Forget the looming political spill festering within the Federal Labor Party.

On this morning at least, all eyes were on the Socceroos as they cast aside their own alleged political troubles in their quest to qualify for the World Cup knock-out stage.

And how close they came.

In truth, it was a game in which nobody gave them a chance. One that many of the world’s football coaches predicted would end with an Australian defeat. The odds were long with bookmakers, while the actual Socceroos scenarios required to progress to the Round of 16, seemed to justify the pessimism.

After weathering an early Serbian storm with a rampant Milos Krasic tearing Australia’s left flank apart in the opening stages, the signs didn’t look good. Not from the Nelspruit stands where thousands of Socceroos fans cheered on our heroes. Nor from the live FIFA sites around the country.

That is until the second-half where true to form, Tim Cahill delivered when the stakes were high, just as he did four years ago against Japan. And with word Germany had taken a 1-0 lead against Ghana in Group D’s other game, you could just sense a miracle was about to happen, especially following Brett Holman’s wonder goal from long range.

So while the Socceroos stand down despite a 2-1 victory, the question remains, just how far could we have gone?

We’ll never know given Pim Verbeek’s tactical faux pas against Germany which resulted in a 4-nil annihilation and ensured we would be chasing our tails for the duration of the group stage.

However, one thing’s for certain, a Round of 16 clash against the United States wouldn’t be the most difficult hurdle the Socceroos have faced. Not in this World Cup and certainly not four years ago when they took on eventual winners Italy at the same stage.

Unfortunately for Australia, Ghana will have the privilege of playing in that game after finishing equal on points but with a superior goal difference.


After the German calamity, the Socceroos final two group matches only served to highlight just how well this team could play. A draw against Africa Cup of Nations finalist, Ghana despite the Socceroos being down to ten men for over an hour. A victory over Serbia currently ranked in the World’s Top 15 nations. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html

There certainly is no shame in being knocked out of a World Cup with four points against that sort of opposition.

It is hence with a mixture of sadness but pride the Socceroos ‘efforts should be applauded.

Walk tall Socceroos.

Heads held high.