World Cup 2014 Analysis - Group B: Will Australia Finish Fourth in Its Group?

Australia returns to the World Cup in 2014 but has a tough task to overcome in order to move on from the group stage. Will the Socceroos be remembered for this tournament or will they continue to languish among the worst teams in the tournament?

History

The national side did not participate in the tournament until the 1974 iteration when it finished 14^th with a record of one win and two draws. The country then failed to qualify for the tournaments from 1878 through 2002. In 2006, the country finally made it return and actually got out of a group that included Brazil, Croatia and Japan. The side managed to get four points and finished second; in the round of 16 Australia faced Italy and lost 1-0 on a penalty despite being the better team on the pitch. Four years later the Socceroos were drawn into a group that included Germany, Ghana and Serbia; the team finished third despite picking four points. However a 4-0 loss against Germany proved to be the difference as Australia's goal difference was infinitely worse that Ghana's.

How did they get here?

Australia finished second in the fourth round of the AFC qualifiers. The team earned 13 points in eight games and finished in second behind Japan. Tim Cahill led Australia in goals throughout qualifiers with three strikes.

Australia tied Oman 0-0 in its first qualifier before tying Japan 1-1 in the second game. A 2-1 loss against Jordan put the nation in dire straits, but a 2-1 win at Iraq proved to be the turning point. The team tied Oman 2-2 at home in the ensuing game and then picked up a key point in Japan. In its final two games, the Socceroos made sure to make their statement and defeated Jordan 4-0 and Iraq 1-0.

Star Players

Tim Cahill comes to mind when considering Australia's top stars. He has 31 goals in 67 appearances for his country. He is probably playing his final World Cup and will look to make a huge impact for his country.

Can they get out of the group stage?

Australia had it rather "easy" in 2010 compared to the competition the side will face in this tournament. Spain, Netherlands and Chile are all contenders to make a deep run in this tournament and will all be competing for the top two spots. Australia is probably the designated punching bag in the group as a result. Do not expect the Socceroos to do much in this group stage.

Can they win it all?

Australia is probably going to finish in fourth place in the group stage. If it somehow manages to avoid that fate then it will finish no higher than third. Do not expect Australia to get out of the group stage this summer.