FIFA World Cup 2018: Statistical Analysis Of Australia

Australia was the second-last team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. Their squad is ageing now, and this will be the ideal time for them to perform better than they ever have in this tournament. Here is a detailed look at the team.

World Cup History:

This is the Oceania side’s fifth appearance at the World Cup. Apart from their progression to Round of 16 in 2006 World Cup in Germany, Australia has had to part from the tournament in the group stage itself.

Analysis:

One of the talking points for Australia was the decision they took to take their veteran forward Tim Cahill to the tournament in Russia. He is 38 years of age but as he has proven throughout his career, can’t be taken lightly.

Australia will be led by their Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk, who coached the Netherlands side to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

The country is one of the most successful in their regional international competitions and fired up to showcase that their crop of young talent is comparable to the best.

The side is known to have grit within them and this was on display when the team won a close two-legged tie against Syria to qualify for the tournament in Russia.

Along with Tim Cahill, The Socceroos boast the likes of Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak and Robert Kruse who have performed at the top leagues in the world.

Australia is clubbed in Group C with France, Denmark and Peru.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brad Jones (Feyenoord), Mat Ryan (Brighton), Danny Vukovic (Genk).

Defenders: Aziz Behich (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Samsung Blue Wings), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshopper Zurich).

Midfielders Jackson Irvine (Hull City), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Robbie Kruse (VfL Bochum), Massimo Luongo (QPR), Mark Milligan (Al-Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield), Tom Rogic (Celtic), Tim Cahill (Millwall).

Forwards: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City), Tomi Juric (Luzern), Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian).