FACTBOX-Soccer-World-Australia

Thu Nov 26, 2009 3:01am GMT
 

Nov 26 (Reuters) - Factbox on World Cup qualifiers Australia:

World Cup record:

Previous appearances in finals: Two

Best performance: Round of 16, 2006

Coach: Pim Verbeek. The Dutchman served as Guus Hiddink's assistant at South Korea at the 2002 World Cup, then assistant to Dick Advocaat for the 2006 World Cup.

As head coach, he led South Korea to third place at the 2007 Asian Cup before joining the Socceroos. His record since taking over Australia has been impressive but he has nonetheless been criticised for employing a no-frills defensive style of game.

Key players:   Continued...

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