Don't be afraid, but I know what you're thinking...

..."Pffft, I'm much more worried about the Socceroos recent form than I am about this guy reading my thoughts." How was that? Pretty close, huh?

But how do I know this? It's because we're all on the same page. Well, at least all of us Australian football fanatics anyway. If it helps, I can assure you that we are all as equally concerned ahead of the opening fixture against Germany. We are all a little frustrated with Pim Verbeek's inflexibility. We are all hoping to see some more attacking enthusiasm. We are all praying for a result.

You're not alone.

At least by now most of us are so engulfed by our football cocoon that we have partly forgotten the plight of the Green and Gold. However, there are still a few poor souls that need our help in realising that the Socceroos are not necessarily doomed to a group stage exit. So feel free to remind your fellow Australian that this is a golden generation of footballers. It seems that people are easily forgetting what the team has achieved; the quality it can produce; the damage it can cause. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stir up hype beyond our abilities, but we still have many reasons to be hopeful. As a result, I have compiled a quick summary of why the Socceroos can once again surprise in South Africa ...

5. The Unknown.

Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell are three footballers capable of brilliance. As we've witnessed on countless occasions, a World Cup match can be decided by something as simple as a reflex save from Schwarz, a ghosted leap from Timmy or a Special K volley. The impact of the unknown will only be heightened by the erratic nature of the Jabulani ball. With these game-breakers in our squad we are always a chance to surprise.

4. Familiarity.

Team chemistry and a positive dressing room atmosphere are crucial for any team to go deep into the tournament. I would be willing to bet plenty of my hard earned pocket money on the Socceroos camp being more united than any other in South Africa. Amazingly, some of these guys have played together since they were teenagers. They will know each other's strengths and weaknesses better than any scouting information could ever provide.

3. Belief.

Listen to any Lucas Neill interview for 30 seconds or more and you're bound to catch on to his quiet confidence. It's similar to a Harry Kewell interview but with less reliance on the need to constantly reiterate his thoughts. In any case, this side is bursting with the belief that they can match the lofty expectations of current Australian football fans. Although it may not be a starting XI full of the greatest players in the world, the Australian national team can certainly match any other with their strength between the ears.

2. Results.

The FIFA World Rankings are a bit of a joke. I'll happily be the first to admit that any system claiming Gabon to be a stronger outfit than the Republic of Korea has its flaws. In saying that though, our 20th place ranking is not unwarranted. In recent times we have managed strong results against Holland (twice), Republic of Ireland and Denmark. We have the runs on the board. Strong results are possible.

1. Flawed Opposition.

A Germany side lacking their fearless leader and an inexperienced Ghanaian team without their biggest star is far beyond what I and many other evil Australian fans dreamt was possible. This is all without even mentioning Serbia's poor World Cup warm-up form. Amongst the whirlpool of disappointment and frustration that has plagued the Socceroos preparation it feels as though we all missed the memo that our rivals have been in a similar condition. It's more than likely that somewhere in the world there is a fan of each of Germany, Ghana and Serbia lamenting their luck and doubting their chances. As I said, you're not alone.

Whether it's for these five reasons or simply out of pure love for the Green and Gold, I encourage you to stay positive. So slip on your replica Cahill jersey, fix up your authentic Australian 'makarapa' and get behind the team. In the words of Sam Kekovich...

...you know it makes sense.