The Other Footy

After a few years on the back burner, soccer (aka football) is making its way back on the Australia agenda. First, Australia has officially qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after a 0-0 draw with Qatar last week. However, the Socceroos sill face a match against Japan here in Melbourne this week to see which team will claim the top spot in the group.

Meanwhile, Australia is hoping to punch above its weight on the international stage by launching a bid to host the 2018 World Cup. The Federal Government has contributed big bucks (by Australia standards) to the campaign, despite a general feeling that Australia will likely be the underdog in this race.