Australia News

Three-time champions Germany will be under enormous pressure to win their opening game against Australia at next year's World Cup - and that suits the Socceroos, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said on Saturday.

CAPE TOWN: Asian teams go into the World Cup draw on Friday hoping the dominoes fall in their favour, with plenty to prove in South Africa next year.

Asia Pacific News.Net Wednesday 2nd December, 2009 The Australian government hopes a good showing in South Africa will increase its chances of hosting the World Cup but die-hard soccer fans fear the nation's best chance of lifting the trophy has been and gone.

Football Heartbreak ... The Socceroos are bundled out by Italy. Gregg Porteous Socceroos to find out World Cup opponents at draw next weekend Australia's dream World Cup run in 2006 ended with a shattering penalty decision against Lucas Neill in the quarter-final clash with eventual champions Italy.

Mike Ford has ruled himself out of the running to be Warrington's new coach when the appointment is announced next week.

Adelaide United Skipper Travis Dodd, who played for Panionios in the match, remains baffled about the result.

League newcomers Melbourne Heart have kicked off their recruitment campaign, signing Adelaide United's Kristian Sarkies and Newcastle Jet's Matt Thompson.

Harry Kewell's first-half goal was cancelled out and Galatasaray had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Manisaspor in Turkish Super Lig football on Sunday.

A move into the Asian confederation has eased Australia's path to World CUp 2010 and their team, guided by shrewd coaching, can be a threat to the major powers at the finals in South Africa.

White knight New Zealand's Rory Fallon wheels away after scoring the winner against Bahrain.

Socceroos midfielder Vince Grella could make his return for Blackburn Rovers this weekend in a bid to get his injury-riddled season back on course.

It is funny how a game that saw Mark Schwarzer put in a performance of a lifetime, and an Australian squad win in the final minutes while sporting a ten man squad for over 70 can be overshadowed by a firecracker.

SINGAPORE: Uzbekistan cruised home but Iran, Australia and Syria had to scrap as all four moved within touching distance of the 2011 Asian Cup finals with qualifying victories yesterday.

Jordan s Basem Fathi, front, and Iran s Masoud Shojaie fight for the ball during their Asian Cup qualifying match in Tehran on Saturday.

Scrap: Tim Cahill has had to battle through Everton's disappointing start to the season Midfielder Tim Cahill believes the return of Everton's injured players will help get their season back on track.

Australian coach Pim Verbeek expects an attacking onslaught from Claude Le Roy's boys as he believes the Gulf Cup champions can upset his side to breathe fresh life into their Asian Cup qualification hopes.

HAVING closed the chapter on a successful 2009, the Socceroos can look forward to 2010 and their second successive World Cup with some optimism according to captain Lucas Neill.

Goalscoring hero Brett Emerton tangles with Oman's forward Qassim Said. Photo: AFP November 15, 2009 - 3:07AM Oman 1 Australia 2 MUSCAT: The 10-man Socceroos have scored a stunning 2-1 Group B qualifier victory over Oman this morning to put them in pole position to make the Asian Cup finals in 2011.

The Socceroos during a training session in Muscat this week ahead of their clash with Oman.

Goal sneak... Tim Cahill. Socceroo linchpin Tim Cahill is eyeing Australia's all-time goal-scoring record and hopes to move closer to the milestone in the Asian Cup qualifier against Oman on Sunday .