Tim Cahill claims he knows Australia (15/2 to win Group D) face a tough challenge to make it into the knockout stages of the World Cup this summer, but he remains confident they can surprise a few people.
The Everton midfielder is one of Australia’s footballing superstars and may need to be on top of his game as the country has received a tough World Cup draw after being placed in Group D with Germany, Serbia and Ghana.
Cahill played in the World Cup four years ago as Australia made it into the second round and only went out due to a late penalty to eventual winners Italy (12/1 – World Cup 2010 Outright).
The 30-year-old told Fifa.com that he is looking to add to his 19 international goals in 37 appearances for Australia in South Africa, but it is a “difficult” task they have ahead of them – starting with a match against Germany (14/1 – World Cup 2010 Outright), one of the pre-tournament favourites, in Durban on June 13th.
Speaking about their opening opponents, he said: “We know they’re very disciplined and tactically very strong but, as it’s the first game, there’s no reason why we can’t catch them cold.”
He claims that a draw and a win in their three group games could be enough to get Australia out of Group D, but even then they could face the likes of England (11/2 – World Cup 2010 Outright) or USA in the second round if they qualify.
“I think the most important thing for us is to take each game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves,” stated Cahill.
One attacking option which will be unavailable to Australia boss Pim Verbeek in South Africa is Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson.
The forward has scored 21 goals in 33 appearances for Australia (9/4 to qualify from Group D) but ruptured his anterior cruciate and medial ligaments in the A-League grand final and has been ruled out of the World Cup.
While Australia have been hit by an injury blow, their Group D rivals blow have received some good news as their number one goalkeeper Rene Adler has returned to training after a broken rib.
The Bayer Leverkusen stopped suffered the injury in a game with Stuttgart and his speedy return to fitness could be a real boost to Germany boss Joachim Low.
Meanwhile, Ghana (2/1 to be eliminated in the last 16), who Australia face in their second game on 19th June, are hoping that Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng will be able to play for them in the World Cup.
He has previously played for Germany at under-21 level but is currently waiting for his nationality switch to be ratified by Fifa so he can play a part for Ghana in South Africa.
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