I wouldn't expect us to go past the group stage, just on the basis of the potential seedings for whatever group we'd end up in. If we got lucky, I couldn't realistically see us progressing past (at best) the second knockout round. But as they say, the first step is qualifying - and that's a formidible step in itself.
IMHO, AUS won't get past the South Americans to even participate in the group stage, as there's not enough commitment & desire by the so-called "stars" to put the time & effort into actually welding into a team. AUS' lack of depth & 2nd line talent is a real impediment to progress. Farina's on a hiding to nothing, until & unless the ASA gets tough with the usual suspects. Perhaps Farina's too lenient and is also part of the problem. Not in my life-time. Really depressing, I know !!!
Most teams are quick and painless 3 and out, lucky to get a draw or win the first time they get there. Basically Australia's next World Cup Finals appearance will be basically to gain experience necessary to do better the following time.
i think they can. All of them play in Europe mainly in the EPL and a lot of international players play in that league so i don't see the problem there. I say we can leave the group stages but after that i think we will struggle.
Australia's problem in '74 was that they didn't score a single goal and against quality opposition they struggle to score so once they go behind they are in trouble. For Australia to reach the World Cup they need to learn to score and I don't mean against a second string Fiji. Crowdie
You guys need to beat teams Like Vanuatu! In our group of '74 we had the Cup winners, East Germany and Chile, all teams were at their peaks during that time. I am sure we can net a goal in our next showing most likely more than 2 i reckon. But we will advance to the 2nd round for sure.