SPORTS> Teams
Australia (Group A)

Updated: 2007-07-07 20:05

Australia will make their Asian Cup debut as the strong favourites. It is no surprise with the likes of Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Mark Bresciano popular with avid watchers of Europe’s leading leagues. Since gaining a place in the Asian Football Confederation at the start of 2006, Australia have only further enhanced their status.

At the last World Cup in Germany, the Australians proved their the talent to mix it with the best in the world to reach the second round, only to lose by the narrowest of margins to eventual champions Italy.

The Australians still remain a formidable outfit without Dutch coach Hiddink. His place is taken over by Graham Arnold, the Australian coach who worked as one of Hiddink’s assistants.

Key to their success will be how they adapt to the stiflingly hot and humid conditions and the return to full fitness of key players such as Kewell and Tim Cahill from injury and the impact of a long-gruelling season for the remaining Europe-based players.

Goalkeepers
1 Mark Schwarzer
12 Brad Jones
18 Michael Petkovic
Defenders
2 Lucas Neill
3 Patrick Kisnorbo
6 Michael Beauchamp
16 Michael Thwaite
22 Mark Milligan
Midfielders
4 Tim Cahill
5 Jason Culina
7 Brett Emerton
8 Luke Wilkshire
10 Harry Kewell
13 Vince Grella
14 Brett Holman
17 Carl Valeri
19 Nicky Carle
20 David Carney
21 Mile Sterjovski
23 Mark Bresciano
Forwards
9 Mark Viduka
11 Archie Thompson
15 John Aloisi