FIFA WORLD CUP

Australia will be looking for a new coach after this years 2010 fifa world cup in South Africa. Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley has stated that the coaching appointment will have to wait until after the world cup tournament, even though the new coach will most likely be gearing up for the Asian cup all within six months.

Pim Verbeek has given strong indication all along that he will not stay on as Australian coach after the world cup indicating that he wants a new challenge, which will most likely be at club level in Europe. The trouble for Australia is that with 100% of the focus going on to Pim Verbeek’s side, a new recruit for senior coach will have to be placed on the back burner so there is no sidetrack. The ffa have claimed they want to do at least as well as the 2006 fifa world cup, and then will have to back up for the next Asian Cup tournament in January, should they qualify. The period is also crucial for Australian fifa world cup ambitions, with the announcements of the winners for the tender for future fifa world cups announced in December, and also whether Australia is successful in its bid for the 2015 Asian cup.

After leading 2-0 Australia have squandered a healthy lead to draw their asian cup qualifier with Kuwait at 2-2 in Kuwait city.

Leading early on by 2 goals through Luke Wilkshire and Dean Heffernan, all within the first 5 minutes of the game. Kuwait rallied and were then again level with Australia before half time. Kuwait controlled a lot of the play in the second half but could not manage to break through.

The result did not do any of the Australian local players chances much good in their bid to be called up for the Australian side at next years 2010 world cup in South Africa. Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and midfielder Dario Vidosic have claimed that they were targeted by a laser light shining in their eyes in the first half. Coach Pim Verbeek was seen remonstrating with match officials on the sidelines. Verbeek was also animated on the eve of the match claiming that the pitch in Kuwait city was one of the worst he had ever seen.

With the release of the 2010 world cup draw here is Australia’s fixture of the draw with dates

Review of the draw for Australia

Well, it certainly isn’t an easy draw for Australia but it isn’t exactly the hardest out there. On paper Ghana appear to be the weakest side of group D ranked 37 on the fifa world rankings at the time of the draw, however Ghana has some truly world class players namely Michael Essien the Chelsea midfielder.

Serbia ranked 20, one spot ahead of Australia are a tough European side. With one of the best centre-backs in the world, Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic will form the backbone of the Serbian defense.

Ranking in at 6 in the world, Germany is one of the world cups power sides. Ballack the leader of this side provides the experience and leadership to see Germany go all the way. Striker Klose has a terrific record with goals scored for his country and will provide Germany with a big presence up forward

Hi all…if you would like to help Australia in our bid for the fifa world cup, visit the Australia 2018-2022 website and show your support today!