The 2006 World Cup marks the return of Australiia to Germany, the site where it made its one and only World Cup appearance 32 years ago in 1972. The Australians clinched their ticket to Germany by finishing first in the Oceania qualifying draw, winning four of its five games. Australia's first place finish set the table for a home-and-away series between the fifth place finisher from the South American group.

Australia lost away to Uruguay 1-0 in the first leg, meaning that a two-goal margin of victory would be needed in order to head to Germany. Australia won the match 1-0, but for teams finishing 1-1 on aggregate after the two legs, the World Cup berth would be left in the hands of a penalty shootout. Australia successfully won outright, 4-2 and would be heading back to Germany for another shot at soccer's most elite tournament.

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Australia World Cup 2006 Team Odds: Sportsbooks has listed Australia at 125/1 odds to win the World Cup.

Strengths:
While Australia has not been to the World Cup as a national team since 1972, many of its key team members currently play with successful club teams throughout Europe. Getting the experience outside of international friendly matches will be important for the Socceroos' chance at FIFA gold. The English Premiership holds the majority of Australia's players. Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka, Craig Moore, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton all are stationed in England. Forward John Aloisi resides in Spain, and Mark Bresciano in Italy.

Australia was impressive offensively in qualifying, compiling 21 goals in five matches, while only allowing three balls through its own net. Although notable, Australia will have to rely on much greater efforts, as it will face stronger teams throughout group play in Germany.

Weaknesses:
Experience as a team will be something to watch in Australia's matches in Germany. Taking into account its thirty-two year World Cup drought, Australia faces some tough competition in Group F. Seeded 28th in the FIFA seeding and ranked behind all three of its group members, the Socceroos will be starring down a consistent up-hill battle.

With defending champion Brazil headlining Group F, Australia also joins Japan and Croatia, seeded 12th and 14th respectively. With three of the top 14 seeds in this group alone, it could be argued that Group F contains one of the most balanced and competitive sets of teams in the 2006 World Cup.

Australia World Cup 2006 Outlook:
Australia's chances in Germany this summer seem to be pretty slim. Not only does it have to face three of the upper class teams in group play, but, in addition, past competition in Germany has not been kind to the Soccerroos. Back in 1972, Australia met Chile, German DR and Germany FR in the group stages. In all three matches Australia failed to score a single goal.

Also having competed in the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005, similar results were witnessed. Australia continued its poor streak, as it was not able to win a match throughout competition.

One year later, the summer of 2006 in Germany should yield a comparable product for the Australian national team. This team has a great fan base, but Australia will find it extremely difficult to win multiple matches in the group stages. Its opponents should produce overwhelming problems with superior talent that simply cannot be matched.

Australia World Cup 2006 First Round Schedule

Saturday June 12, Group F3 Australia v Group F4 Japan -- Kaiserslautern - 15:00

Thursday Jun 18, Group F3 Australia v Group F1 Brazil -- Munich - 18:00

Tuesday June 22, Group F3 Australia v Group F2 Croatia -- Stuttgart - 21:00

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