2022 FIFA World Cup Team Preview: Australia

Australia World Cup Team Preview

Australia

FIFA Ranking: 38
Manager: Graham Arnold
Federation: AFC
Group: France, Denmark, Australia, Tunisia
Odds to win World Cup: +75000, BetRivers
Odds to win Group D: +3200, FanDuel Sportsbook
Odds to advance in Group D: +470, FanDuel Sportsbook

How did Australia qualify for the World Cup?

Australia started off their qualifying campaign by winning 11 straight games but still found themselves in a playoff against the UAE and Peru. Australia advanced by beating Peru in a 5-4 penalty shootout.

Who is Australia’s most important player?

Matthew Ryan, GK

Aaron Moy and Ajdin Hrustic are close runners-up here, but Matthew Ryan is the Socceroos’ best and most important player. If Australia is to advance through in this group, they will need a heroic effort by Matthew Ryan. Australia is not talented enough to possess the ball for long stretches against France and Denmark and don’t have the defensive talent to defend against them. That means Matty Ryan will be seeing a ton of shots on target.

What are Australia’s strengths, weaknesses, style of play and form?

The Socceroos are expected to play a 4-1-4-1 formation and will rely heavily on counter attacking football.

Australia has had some success counter-attacking, but their biggest strength is their goalkeeper. Matthew Ryan is not world-class, but he is a true professional keeper who has played well in major tournaments before.

It’s widely known that this Australian side has really struggled to possess the ball for long periods of play. Their greatest weakness is their lack of creativity and ability to control possession. Against Tunisia or inferior teams in their federation it is less of an issue, but Australia will likely struggle against the likes of France and Denmark.

What is Australia’s World Cup Outlook?

Poor. This team can maybe grind its way to a point against one of France or Denmark and hope to take three points from Tunisia. Their absolute ceiling is the Round of 16 with a heavy expectation that they don’t make it through the group stage.