This World Cup is starting to feel a bit South Africa 2010. Australia’s 4-1 humbling at the hands of France in Qatar on Wednesday stirs up a sentiment similarly portentous to that of 12 years ago, when Australia started their campaign with a 4-0 drubbing by Germany in Durban.
The team, under the tutelage of the late Pim Verbeek, recovered via a 1-1 draw with Ghana – despite Harry Kewell’s early red card – and went on to beat Serbia 2-1. But the damage had been done in the first match. Too many goals had been shipped, and they finished third in their group on goal difference.
