COUNTDOWN 6: No hope for Australia’s Cahill and Jedinak

After battering the likes of New Zealand, American Samoa and Fiji, Australia shifted base from Oceania to Asia for better competition. Little did they know that the likes of Spain and Netherlands were waiting for them on the world stage.

However, veteran Tim Cahill and midfielder Miles Jedinak will hope to stem the coming tide and earn a respectable outing for the Socceroos in Brazil.

Cahill, 33, has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars during his time at Everton, so he obviously won’t be scared of any opposition. The country’s all-time highest goal scorer (31 goals), the New York Red Bulls attacker is a man synonymous to the World Cup. He scored Australia’s first-ever World Cup goal in what was also the Socceroos’ first ever win: a 3-1 defeat of Japan. He is also the first Socceroo star to be named man of the match in the World Cup. The only true world class player left in the team, he is known for his great leap despite his diminutive stature; and fans enjoy his customary boxing-style goal celebrations. He is the country’s virtual leader.

Captain Michael John “Mile” Jedinak leads from the muddy waters of the midfield with his staunch protection of the back four behind him and his array of passes. As manager Tony Pulis’ anchorman, he led Crystal Palace back from the hubris of relegation to a comfortable mid-table place, scoring important goals in the process; and Australians will be the hoping the 29-year-old inspires a typically lacklustre side in Brazil.

Australia first tasted World Cup action in 1974 and went on an almost three-decade absence before their return in 2006 where they reached the round-of-16- — their best showing — under the guidance of maestro coach, Guus Hiddink, and with Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka leading the lines. This would be their third consecutive tournament, but the team struggled to qualify. They required a scrappy 1-0 win over lowly Iraq to ensure qualification on the last day.

Coupled with heavy 6-0 losses to Brazil and France and the failure to inject youth into the national set-up, former coach, Holger Osieck was replaced by Greek-born manager, Ange Postecoglou. The 42-year-old is the country’s most successful domestic coach, winning back-to-back A-League titles playing exciting attacking football to the excitement of fans, media and pundits.

His appointment to the national team has seen him put faith in several domestic league players, youth from abroad, and doing away with most of the veterans, save Mark Bresciano and Tim Cahill. Mark Milligan, Ivan Franjic, Tom Rogic, Tommy Oar are on their way to Brazil to the amusement of the fans, who are only concerned the team does not get walloped in cricket score line style.

Strength

With Tim Cahill in the side, they have their strength going forward. Apart from his burst into the box, his headers from open play and set pieces will be needed. The team, however, last the 90 minutes and find their feet late in games, scoring more in the last 15 minute of games.

Weakness

An unrecognizable defence which has always been leaky will most definitely ship in goals. How many is the question! They are also prone to counter attacks due to lack of pace at the back. If the coach can fix this problem, then the Aussies will be in with a shout of doing the underdog story. The loss of Bayer Leverkusen winger, Robbie Kruse, will be huge a blow, as he offers Australia another outlet in attack.

Last line

With the ruthless 31-0 on my mind, Australians should pray it is not karma time against Holland and Spain. No Hope for the one-time Oceania flat-track bullies — not even if they defend deep.