War of Words hype up Aust v Japan

2006-06-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

Basically the Japanese are using psychological tactics, and Guus Hiddink should have not fallen into the trap and kept silent, letting the Socceroos answer the criticism with their skills. Even Marco Van Baston has said that the friendly in question was a 'match for men', and the match was a good test for the Dutch. Maybe the Japanese are of the opposite gender, so they are afraid, and now use the tactics to unsettle Australia. Should be a fiery and interesting match between 'men' and 'boys'. Time will tell the winner, in this match which is widely expected to attract the biggest audience of the tournament so far. Looking forward to the match. The lost generation of Socceroos supporters, who went through the agony of Uruguay in 2002, Iran 1998, Argentina, Scotland during the failed qualification for the past 32 years will be supporting the Socceroos, win lose or draw, fair or dirty or 'ladylike'. This will be for Johnny Warren and Tony Vidmar and the countless heroes of the past 3 decades. Check out the match preview.

Day 1 Stunning goals, 3 stars shine

2006-06-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

20060609 Excitement plus. First match was a 4-2 affair with Germany winning over Costa Rica. Stunning goals were seen from Lahm, and Frenz, thunderbolts fit for the stage. 2 stars scored 2 goals each, Wanchope for Costa Rica and Klose for Germany. If this is the sort of the match the rest of the World Cup serves up, we are in for an exciting ride. Ecuador confounded the critics by beating Poland, Del Gado the star, creating one goal and scoring the killer goal. Poles were unlucky, having hit the woodwork twice after going down 2-0, so it could have easily been a draw. The excitement builds for the Socceroos first match.

Key midfielder Bresciano should be fit for Japan opener

2006-06-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

9 June 2006 World Cup starts today.

2006-06-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

A small sneak preview for the records of this blog.

Socceroos 3-1 Lichtenstein

2006-06-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Socceroos scrape win over tiny Lichtenstein in wWorld Cup warmup match. Didn't see the match, but seems Kewell shows encouraging signs and Australia spared blushes by late goals. Hopefully the team can improve on the sharpness and cohesion.

Soccernet says "Kennedy, a towering striker who was a surprise selection in the squad, showed why he could loom as Australia's trump card against the Japanese when he climbed above two defenders to head a Brett Emerton cross into the net in the 74th minute." So the aerial route it could be v Japan.

Socceroos keep low profile ahead of World Cup

2006-06-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Socceroos have 180;1 chance to win World Cup

2006-06-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

According to ABC online article, the Socceroos chances are slim, but better than getting killed in a terrorist atack or striking the lottery.

Startled Dutch insist the Socceroos can go far

2006-06-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

20060605 Some of the Dutch stars gave a fair assestment of how far the Socceroos could go, and possibly surprise some of hte more fancied teams.

Socceroos 1-1 Netherlands: The physical game

2006-06-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

20060605 A much need morale boosting match to hold the no 3 rated Dutch side. Saw the 2nd half, Australia were outclassed but put up a spirited fight, especially after going down to 10 men. This should be the tactic to take against Brazil, ramp up the physicality of the match, to get a result like this one and one point to ensure progress into the 2nd phase by the Socceroos.

Kalac or Scwartzer in goal?

2006-06-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

20060604 Guus Hiddink has a problem. But it is a pleasant problem to have: the selection from two world class goalkeepers to start in the World cup games. Branco Cullina (father of Jason) thinks Spider Kalac is the one.

Kewell returns, Viduka says playing future depends on World cup performance

2006-06-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

20060604 Mark Viduka, might hang up his boots after the World Cup. A great stalwart and servant for the Socceroos deserves to retire with glory. So will the Socceroos find glory? At least Harry Kewell played a full practice match against Dutch amateur side V.V. Kloetinge, which the Socceroos won 8-1. In the same match, we can hope that Tim Cahill, who was substituted late on, has not aggravated a knee injury. (Source: The Age)

Kewell will be Hiddink's secret weapon

2006-06-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

20060602 Hiddink has revealed that Kewell will be used sparingly for the group games, coming on late to prise open opposition defences. This 'secret' weapon, is a good ploy because Harry is yet to be fully fit, after recuperating from a groin injury. I think he will be the ace in the pack to surprise some teams. (The Age: http://www.theage.com.au/news/aussie-update/kewell-will-not-start-at-cup/2006/06/02/1148956545900.html)

Kewell may be fit for the Lichtenstein friendly

2006-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

20060601 So Harry Kewell may be fit to be in the Socceroo side to meet Lichtenstein in the last friendly match before the first match against Japan in the Finals. Let's see how he does, is he able to fit into Guus Hiddink's system, having missed a big chunck of intensive training and the first 2 friendlies versus Greece and Holland.

Lucas Neill crucial link for Socceroos in central defence (from The Age)

2006-05-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Cahill-another vital cog in the Socceroo machine regains fitness

2006-05-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

The excitement grows.... and the foreign press sits up and takes notice of the slmbering giant

2006-05-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

Article from BBC News. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/4773699.stm)

Aloisi fit for Netherlands friendly

2006-05-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

ESPNSTAR free World Cup 2006 wallchart

2006-05-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

2006-05-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

20060528 Harry Kewell, a vital component of the Socceroos team, finally links up with the Socceroos camp. His continuination of the good form for Liverpool (FA CUp winners 2005/6) is key to Australia's success.

Socceroo squad for Germany 2006

2006-05-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

This is the full socceroos squad.

News on Tim Cahill's fitness to play today

2006-05-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

25 May 2006 Australia v Greece-first friendly win

2006-05-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

The road to the World cup in Germany 2006 has begun. The Socceroos won 1-0 in front of a packed MCG crowd of 95,000. Skoko's stunning 15th minute volley sealed the win, which on balance saw Australia the superior team in the first half and honours even in the second half. Next up will be the Netherlands.