Australian World Cup Football Team 2010

Australian's football history has seen a resurgence in recent years. First qualifying for a World Cup in 1974, they struggled and were quickly eliminated. Since their elimination, they failed to qualify for any World Cup up until the 2006 tournament. The reason lie in their geographic location, and the OFC were the only footballing confederation not to be awarded a birth in the World Cup automatically. In fact, they usually had to play a strong team from South Africa, Asia or Europe in an intercontinental play off to qualify for the tournament.

Australia proved their credentials as a strong team by beating American Samoa 31-0, and Tonga 22-0 in the run up to the Fifa 2002 world Cup, and as such it was decided they were to be switched to the AFC Asian Footballing Federation, themselves guarenteed a number of slots at World Cup Tournaments. This was to be done after the Germany 2006 qualifying campaign.

Ironically, in their last appearance in the OFC qualification tournament, they qualified following beating Uruguay over 2 legs in the Intercontinental Playoff Match, securing qualifcation for the first time in 32 years. Placed in a tough group with Brazil, Croatia & Japan, Australia advanced to the second round under the guidance of manager Guus Hiddink, where a controversial penalty deep into Injury time saw them eliminated.

Australian's first foray in the AFC qualfication section saw them go the entire qualification undefeated, and only conceding one goal. With a string of internationally renowned players, a fairly easy group with Germany, Ghana & Serbia in them, and a passionate travelling fanbase, they must be considered a good bet for the second round.