World Cup Preview - Group D - Australia

Nickname: “The Socceroos”

Coach: Dutch supremo Guus Hiddink.

Game Schedule:
June 13 – Australia vs. Germany (Durban, 2:30 p.m. EST, ABC)
June 19 – Australia vs. Ghana (Rustenberg, 10 a.m., ESPN)
June 23 – Australia vs. Serbia (Nelspruit, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2)

Prospects: Like the U.S. Australia are starting to become World Cup perennials, but that doesn't mean that they're any closer to making any real impact on the tournament. If anything, the Aussies are an older and less dynamic side than the one that faltered in the Round of 16 against Italy in 2006. Their strength will in their stalwart, veteran defense led by the ever-excellent Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer and a back four that includes Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton.

Key Player: Everton's Tim Cahill plays a similar but even more critical role in the Oz set-up to the one that he plays for Everton, making killer late runs into the box.

Youngster to watch: With a somewhat paltry front-line, 22 year old FC Twente wide man Nikita Rukavytsya could play a larger role this time.

Who Will Get the Goals: I don't see a lot of goals in this squad.

Who Will Get the Cards: Basel clogger Scott Chipperfield.

Prediction: A glorious flame-out; bottom of Group D.