Australia play Serbia tomorrow morning for a place possible place in the second round and what a mountain they have to climb.

The Roos are at the bottom of their group, having been demolished by Germany and erratic refereeing, and although they played their hearts out against Ghana, it wasn't enough.

Not for the first time in sporting history do Australians face impossible odds. The Roos have to beat Serbia convincingly and hope that either Germany or Ghana win their last group match to progress to the next round.


Don Bradman - Know your balls

The Jubilani ball is causing all sorts headaches but the Roos should remember how the Don coped with the bodyline controversy. He changed his batting style and Australia regained the Ashes after England's foul tour of 1932-33


Breaker Morant - Shoot straight, you b******s

Harry "Breaker" Morant was in his element fighting the Boer War in South Africa and knew how to take down a tough opponent. He also knew, that when you're facing the end, no matter how unfair that end may be, you hold your head up high and never let the b******s see you wince.


General Sir John Monash - Plan, plan, plan

Unlike many in charge in World War I, General Sir John Monash didn't believe in throwing away the lives of his men on a whim - his experiences in Gallipoli showed him the cost of foolhardy expeditions. His meticulous planning later helped break the Hindenburg Line and win the war. Pim, are you listening?


Harold Holt - Diving will get you nowhere

Although the referees have been against Australia - they've been issuing cards like they were dealers in Vegas - a good game is a clean game. The only person who should be diving is the keeper.


John Howard - There's no such thing as an impossible comeback

Howard's refusal to quit his dream should be a lesson to the Roos. His career looked like it was over so many times his nickname was Lazarus. But he defied expectations and won the 1996 election - and went on to win three more.


General Maximus - Unleash hell

OK Russell Crowe's a Kiwi but what would General Maximus do if he were facing a World Cup exit? He'd look that defeat squarely in the eyes and say: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius and I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next". And if that didn't work, he'd throw a phone at it.


Mick Dundee - That's not a goal. THAT'S a goal

Everything your opponent does, you should do bigger and better.


Ned Kelly - The importance of an iron-clad defence

The Roos should be putting on their armour because Serbia's shots are going to be deadly. Germany riddled Australia's confidence but, after Ghana, the Roos know they can keep out the goals with only ten men. And if Australia are going to steal a second round spot, what better man to inspire them than our most infamous bushranger.


Fred Spofforth - "Boys, this thing can be done"

Never underestimate the power of an inspiring speech. Australia were expecting a drubbing at the Oval in 1882 but Spofforth wasn't going to let his side go down without a fight. He turned to the players and said: "Boys, this thing can be done". Australia won and the victory gave birth to the Ashes.


Miranda Kerr - Good legs can be devastating

The Roos have to be smart about how they use their legs and be in places their opponents least expect them. Think Miranda Kerr. She appeared where she was least expected - on the computer screen of a hapless banker during a live broadcast and the result was devastating.