Australia World Cup 2014 Profile: Palace Star Key to Socceroos

Manager: Ange Postecoglou

World Ranking: 59

Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 - 2006

How they qualified: Finished second in Asian Group B

Fixtures: Group B - Chile (13 June), Netherlands (18 June), Spain (23 June)

Squad -

Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti, Eugene Galekovic, Mitchell Langerak, Mat Ryan.

Defenders: Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson, Luke Wilkshire, Bailey Wright.

Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Matthew McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tommy Rogic, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic.

Forwards: Tim Cahill, Ben Halloran, Josh Kennedy, Matthew Leckie, Adam Taggart

Expectations: Having swapped Holger Osieck for Ange Postecoglou following two successive 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France, with many of the much-fabled 'golden generation' having moved on and in a group containing Spain, Chile and Netherlands, the Socceroos enter the tournament with expectations of progression at an all-time low. However, positive performances, if not results, are demanded to ensure Australia remain on course ahead of the Asia Cup on home soil in January. Excuses will not be tolerated, even if Tim Cahill abilities are on the wane.

Star man: Mile Jedinak – The Crystal Palace captain made the step up to the Premier League seamlessly last season but faces a daunting task to hang onto the coat tails of Arturo Vidal, Wesley Sneijder and David Silva in the group stage. Crucial to both starting attack from deep and keeping shape in midfield, the 29 year old will be critical to the passing game adopted by Postecoglou during his short tenure.

Prediction: Group stage – The awesome power of Group B ensure 2014 will be a short, if not progressive, World Cup for Australia.