The aussies are in a weird spot. Their defense looks like it's fallen off, but they've got some solid midfielders who are already in europe. Plus Jacob Italiano was one the first 2001ers from outside a major nation to start getting international attention...and last summer, Gladbach's Eberl may have made a deal for Italiano to come to Germany next summer, when he'll be turning 18.
I think their Federation needs to be more ambitious & take advantage of asian qualifying to really build up an identity & playing style, even if they "struggle" more than they should to qualify because of some growing pains.
And Morocco's not exactly a pushover #3 with their strong defense & murder of creative midfielders...even if spain implodes completely, that group is brutal.
How did the Iranians play in qualifying and the last AC? Did they actually create or was it more of a "defend & let our superior talent deliver a decisive moment" strategy?