World Cup Record: Group Stages 1972, Last 16 2006
Manager: Pim Verbeek
Key Player: Tim Cahill
Qualified: 1st Group 1 Asia
Odds: 125/1

The Socceroos were one of the first teams to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa on the back of an impressive qualifying campaign which saw them finish ahead of Japan, Bahrain, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Dutch coach Pim Verbeek will be looking to emulate his countryman and mentor Guus Hiddink, who took Australia to the last 16 in Germany four years ago, an injury-time Italy penalty eventually ending their run. Traditionally soccer is fairly low on the list of sports Down Under, below cricket, Aussie Rules and both codes of Rugby but the success of 2006 and the emergence of Premier League stars such as Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill has seen the game’s popularity grow.

Tim Cahill

Age: 29
Position: Midfielder
Club: Everton (England – Premier League)
Caps: 37 (19 Goals)

Attacking midfielder with a potent goal-scoring record for both club and country. Australia’s all time leading scorer with 19 goals in 37 appearances – a ratio of a goal every other game – particularly impressive for a non-striker. Cahill is one of the best headers of the ball in the game, a skill both Everton and Australia try to exploit from set-plays. The Australian came to prominence playing for Millwall, having joined in 1997 on a free transfer from Sydney United and left for Everton in 2004 following a stellar season at the New Den, culminating in Millwall’s first FA Cup final appearance. His box-to-box energy and his goals will be vital to Australia’s progress in South Africa.