A group-stage exit in 2010 had been a sobering lesson. Australia returned in 2014 with renewed purpose. Under Ange Postecoglou, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 3 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 0 |
It was a tournament to forget for Australia, who left without a single victory to their name.
Australia found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a 1-3 defeat against Chile, a narrow 2-3 loss to Netherlands, and a heavy 0-3 defeat to Spain. The World Cup dream ended earlier than hoped, with Australia bowing out in the first round.
3lost
3scored9conceded
Lost all 3 matches conceded 9 goals in 3 matches.
Tim Cahill led Australia's attack with 2 goals at the 2014 World Cup.
6yellow
2.0per match
Cahill booked twice no red cards despite the yellow count.
The tactical mind behind Australia's 2014 campaign. Winless under Postecoglou leading Australia at his first World Cup.
Postecoglou opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed his players to showcase their skills but also left them vulnerable to counterattacks. The team's youth and inexperience were evident throughout the tournament.
