Socceroos World Cup draw is not that bad

We’ve now had the weekend to digest the World Cup draw and Australia’s allocation in the so-called ‘group of death’ (the other being Group G).

I have been surprised at all the negative responses, by not only the media, but by the general public. Yes, this is a hard group – one of the hardest, in fact – but to say we will struggle to progress is doing a disservice to the Socceroos.

In all reality, Germany aside, this is a very even group and one football fans should be salivating at the prospect of.

Lets look at the Socceroos opponents:

Ghana
Ranking: 38
Boasting the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah, Ghana are fast becoming the formidable team they’ve threatened to be ever since Abedi Pele was their star player. Having qualified for their second consecutive World Cup, the Ghanaians will benefit not only from the experience of having a World Cup under their belt, but from having the tournament held in Africa.

Don’t underestimate how much of a boost this will provide, not only South Africa, but all the African teams at the World Cup.

However, despite a formidable midfield, the quality drops outside of this area. Their defence is athletic but prone to go walk-about. The forwards are skillful but inconsistent, and prone to disappearing when things aren’t going their way.

To sum them up, if Ghana are in form they will be dangerous. But if Australia can contain their dangerous midfield, we can get the points.

Serbia
Ranking: 20
They may be dangerously underestimated by the general public. Coached by former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach, Radomir Antic, the Serbians are formidable, with quality across the board. They are a well-drilled team that won’t be easily broken down, with a defense marshalled by Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic (who was injured during Serbias last World Cup when Argentina picked them apart).

Theyre not all defence though. Their midfield, led by Dejan Stankovic, is fearsome, and coupled with the skillful Krasic (who in the few games I’ve seen him play has impressed) and the dangerous Nikola Zigic, will cause the Socceroos headaches in defense.

However, I believe the Socceroos’ defense, coupled with Verbeek’s insistence on two defensive midfielders, will be able to deal with the Serbs attacking threat.

The real problem will be breaking down their defense.

Germany
Ranking: 6
Must be favourites for the group and for a semi-final spot as well. Like Brazil in 2006, Germany will be the showpiece, no pressure game for the Socceroos in South Africa.

With talent and strength in depth across the entire team, any result here for the Socceroos will be a bonus. I’m not saying it’s impossible but for Australia to focus on this game ahead of Ghana and Serbia would be foolhardy.

With all that said, I am quietly but cautiously confident Australia can at least match the class of 2006.

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