World Cup draw: Not bad, not bad.

Japan, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Bahrain. That's our path to South Africa 2010 World Cup.

FFA's High Performance Manager John Boultbee speaking on FoxSports seemed relatively calm, "It's a pretty even draw. It's a good thing getting Japan in one sense, there's a good rivalry and we'll all be looking forward to the last home game against Japan."

"Bahrain and Qatar are not too far from Europe. Pim has done a lot of work with the European clubs to get players released. It's a matter of continuing the good work that Pim has already done."

The quickest draw in World Cup history was made tonight. Opposition and the predictions below.

The Aussies first game is away in Uzbekistan in September. That's a 46 hour trip to Tashkent, but with the team having a bye on Matchday One, Australia will have plenty of days to get to the Uzbek capital. This was the one team Aussie Coach Pim Verbeek didn't want.

A couple matches are of particular concern. And we can expect plenty of media discussion about who will and won't come! Japan away Feb 11 and Bahrain away Nov 19 are not FIFA match dates so players need only be released 48 hours before the game.

Strong finish:
Three of the last four games are at home. The last game is against Japan at home. What a way to finish!

Australia may not have wanted Uzbekistan but they would expect to beat Qatar and Bahrain certainly at home and possibly away.

With two teams to qualify for South Africa and the third place team headed for a play-off possibly with Saudi Arabia or Iran, Australia have an outstanding chance of qualifying for South Africa. Wouldn't that be nice.

With four games at home their will be plenty of money rolling in to the coffers of the Football Federation.

On the teams:

Qatar: We can beat them, we already have twice in our previous group. We need six points from this one.

Uzbekistan: They'll have a chance to knock over the favourites in Tashkent in Australia's open game. The Uzbek's are potentially the best team in Asia. Shashkit is the key striker who plays for Dinamo Kiev. The fans are passionate, it's a real tough trip, a tough start for Australia. We'll need a point.

Japan: And of course our old mates Japan will figure highly in our group. Australia lost to Japan in the last meeting in the 2007 Asia Cup but Australia will be fitter and hopefully faster than they were in that tournament. Scott McIntyre from SBS will rave about Japan, but goalscoring has never been their forte, not at this level. Although our defence has problems, Lucas Neill alongside Jade North should be enough. Australia will have a great couple of battles with Japan. Can't wait.

The first game Feb 11th is non-FIFA matchday which makes it tricky. But everyone needs a profile in Asia. What player would miss that game:)


Bahrain: A quick lively team. Australia played them in recent Asia Cup qualifiers and beat them relatively easily. Australia should expect to win these games, although one game is on a non-FIFA date.

Mark Viduka could be back for some games. Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy and Lucas Neill should lift the quality of the Australian side in the coming campaign.

It's going to be a wild ride. But the draw is favourable.

I cannot see us coming 4th or 5th. Third would not be disastrous, but I'm predicting Australia and Uzbekistan to go through.

Socceroos Calendar for the next 12 months.

19/8/08 - South Africa, London, friendly
9/10/08 - Uzbekistan away, World Cup Qualifier
15/10/08 - Qatar home, WCQ
19/11/08 - Bahrain away, WCQ
14/1/09 - TBA, TBA, Asian Cup Qualifier
28/1/09 - TBA, TBA, ACQ
11/2/09 - Japan away, WCQ
1/4/09 - Uzbekistan home, WCQ
?/6/09 - Italy home, friendly
6/6/09 - Qatar away, WCQ
10/6/09 - Bahrain home, WCQ
17/6/09 - Japan home, WCQ


What say you?