australia

North Korea played just before us and won 4-0, so we knew we had to win by +5 or better to ensure first place. The new football broadcasting deal meant this match was streamed live from SBS's website which I think is fantastic. And we got the job done.

A much improved performance, albeit against a relative minnow in world football. Osieck was also more adventurous with his selections giving several newcomers a start and they didn't let him down. The big margin was very handy as we've reined in North Korea's goal difference in just one match. So we'll start our last game on a level footing with them. Much better but one more good game still required.

We got off to a flying start with a goal to Archie Thompson in just the fourth minute. But we again made heavy going of it, eventually conceding in the second half and drawing the match. Not a disastrous result, but one that leaves us with no room for error. We must win our last two games by significant margins to ensure we account for North Korea's better goal difference. Improvement still needed.

Our first ever match in this relatively new tournament was a little uninspiring. We fielded a pretty strong team but made hard work of our opponents and we were a little fortunate to win. We couldn't afford to drop points so we should be grateful that Brett Emerton scored with just a few minutes to go. Improvement needed.

All up, a pleasing result. It was a friendly and both teams fielded experimental and youthful line-ups. We came back from 0-1 down against a side that dominated us early and turned it around to dominate the second half and win 2-1.

After a lacklustre first half from both teams, Australia looked to be getting on top in the second and pressing for the win. Then disaster, caught on the break and down 0-1 with 15 minutes to go. Almost miraculously we turned it around in five minutes when Tim Cahill (who else) headed home, followed by Archie Thompson with his third goal in three games. A priceless away win that sees us climb to second spot in the group at the half-way stage of the final round.

Groan. What a disaster - a 1-2 loss to a weaker team. We were out-thought and out-played and "something must be done". It's not panic stations yet. Realistically we should still finish 2nd in our group and qualify for Brazil directly. But another loss could make it very difficult and I'm sure everyone would rather avoid play-offs, especially as the 5th-placed South American team lies at the end of that.

A much improved Australia, captained by Mark Schwarzer in his 100th cap, easily accounted for Lebanon 3-0. Osieck went for his strongest team, demanded a better performance and the players responded well. Lebanon are not exactly a tough opponent, but these are the games you have to win. We'll go into our next qualifier with plenty of confidence.

A disappointing match in which we succumbed 1-3 to Scotland. A cracking goal by Mark Bresciano got us off to good start, but Scotland thoroughly deserved their win. We were flat. Osieck was being kind when he said he expected more of the Socceroos. We have to improve for our upcoming qualifiers.

Japan arrived full of confidence and in form. Australia arrived battle-weary from a tough away match in Oman. But it didn't seem to matter. Australia threw everything into the match, while Japan absorbed it and used their skill. It was a thrilling match that finished 1-1. Probably a fair result, all things considered.