If you’re following the World Cup then there’s little doubt that the match of the day is Spain v Netherlands. But after that, when the beer’s finished and you’re contemplating bed, there’s another match featuring an unfancied team with a mountain to climb. Here come the Socceroos. Catch them now, because, if predictions are anything to go by, they may not be around for long.
When Australia kick off their World Cup campaign late this evening (UK time) against Chile, a team so frequently named dark horses for the title that they can’t really be dark horses at all, the Socceroos will be playing their 11th game in World Cup finals. The first was in 1974. It was the last time they kept a clean sheet. And with classic footballing serendipity, it was against Chile.
Hopes are not high. Some Australian bookies have been offering odds as high as 750-1 for their home team to win the World Cup. The New York Times has done some serious number crunching to explore who has been favoured by their draw and who hasn’t. At the bottom of the pile? Australia, now (sort of) officially the unluckiest team at this year’s World Cup.
Pundits seem agreed that the only way Australia progress from their group is through divine intervention. Today’s match against Chile is probably their easiest fixture, but that’s only because Netherlands (on the 18th) and current champions Spain (on the 23rd) are next.
“Our belief in what we do will get tested at some point during the game,” says Australian coach Ange Postecoglou. No kidding.
Of course, things could always be worse. They could be playing on Friday 13th. Oh, hang on…
You can watch Chile v Australia Watch live on ITV or listen on BBC Radio 5 live.
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