After an exhausting qualifying campaign during which the team travelled around 250,000 kilometres, faced 11 different opponents and sealed a berth with a 3-1 win against Honduras in the playoffs, coach Ange Postecoglou stepped down, saying the job had "taken a toll."
- FIFA ranking: 40
- Appearances: 4 (1974, 2006, 2010, 2014)
- Best finish: Round of 16, 2006
- Nickname: Socceroos
- Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Bert van Marwijk, who had guided Saudi Arabia to the World Cup Finals, was entrusted the job in January as the Australian football federation felt that the Dutchman had the qualifications to guide the side at a global event.
“I like creative football… but I also like to win,” said van Marjwijk after taking up the challenge.
Things have not gone the Dutchman’s way since then. The fans have been critical of a few selection decisions, the inclusion of 38-year-old forward Tim Cahill, and the exclusion of the in-form striker Jamie Maclaren, in particular.
To compound matters, van Marwijk still hasn't figured out the team formation, the recent 4-1 loss to Norway in a friendly suggesting that.
Drawn with France, Denmark and Peru, the odds are heavily stacked against the Socceroos who could even fly home without a win in Russia.
The Goal-poacher
Daniel Arzani
A bustling, eager player with a licence to roam, Arzani will provide the much-needed energy and penetration to a side filled with ageing stars. The Melbourne City attacker took the A-League by storm this season, combining sublime skills with impressive technique to pilot the club to the third spot. Arzani, who can play across the midfield, can terrorise any defence with his quick feet. He has picked Paul Pogba as the player he’d like to nutmeg!
The Orchestrator
Aaron Mooy
He is a canny ball-handler and is even more dynamic in winning it back. Huddersfield’s towering midfielder, Mooy will be the supply route for most of Terriers’ attacks and will also double up for defensive duty. He has chipped in with four goals and three assists this season. “He does not talk a lot on the pitch but he is a leader in the way he plays,” says Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.
Fixtures
June 16 vs France
June 21 vs Denmark
June 26 vs Peru
Did you know
The Socceroos have the world record for the biggest scoreline, thrashing American Samoa 31-0!
Number of games Australia played to qualify for the World Cup: 22
