Australia are better known for their success in rugby and cricket rather than football, but there’s a growing passion and belief that they can live up to their reputation for sporting excellence at the Qatar World Cup.
Although they aren’t going to be one of the two favourites to qualify for the knockout stages in Group D, the hopes of the country rely on the idea that they can produce a chaotic style of play that will be enough to overcome some of the deficiencies they have in terms of overall quality.
The Socceroos made the transition across from the OFC to the AFC in the 2000s, and while they would have expected a tougher test, it’s safe to say the level probably surprised them. Australia won the Asian Cup in 2015 as hosts but only managed to reach the quarterfinals in 2019.
The World Cup hasn’t been overly kind to them with their last Round of 16 appearance coming in 2006, and in 2018, they never got out of first gear. Ironically, they are drawn once again with Denmark and France, earning a point against the Danes, with a loss to Peru killing off their qualification dreams.
Alas, revenge is a dish best served cold, and after beating the UAE in the Asian play-off, Australia dug deep to grind out a penalty shootout win over Peru that ensured they will be on the plane to Qatar this winter.
If they can counteract their leaky defence by getting in behind with the young, promising attackers they have at their disposal, they could spring an upset in Group D.
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Andrew Redmayne of Australia reacts after saving a penalty during the shootout in the 2022 World Cup Intercontinental playoff against Peru at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on June 13, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Australia booked their place to the global finals by winning the shootout 5-4. Getty Images -
Craig Goodwin and Andrew Redmayne of Australia celebrate in the dressing room. Getty Images -
Australia defender Aziz Behich celebrates with Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. AFP -
Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne concedes a goal in the penalty shootout against Peru. AFP -
Australia's goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne poses for a selfie with fans after winning the World Cup 2022 playoff against Peru on June 13, 2022, at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Australia beat Peru 5-4 in a penalty shootout to secure the penultimate free place at the World Cup. AFP -
Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne celebrates with Aziz Behich. AFP -
Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, left, replaces Mathew Ryan. AFP -
Australia's Andrew Redmayne and teammates celebrate after qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Reuters -
Australia celebrate in their changing room after defeating Peru. Getty Images -
Awer Mabil of Australia reacts after defeating Peru in the 2022 World Cup playoff match. Getty Images -
Jamie MacLaren of Australia celebrates. Getty Images -
Dejected Peru players support each other after being defeated by Australia. Getty Images -
Edison Flores of Peru takes a shot at goal during the penalty shootout. Getty Images -
Edison Flores of Peru looks to control the ball as Jackson Irvine of Australia falls to the ground. Getty Images -
Christofer Gonzales of Peru makes a run with the ball. Getty Images
Manager: Graham Arnold
Star player: Mat Ryan
One to watch: Ajdin Hrustic
World Cup finals appeared in: 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
Fixtures: Nov 22 - France v Australia; Nov 26 - Tunisia v Australia; Nov 30 - Australia v Denmark
