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The Socceroos don’t have to look too far for inspiration to rebound from their humiliating World Cup opening match defeat and qualify for the next stage.
Ukraine managed the feat at the last World Cup in 2006 – hammered 4-0 by a red-hot Spain in their first match before going on to reach the quarter-finals.
Just like Germany did against Australia, Spain dismantled the Ukrainian side with aplomb in a sublime four-goal performance.
Every goal was beautifully crafted, and they looked the real deal.
But stunningly, Ukraine went further in the tournament.
The Spaniards were bounced out in the round of 16 by eventual finalists France.
Ukraine’s resurgence came in the game immediately after their opening match defeat, reversing their goal difference with a 4-0 hammering of a weak Saudi Arabia.
Then a 1-0 win over Tunisia sealed their qualification, before they went on to beat Switzerland in the round of 16.
Just like the Socceroos in 2006, Italy proved Ukraine’s undoing at that tournament, knocking them out in the quarter-finals.
Negative goal difference could prove a more vital factor for Australia. And history shows it is not kind to teams hoping for second stage action.
Since the World Cup finals tournament was increased to 32 teams, just one team – the United States in 2002 – has qualified for the second stage with a negative goal difference.
So goals will be paramount, and Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek admits as much as he attempts to guide the team back from their disastrous effort against Germany.
“We have to learn from this game,” Verbeek said.
“We have to score in the next two games, that’s clear.”
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