AUSTRALIA COACH:Guus Hiddink

Bora Mulitinovic, who has directed five different countries (including the U.S.) in as many World Cups, has forged a reputation as a miracle worker because traditionally his teams have overachieved. While he has not coached teams in as many World Cups, Dutchman Guus Hiddink has done Bora two better. He has guided teams into the semifinals the last two competitions -- the Netherlands (1998) and surprising Korea (2002), where he is a national hero (remember, Korea hadn't won a World Cup match in 14 tries before Hiddink showed up). Whether he can do the same with Australia this time around, it remains to be seen.

Hiddink, who was born on November 8, 1946, brings to the side an excellent soccer resume and background. Hiddink, who had aspirations of becoming a farmer before he turned to soccer, performed with the Washington Diplomats and San Jose Earthquakes in the old North American Soccer League. He coached at Real Madrid and has had two stints at 2005 Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), whom he took to the 2005 Champions League semifinals. He replaced Frank Farina as coach prior to the Uruguay showdown and will be able to give full attention to Australia after the Dutch season ends on April 16, 2006. He is a stickler for details. "I am always critical," he said after a 5-0 friendly win over Jamaica in England in 2005. "Even now I am looking to some point of criticism. I am always looking at details. There are little details, but I am sharp at that." Hiddink has been linked to the Russian national job after the Cup, but both sides have denied anything had been finalized.