WC2010 review: Australia

Failing to reach the Round of 16 will be seen as a negative but the way the Australians bounced back from their devastating opening match defeat at the hands of Germany was definitely a positive.

Pim Verbeek’s charges did not have much luck, first with the dubious sending off of Tim Cahill in the 4-0 loss to Germany before Harry Kewell was given his marching orders when they were a goal up in the 1-1 draw with Ghana but it did not deter them from producing a brave win against Serbia.

The emergence of Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman as world-class players was a huge bonus but Australia must find some young talent if they are to remain competitive on the world stage as many of their key squad members are set to retire from the international scene.

Finished: 21st
Record: Wins – 1; Draws – 1; Losses – 1; Points – 4
Matches: Germany (0-4), Ghana (1-1), Serbia (2-1)
Goals: 3
Against: 6

tribalfootball.com’s Star Man
Luke Wilkshire (Was consistently brilliant with storming runs from right-back and pinpoint delivery)

Official statistics

Minutes played
Mark Schwarzer 270
Jason Culina 270
Lucas Neill 270
Luke Wilkshire 256
Brett Emerton 254

Top scorers
Brett Holman 2
Tim Cahill 1

Total shots
Tim Cahill 7
Mark Bresciano 4
Josh Kennedy 4
Jason Culina 4

Pass Completion Rate
Craig Moore 84%
Lucas Neill 81%
Carl Valeri 79%
Luke Wilkshire 74%

Most Fouls
Brett Emerton 11
Craig Moore 6
Josh Kennedy 6
Luke Wilkshire 6
David Carney 4

Yellow cards
Craig Moore 2
Brett Emerton 1
Luke Wilkshire 1
Lucas Neill 1
Carl Valeri 1
Michael Beauchamp 1

Red cards
Tim Cahill 1
Harry Kewell 1

Saves
Mark Schwarzer 14