World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group C

Australia

The Socceroos might not take the tournament by storm, and that is that.

This will be Australia's fourth straight appearance at the World Cup, and that in itself is an achievement for a country that is obsessed with sports as long as their name isn't football. |

It was not an easy qualification for Australia, as they had to claw their way into the WC finals. A 3-1 win against Honduras in the final play-off was enough for the team from down under and they will be more than happy about just being there.

Coach: Bert Van Marwijk

Bert Van Marwijk is the best thing about this team, as he is one of the better national team coaches around right now. He got the job in January after their previous coach Ange Postecoglou resigned after qualification was assured.

Bert was responsible for taking the Netherlands to the finals in 2010 and was the manager who led Saudi Arabia to the 2018 WC. With Australia, he will have a monumental task on his hands, and it will take a miracle to make something of it.

Australia's squad for the WC

Brighton's Ryan had a fantastic season with the team in the PL and is a widely praised shot-stopper, and he will start in goal for the team.

Australia usually play a back 4 but haven't established a firm starting XI under Bert - obvious considering that he only got the job in January. As far as most opinions are concerned, it will be Behich, Degenek, Risdon/Jurman and Sainsbury as the defenders.

Luongo had an excellent season at QPR and was their player of the season. He is also great in the national team, having already helped them win the 2015 Asian cup where he scored the opening goal. But his place in the starting XI is still not 100% and he might have to serve it out from the bench.

Huddersfield's playmaker Aaron Mooy and Aston Villa's Jedinak will play a prominent role, along with Rogic, Leckie, and Nabbout in a 5 man midfield. Whether that will line-up as a 2-3 or as a 3 man defending midfielder with 2 wingers is up to Bert.

The striker's position is the one Australia has the most problem with. While most observers pit Juric as the starter and Tim Cahill as the super-super-sub, it is nowhere good enough to trouble teams at the WC. Cahill is 38 years old, and was still responsible for carrying Australia into the WC.

Do not expect Australia to make any dents in Russia. At best, they can give us some exciting games like they did in the previous WC, but no breaths will be held when the Socceroos take their positions on the field.

The 38-year-old still makes things tick for Australia

Player to watch out for: Tim Cahill

This is his fourth World Cup and he scored 11 goals on the road to Russia. While he is certainly not capable of starting and playing 90 minutes, he is still Australia's best bet for goals. To be honest, that is just sad.