Mark Schwarzer (Middlesborough)
Zaljko Kalac (AC Milan)
Ante Covic (Hammarby IF)
Defenders:
Craig Moore (Newcastle United)
Lucas Neill (Blackburn)
Brett Emerton (Blackburn)
Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel)
Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace)
Stan Lazaridis (out of contract, formerly Birmingham)
Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast Mariners)
Mark Milligan (Sydney FC)
Midfielders:
Harry Kewell (Liverpool)
Mark Bresciano (Parma)
Tim Cahill (Everton)
Vince Grella (Parma)
Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven)
Josip Skoko (Wigan, on loan to Stoke)
Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City)
Forwards:
Mark Viduka (Middlesborough)
John Aloisi (Alaves)
Archie Thompson (PSV Eindhoven)
Mile Sterjovski (FC Basel)
Joshua Kennedy (Dynamo Dresden)
Talking points include the very surprising exclusions of Ljubo Milicevic and Ahmad Elrich, along with the somewhat unexpected call-ups for Mile Sterjovski, Joshua Kennedy and most especially Mark Milligan. As expected, the withdrawal of Tony Vidmar made Michael Beauchamp's inclusion a formality. In addition to Milicevic and Elrich, fringe players to miss out include Jon McKain, Scott McDonald, Brett Holman, Joel Griffiths, Michael Thwaite, Patrick Kisnorbo and Brad Jones.
A few questions remain. Who will be the three emergency standby players taken to Germany? Will they come from the U-23s as promised or a shortlist of fringe Socceroos? Who will be the captain? Regarding the latter issue, Hiddink has stated:
"I have something in mind (the captain) and I will release it when I am with the players. I think that is fair to talk first with the players to say what I am thinking and what has been decided".
With both Mark Viduka and Craig Moore very much in the running, is Hiddink considering some kind of dual or alternating captaincy? Putting it to a popular vote among the players and staff? Two captains, one for each half of the pitch? A fisticuffs between Moore and Viduka to determine the outcome? Or will the selection be determined based on a series of battering psychological tests?
Exciting!
Update (May-22): Viduka has been named Australian captain for the World Cup, a decision graciously accepted by Moore who must first re-establish his presence in the starting lineup.
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