It is almost impossible to not get excited about the biggest sporting event in the world. If your country didn’t make it to Brazil then get behind the Australians so you too can enjoy the fun!
Let us help you become an Aussie for the day (or night) and convince the locals that you are behind the Socceroos.
Previous World Cups
Australia has previously qualified for the World Cup in 1974, 2006 and 2010.
1974 (West Germany)
In 1974 Australia failed to score and struggled in a group with East Germany, West Germany and Chile.
2006 (Germany)
In 2006 Australia finished second in a group also containing Japan, Croatia and Brazil. In the Round of 16 Australia lost to Italy 1-0 after a controversial late penalty scored by Francisco Totti.
2010 (South Africa)
In 2010 Australia failed, on goal difference, to get out of a group also containing Germany, Ghana and Serbia. Red cards to Tim Cahill (against Germany) and Harry Kewell (against Ghana) made life difficult for the Socceroos.
Qualifying
Since 2006 Australia has been part of the Asian confederation and qualified through two group stages. Australia cruised through the first stage but initially struggled in the second stage. Qualification was confirmed with a 1-0 win over Iraq, with striker Josh Kennedy scoring the winning goal to send Australia to Brazil.
The Team
Coach
Ange Postecoglou
Australia fired previous coach Holger Osieck after consecutive 6-0 losses to Brazil and France. Postecoglou is the first Australian to coach Australia since 2005 and has been given a five-year contract with the Socceroos. As with his previous roles, at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory in the A-League, he is expected to field young players and play an attractive, passing based style.
Captain
Mile Jedinak
Jedinak has been announced as the captain for the World Cup and is the captain of Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. He previously played for the Central Coast Mariners in Australia’s A-League and is a defensive midfielder known for his high work rate and tackling.
Key Man
Mat Ryan
With such a hard group it is inevitable that goalkeeper Mat Ryan is going to be crucial for Australia at this World Cup. He plays for Club Brugge in Belgium and was recently awarded the Belgian Goalkeeper of the year award. Like Jedinak he previously played for the Central Coast Mariners in Australia.
Fan Favourite
Tim Cahill
Australia’s all time record goalscorer remains a pivotal player and ultimate fan favourite. He left Everton in the EPL to play for New York Red Bulls in YEAR, in part to make sure he was physically capable of making this World Cup.
Young Gun
Ben Halloran
A significant number of the Australian squad is heading to the World Cup for the first time and this is really a squad for the future. One in particular who could shine is Ben Halloran who plays for Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany.
Fixtures
The official World Cup website has complete guide of fixtures and allows you to convert the kickoff time to your local time.
Australia v Chile
Sat 14th June, 8am AEST
Venue: Cuiaba
If Australia is going to get out of this group then picking up at least a draw against Chile is crucial. The Chileans are ranked 13th in the world and Australia’s biggest concern will be stopping Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona).
Australia v Netherlands
Thurs 19th June, 2am AEST
Venue: Porto Alegre
This group contains both of the finalists from 2010, with Australia playing the Dutch first of the two. With superstars like Robin van Persie (Manchester United) and Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) this will be another real challenge for the Socceroos.
Australia v Spain
Tues 24th June, 2am AEST
Venue: Curitiba
The World and European champions, it really couldn’t get any harder for Australia. With players like Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Australia will have to be on the top of their game and hope Spain aren’t!
Watching at Home
SBS will be the source of your World Cup entertainment with every game live. They will be broadcasting all (not just Australian) matches live on free to air TV and streaming on their website.
Where to watch in each city
There is nothing better than watching a game live in the stadium but the next best thing is watching on TV with a large group. In the major cities the best places to watch Australia play are:
Adelaide
Coopers Alehouse, 316 Pulteney St
Brisbane
Pig n Whistle, 123 Eagle St
Melbourne
Celtic Club, 316 – 320 Queen St
Perth
Elephant & Wheelbarrow, 53 – 55 Lake St
Sydney
Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont St