Coach
Pim VERBEEK
12.03.56
Coach since December 2007
Dutchman who was assistant coach of South Korea at the 2002 (under Guus Hiddink) and 2006 World Cups (under Dick Advocaat). Succeeded Advocaat but resigned a year later. Will become Moroccan FA technical director after the 2010 World Cup.
Goalkeepers
Adam FEDERICI
31.10.85
Reading (Eng)
0 caps (0 goals)
Moved to England at age 17 but didn’t sign his first professional contract until he was 21. Was recently approached by Marcello Lippi to be part of Italy’s 2010 World Cup squad but turned it down.
Brad JONES
19.03.82
Middlesbrough
2 caps (0 goals)
Inherited goalkeeping role at Middlesbrough after Aussie number 1, Mark Schwarzer left to join Fulham.
Mark SCHWARZER
06.10.72
Fulham (Eng)
73 (0 goals)
Strength in the air, great positioning and a knack for saving penalties make him Australia’s most consistent performer. Having enjoyed a 16-year career in Europe – 14 of those in England – he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009.
Defenders
Michael BEAUCHAMP
08.03.81
Al Jazira (UAE)
19 caps (1 goal)
Part of Australia’s 2006 World Cup squad. Tall, strong defender with pace. After two years in Germany with Nurnberg, joined AaB Denmark, where he was sent off just 18 minutes into his first team debut.
David CARNEY
30.11.83
Twente (Hol)
23 caps (3 goals)
Has flourished in Socceroo colours since receiving his first cap in February 2006. The zippy left footer can operate in a full-back or wing position, offering plenty of pace and attacking verve with defensive discipline. Has scored some stunning goals from long range.
Scott CHIPPERFIELD
30.12.75
Basle (Swi)
63 caps (12 goals)
Has travelled an unusual route from bus driver to a seasoned football pro. The talented left-footer was a standout for the Socceroos at Germany 2006 and remains an important member of Pim Verbeek’s squad for his ability to blend his defensive nous with a goalscoring ability.
Mark MILLIGAN
04.08.85
JEF United (Jap)
9 caps (1 goal)
A shock call-up for Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign, but is a worthy choice in 2010. Having failed to establish himself in Europe he has flourished in Japan. A tough and versatile player, he can play in various defensive positions and is a threat in the air.
Craig MOORE
12.12.75
Unattached
47 caps (3 goals)
Moore plied his trade with Rangers for over a decade, hence his uncompromising attitude. However, the 34-year-old also exudes calmness and composure on the ball, along with great leadership qualities and intelligent reading of the play. Retired from international football in early 2008, however returned to the fold a year later.
Lucas NEILL
09.03.78
Galatasaray (Tur)
53 caps (0 goals)
Since bursting onto the English scene with Blackburn in 2001, the tough-tackler hasn’t looked back. His versatility and ability to carry the ball from defence is a major strength, as is his strong leadership style and consistency. In October 2006, he was named the 50th captain of the Australian national team.
Luke WILKSHIRE
02.10.81
Dynamo Moscow (Rus)
40 caps (2 goals)
Another shock inclusion in 2006, he has gone from strength to strength. Renowned for his strong work ethic and versatility, at full-back or in midfield. Guus Hiddink advised him to join Dutch side Twente in 2006, where he became a first-team regular, and later joined Dinamo in mid-2008.
Midfielders
Mark BRESCIANO
11.02.80
Palermo (Ita)
52 caps (11 goals)
Has spent seven seasons in the Serie A and boasts a tremendous understanding of the game. Can create as well as score goals and is renowned for his attacking runs into the box. Provides plenty of energy and an attacking edge in midfield.
Tim CAHILL
06.12.79
Everton (Eng)
37 caps (19 goals)
Represented Samoa in a youth tournament, which ruled him ineligible to play for Australia until FIFA changed its ruling. Since then, he has become arguably Australia’s most important — and dangerous — player. Renowned for his ghosting runs into the penalty box and supreme heading ability.
Jason CULINA
05.08.80
Gold Coast United
45 caps (1 goal)
Made his name at PSV Eindhoven after a frustrating time as a teenager at Ajax. Key attribute is his versaility, his tireless work ethic combines well with his ball distribution and goalscoring ability. Returned to Australia last season as Gold Coast United’s marquee signing.
Mile JEDINAK
03.08.84
Antalyaspor (Tur)
9 caps (0 goals)
A rapid rise from State League footballer to fully-fledged Socceroo in two years. Jedinak flourished in the A-League for Central Coast Mariners before joining Genclerbirligi in January 2009. Has the ability to hold the midfield while he’s also capable of scoring from distance. Widely regarded as the successor to Vince Grella.
Brett EMERTON
22.02.79
Blackburn Rovers (Eng)
72 caps (17 goals)
His pace down the flanks, close ball control and tireless work ethic has ensured his place in the squad since he made his debut as an 18-year-old. His versatility means his is equalling effective as an overlapping full-back or winger. Super reliable and a consistent performer.
Richard GARCIA
04.09.81
Hull City (Eng)
5 caps (0 goals)
Attacking midfielder with an abundance of talent. Product of the West Ham youth academy. Garcia speaks fluent Spanish since his father and mother are Spanish-speakers. He became close friends with Michael Carrick during their time at West Ham, and they were ushers at each other’s weddings
Vincenzo GRELLA
05.10.79
Blackburn Rovers (Eng)
42 (0 goals)
Tough-tackling, hard-working, crucially important cog in the Australian midfield. Before joining Blackburn in 2008, a five-year stint in Italy’s Serie A educated him in the art of anchoring a midfield. Has been known to take blocks of Parmesan cheese to Socceroo camps.
Carl VALERI
14.08.84
Sassuolo (Ita)
19 caps (0 goals)
Talented defensive midfielder who may well take over from Vince Grella in the anchoring role. This led to certain sections of the Australian media dubbing him “Mini Vinnie.” In 2002, Valeri was signed as a teenager by Italian outfit Internazionale. He was loaned out to various clubs in Italy to gain further experience.
Dario VIDOSIC
08.04.87
Duisburg (Ger)
4 caps (0 goals)
Blossomed in the A-League before being signed by German club Nurnberg. After being overlooked for Australia’s Olympic squad in 2008, speculation was rife that Vidosic would defect to Croatia, the birthplace of his parents. Exciting young prospect with plenty of skill and attacking prowess.
Forwards
Brett HOLMAN
27.03.84
AZ Alkmaar
31 caps 2 goals
An attacking midfielder or left winger. Moved to Dutch club Feyenoord in 2002, but was loaned out to SBV Excelsior before NEC Nijmegen signed him in 2006.
Josh KENNEDY
20.08.82
Nagoya Grampus (Jap)
17 caps (6 goals)
The beanpole striker is renowned for his towering presence with high balls while at ground level he’s remarkably balanced and co-ordinated for his 1.94cm frame. Affectionately known as “Jesus” among Australia fans.
Harry KEWELL
22.11.78
Galatasaray (Tur)
45 caps (13 goals)
Widely regarded as Australia’s most technically gifted footballer and blessed with extraordinary skill. Plagued by injuries over the years, he has recaptured his scintillating form since joining Galatasaray in 2008.
Nikita RUKAVYTSYA
22.06.87
Roeselare (Blg)
2 caps (0 goals)
Only moved to Australia from Ukraine with his parents when he was 14, however his decision to represent Australia was clearcut after appearing for the Olyroos at Beijing 2008. Plenty of pace, good technical ability and a blistering left foot. On loan at Roeselare from Dutch club Twente.
