By The Bear -
September 1st 2008 @ 8:38am
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Pim, are your ‘Roos ready?
Before Pim Verbeek batons down the hatches, and really gets down to business for qualifying Australia for the World Cup in South Africa 2010, he needs to take stock. And stock is something of which he still has in abundance.
There are a multitude of questions that any prudent national coach should ask at this stage of a squad’s development. Especially only moments away from facing your own country’s national team, and having to live up to the inevitable Hiddink comparisons.
Whether or not Pim uses the upcoming Netherlands game for sorting out any positional queries, it is becoming very apparent that the squad is fleshing out.
But perhaps, with the inclusion of Shane Steffanuto (LB) and Jacob Burns (LM/Holding), Pim is proving to us all he really is still clutching at straws.
Especially when you consider there are no less than 4 goalies being summoned across the dikes of Holland. Perhaps the dikes have finally given way, and they could use the extra pairs of hands.
It may seem to these players, as with Nick Carle, that a squad is just a squad: a mock team for the first team to play and train against. No less, no more.
I wonder if the irony is not lost on the left footed Carle, whose latent ability to play more as a holding midfielder in the second tier English league is being stretched with good success. I am sure he wishes Jacob Burns all the success, and sympathy.
Which brings me to an oddity. Chris Coyne. Trialed over the last round of World Cup Qualifiers, when Michael Beauchamp couldn’t track a forward if his visa depended on it, Coyne’s “stop gap” inclusion seems to be a flowering success. Maybe even to reach a fuller bloom than of Jade North, for this Socceroo’s tilt for South Africa 2010.
Chris has been around the National set-up for years, and like Jacob Burns, missed the cut for the 2000 Olympics squad. Pim is either a visionary or a gambler.
It seems the preparation is cutting it fine, with the Uzbek’s just around the corner, the tinkering must all be but complete. The squad must have had the final inspection. The casualties, those that were deemed unfit for Pim’s plans would surely know where they stand by now.
And the Verbeek/Arnold success stories would be scripted right from the coal face that they have been digging around in since Verbeek’s, and his wing man, Duut’s, appointment last December by the FFA.
The persistence with David Carney, Brett Holman, Michael Beauchamp, Chris Coyne, Bruce Djite, Scott MacDonald, and more recently with Matthew Spiranovic, and Mark Milligan, have all reaped important intel for Pim and his team.
Some players, though, haven’t been so fortunate to have such focused attention. If Chris Coyne can be unearthed from Colchester, why hasn’t Serie A’s Richard Porta of A.C. Siena, or SPL stalwart, Kilmarnock’s Danny Invincible? Perhaps Garcia’s inclusion in this squad is an after thought, after his surprise equalising header with Hull last month.
Last I heard our Socceroos had just as much a scoring problem, as a defensive problem. But in the last 9 months, only Djite and Holman have been seriously trialled as a solution to this problem. It seems the management team have a preference to defend, not score.
So, are our ‘Roos ready? By this weekend, surely. Other than that, and banking on the return to form and fitness of Mark Viduka and Tim Cahill, it would be fairly rational to assume that the squad has been given it’s provisional rubber stamp for the upcoming road to South Africa’s hosting of the next World Cup.
Are we all happy with the process since Germany ’06? Are we happy with the trialling, the quality of the football and motivations behind this squad? I am far from convinced, but one would have to suggest a minor catastrophe, to cock it up from here.
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dasilva said | September 1st 2008 @ 10:19am | Report comment
There are rumours that Carle choose not to play against Holland. Probably personal issues.I don’t think he is cut off for good yet. Funny that everyone thinks he is an attacking creative player and yet his biggest succes is a DM. I’m quite sure if grella and valeri are injured, he may be a decent replacement.
Chris Coyne did well for someone in the lower leagues of England he may be the best options to partner Neill after Jade North had his recent implosion and the inexperience of spiranovic. Jacob burns selection is rather mystified. He played dreadfully in that match against Ghana and that should prove he should have been offloaded
jimbo said | September 1st 2008 @ 11:53am | Report comment
Gracious Bear,
I had my doubts about the Socceroos preparations as well, but probably out of Pimbos hands I think and have to accept it now.
Friendly against SA 2 weeks ago, then friendly against Holland just 4 days before the Uzbeks game.
What happened to the plan to get to Uzbekistan early to acclimatise?
The Holland friendly was probably too good to refuse and we had to fit in with their plans, not ours.
Socceroos would have probably got bored sitting around in an Uzbek hotel for a week cuddling baby goats and watching Borat videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2i5ShKaASc&feature=related
Mood of the Socceroos seems very good and Uzbeks aren’t playing too well at the moment so we just might beat those mofos after all.
old goalie said | September 1st 2008 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
No, not happy Bear
I don’t think we’ve really progressed since Germany ‘06. But it was always going ot be hard improving on Hiddink. What he gave us; structure, fitness, never say die attitutde, and knowledge of our own game was brilliant for one off tournament play, which is why he is so successful in these tournaments (i’m not forgetting he also knows how to win league titles either)
At least under hiddink we fought to score goals
Under Verbeek, it’s more don’t get scored against
Verbeek by now really should have a settlled squad that knows it’s own game inside out and can therefore fight it’s way out of any situation
i dopn’t like this cautious cautious approach to the Uzbek game. OK, they’re unknown but it reeks to me of justifying a bad result before the game is even played.
Ben of Phnom Penh said | September 1st 2008 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
One interesting aspect is the amount of game time that many in the squad are receiving. It is a good thing that Chippers is back in the frame, as is Steffannuto, because Carney isn’t getting game time in the Championship, and that is a concern. At least up front guys like Djite, Kennedy and Kewell are getting good time on the park and should be sharp.
dasilva said | September 1st 2008 @ 5:35pm | Report comment
How good is steffannuto? Against china a couple of years ago he had a semi decent match. Played well in the first half but played poorly in the second. Hope he rise up as we need some more left backs as that is a problem position a long with the partner for lucas neill because IMO Carney really shouldn’t be anywhere near our first XI.
4 goalies can be a little bit understandable as Pim hasn’t seen Brad Jones play yet and he has been given a starting spot for middlesbrough in the EPL. So he has to check Brad Jones out withiout dropping any GK from the squad.
Everyone says we will be cautious but we were attacking against Qatar away. If bresciano and kewell start, we will see some decent attacking football even if Pim picks two DM. If he suddenly decide that Bresciano should be bench like what happen against Iraq ( why did no media question that decision?) then we will see a pretty dour match. Surely he won’t do that against the Uzbeks?
Midfielder said | September 1st 2008 @ 8:06pm | Report comment
Bear
I hope they are ready ……… the two lead up matches and playing together previously……… my guess the team gel.
Will be interesting to see if we go for a win or a draw, ………..Pims history indicates we go for a draw ……… I can hardley wait.
On Nick I posted on another thread it is rumoured he choose not to play the friendlies, which then makes it hard to get picked for the WCQ if true. I have heard he has some poor advisers and maybe a tennis DAD …… who he listens to a bit to much. Nick needs some good managers guiding him is the story I have been told.
Koala Bear said | September 1st 2008 @ 8:23pm | Report comment
I think Uzbekistan will be a lot tougher to overcome for us than Japan or Sth Korea. So for me this will be a real test to our strength and standing in Asia.. I would think they have a similar style as Russia have, with a very physical hard running approach to their game, with a fair bit of technical skill..
There are two areas I am still not happy with in our team.. I don’t believe we have settled on our 2 best central defenders yet and we are not sure of our strikers .. Therefore in the light of all that. I will be happy to take home a point in the first leg.. I don’t want to see North in the team as a central defender.. Not that I am knocking his commitment, but the lad lacks a physical presence there and for me he is better suited as a fullback. I hope Pimbo will soon recognise this before it’s too late. The two central defenders should be our two most experience and commanding players in the squad .. Emerton and Neil ..
~~~~~~
KB
Joe FC said | September 1st 2008 @ 10:06pm | Report comment
Bear
You raise some good points but Pim is no fool & neither are the people who put him there. Unfortunately in the 21st century where winning is everything & results are all that count caution is more likely to be the byword than adventure, particularly when it comes to WC qualification. I believe we have the personnel to do the job. Pim will stand or fall on getting us to SA & I for one don’t care how he does it – just that he does it.
Adrian Musolino said | September 2nd 2008 @ 1:03pm | Report comment
I don’t think Scott McDonald will be fit for the WC qualifier so that limits one attacking option.
One issue I think people are overlooking is the good draw Australia landed. A bye on the first round followed by the toughest away trip in the group that means the players avoid the 20+ plus hour flight from Australia to Uzbekistan with three of the final four games at home.
It could have been a lot worse.
The Bear said | September 2nd 2008 @ 5:33pm | Report comment
Folks, apart from Scotty MacDonald, the reports are that Brad Jones will be missing this squad, as well due to injury. Perhaps Mr Invincible can take his seat on the plane from Scootland! That may give Pim a bit of alternative to Djite, up front. And given that Scott hasn’t actually gelled too much over the last year, it may be the “money” move.
Also, Shane will be there merely to make the numbers. If he gets trialled again, then Pim is more open minded than i thought. It is the first time i have ever seen three left footed fullbacks in a Socceroo squad. Maybe i should put some money on the lottery, and $50 on Steffanutto to start. Does anyone like my chances??
Graciously,
The Bear
Koala Bear said | September 2nd 2008 @ 7:25pm | Report comment
Bear,
You have to wonder about Scotti; as he is putting away a lot of goals for Celtic; but has yet to express himself for the Australian national football team.. I can’t understand it to tell you the truth.. But we continually are being deficient in striking area, where most of our goals come from the midfielders.. And under Pimbo, I can’t see any out and out striker getting to many goals.. This now seems to me a fairly big problem; for Scotti, how do we play such a very talented player under a Pimbo system .. He is too short to be a target man, not strong enough to hold the ball up like a Viduka, so as I see it we need to change the system to suit Scotti, and not try to change Scotti to suit the system .. At the moment he looks destined to be a player on the subs bench in a Pimbo’s squad..
~~~~~~~
KB
jimbo said | September 2nd 2008 @ 11:20pm | Report comment
KB,
agree that Scotti McRoo won’t be missed.
Pimbo is going to play Milligan at centre forward with Coyne supporting just behind.
Midfielder said | September 3rd 2008 @ 12:09am | Report comment
Jimbo
Scot Mc is a good player, Celtic is not a poor side, he is also out of his club side for 4 weeks as well.
I remember people always on Kool’s back wont come back. Kool said look its to hard sometimes my body cannot take playing 50 to 60 games a year and flying back to play island team. Bag bag bag bag weak weakee bag bag. Now over the last 3 years or so his body just broke down IMO from over work and being flogged by O’Leary ………… Scot is hurt he plays a lot in a very physical league and in that league is a very marked player.
jimbo said | September 3rd 2008 @ 1:00am | Report comment
Midfielder,
no doubting Scott’s ability for the Old Firm, but he’s just used as a front running hack by Pimbo and is unlikely to ever score for the Roos while he is the manager.
So if he is carrying a niggle, then best he doesn’t play and hope Milligan can find the back of the net playing up front . . .
Midfielder said | September 3rd 2008 @ 1:12am | Report comment
Jimbo
I would give Mile STERJOVSKI a go up front………. he is tall / hard/ has a wicket first smack as for Mullo he would not be in my starting 11.
Koala Bear said | September 3rd 2008 @ 9:05am | Report comment
Lads,
.. KEWELL … JESUS… STERJOVSKI …
I think the strike force picks itself; very easy .. due to injuries etc there’s not too much decision making for Pimbo here.. Luckily… or is there ? We may see Holman as our target man.. ?
~~~~~~~
KB
jimbo said | September 3rd 2008 @ 9:50am | Report comment
KB,
Pimbo would play with 9 defenders and 2 goalkeepers if he could, so don’t count on 3 attacking players.
One might be the limit – probably Jesus with a second half substitution.
Kewell might play on the left and Holman or Valeri instead of Sterjo.
Getting one point is the objective and first half especially, it will be possession football and running with the clock.
I hope they’ve got female streakers in Tashkent or the Mexican wave might be the most exciting thing to look forward to in the first half.
Second half will be more open and a goal or two. Hope we can hold together and sneak the odd goal from a free kick or corner.
Koala Bear said | September 3rd 2008 @ 11:18am | Report comment
Jimbo,
Of course you are right yet again. I was just wondering.. would the second goalkeeper be the team bus driver parking the bus in front of the goal mouth..?
I think perhaps, that would indicate the system he will employ for this first vital leg .. He may also go as far as stuffing the gaps between the bus and cross bar and the posts with the subs…
~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | September 3rd 2008 @ 7:51pm | Report comment
Cousin Koala,
It is an interesting point you made about Pim’s “strikers”. Perhaps Pim’s goal getters are meant to come from midfield, and the forward (lone striker) is just a foil for these 18 yard strikes. Of course, corners and set plays are the fave way to get goals from subscribers of “modern” football, to which i believe Pim is one.
And that being the case, you are correct in speculating that ANY striker will struggle in Pim’s headspace. Perhaps that is why he hasn’t rattled the cup, and enlisted Porta and/or Invincible.
He’s had his chances.
Graciously,
The Bear
jimbo said | September 4th 2008 @ 2:04pm | Report comment
KB,
great idea about the team bus in the goalmouth. Won’t the Uzbeks be surprised!
I hope Norm parks it at the right end for each half.
We can get Doris and the cheergirls to stick their heads, arms and legs outside the bus windows to fill in the cracks . . .
Norm said | September 4th 2008 @ 2:42pm | Report comment
jimbo
just one small problem – my licence has been suspended.
Koala Bear said | September 4th 2008 @ 2:59pm | Report comment
Jimbo,
as much as you and I like Norm and he is indeed a very good mate of ours, but I am not sure if he is the Lard to give the responsibility of parking the team bus in front of the goal mouths .. Do I have to take you back to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final .?. Well Lard Frank Lowy subbied him out to the French after we were knocked out by the Italians so we could earns some extra French franks to pay for the Lards return airfares home. To cut a long story short this is what happened, that ended up in an international diplomatic wrangle with Amanda Vanstone being sacked and sent to see out the rest of her political career in Rome .. Do you not remember Lard .?. Check out the link below…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83Goh1Lh8Pg
~~~~~~~
KB
Koala Bear said | September 4th 2008 @ 3:08pm | Report comment
Norm,
stay away from the team bus .. I beg you Lard
~~~~~~~
KB
Mick of Newie said | September 4th 2008 @ 3:25pm | Report comment
I reckon he might player Kewell up top by himself and a midfield of Grella, Wilkshire, Culina, Bresc, Sterj, in front of Chipp, Neill, North and Emo.
He will flood the midfield and chase a point. Holman, may well get in ahead of Bresc or Sterj because he does a better headless chook impression. Coyne may get the slot ahead of North if reports of Jade’s recent form get back to Pim. Jesus will be thrown on only if we go behind.
It will be ugly and if succesful Pim will be a genius.
Koala Bear said | September 4th 2008 @ 3:27pm | Report comment
Jimbo and Norm,
just before you come up with any notion of giving me the responsibility of driving the the team bus or the Qantas jet to get the lards to Uzbekistan … Don’t even think about it .. these are some of the black box film that was presented in my court case that ended my licences to drive anything forever …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foSXU6w9TDA&NR=1
~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | September 4th 2008 @ 8:13pm | Report comment
Mick,
Einstein was a genius, and ugly….but he got the chicks. Pim? Well the guy may as well be in the casino business, the way he builds a squad. Far from insinuating he’s a lucky son of a Guus, i say this because i believe he KNOWS the house (or the bus, whatever your metaphorical slant) ALWAYS wins. Or at least he won’t lose many “chips”.
I am not sure if that makes him a genius, but given the average Aussie likes to give their money away each week at Lotto (and worse, actually watch the results on a Saturday night), Pim may have the wood on most of us.
There is definitely more than one way to progress through this qualification. It’s Pim, so we have to expect a Pim performance. He aint gonna change. We may have to learn to appreciate his approach.
His game plan is tried and tested. South Korea endured dull graft for an eternity, and for what? I hope for all our sakes, that the journey becomes interesting, cos i’ll be asleep by the time “we get there”.
Graciously,
The Bear
jimbo said | September 5th 2008 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
Norm, KB
we’re in luck.
I found a team bus drivers license in the bottom of my cornflakes pack this morning, so I can do it.
I have to go via Roma to pick up Amanda and Totti and meet you outside the Goat Meat Cafe in Tashkent Wednesday arvo.
Cheers cheer squad.
Norm said | September 5th 2008 @ 3:27pm | Report comment
sensational jimbo. You must shop at the same place my super fund manager does – that’s where he got his investment licence.
Midfielder said | September 7th 2008 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
Brother Bears
I should also add a number of others …………….. Hmmmmmmmmmmm . Aweeeeeeeee ….WE JUST BEAT HOLLAND 2-1 PLAYING A VERY ATTRACTIVE STYLE OF PLAY.
Yes its not WCQ, but we were down some of our best………… Maybe Not so bad afterall.
Trust Obie One ………. I do and he is a good judge and knows when to makes the right call at the right time …….. well most of the time anyway.
dasilva said | September 7th 2008 @ 2:07pm | Report comment
After watching that match, I’m starting to warm about Pim Verbeek. We played good football against Netherlands. If we continue to play as well as we did in the first half then we might have to call him Aussie Pim in the future.
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:04pm | Report comment
Lads,
Yes a wonderful scalp and by all reports a deserved win — but lads it was against 10 men .. I still need a bit more convincing and hope we will keep going forward.. The bright note is that I think we have found a genuine target man in Jesus; so that’s good.. I still need to know who are going to be our best pairing in the central defence role.. But a bit of wonderful news is that Craig Moore has finally put up his hand for selection for all 2010 qualifiers.. btw who’s driving the bus ??
~~~~~~
KB
Midfielder said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:10pm | Report comment
Need a job KB …….. can you drive a bus …….. you follow one lol
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:22pm | Report comment
Midfielder,
Mind you all circumstantial evidence of course ..
I promised the judge I would never drive a bus again. Go back and look at the prosecutions evidence (the State vs KB)
~~~~~~~
KB
Midfielder said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:29pm | Report comment
KB
That court case you speak of ……. was that the case of Football V Hacking FC were the chief hacker Mr Clean used the power of Obie One which was not quite enough so called in the good Dr ……… who ……… ahhhhhhh …..ya Dr Who to assist the great Obie One …….. well the brown paper bag won out in the end and hacking FC as you said were found not guilty.
dasilva said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:36pm | Report comment
Koala Bear
Yes it was against 10 men BUT – against 11 men we probably outplayed the netherlands or at the very least matched them. Actually against 10 men we were struggling and didn’t know what to do with the number advantage. It reminds me when people downplay Australia’s performance against England saying England played a second XI in the second half ignoring the fact that Australia outplay the first team.
The first half was a fantastic performance and we should have been leading at half time if it wasn’t for poor finishing. Its not often we can say we match the Netherlands.
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 7:41pm | Report comment
Judge Judy,
said “get out of here” no case to answer .. you must be confusing Dave’s bunch of hooligans with the SFC’s clean skins..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAs-wIad4QI
~~~~~~
KB
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 8:05pm | Report comment
dasilva,
I didn’t see the game as I don’t have fox .. Can you tell me the actual starting line up for the match see below I pulled this from 442 website..
Pim Verbeek has selected the following team to take on the Dutch in Eindhoven: Mark Schwarzer, Luke Wilkshire, David Carney, Lucas Neill, Chris Coyne, Jason Culina, Carl Valeri, Brett Emerton, Brett Holman, Harry Kewell, Josh Kennedy.
I notice that Chris Coyne is there; did he perform well, or are we still looking for a better pairing in the Central defence, apart from Craig Moore’s pending selection..?
I will feel a lot more comfortable; if Moore returns as recently reported in the press..
~~~~~~~
KB
jimbo said | September 7th 2008 @ 8:21pm | Report comment
I’m driving the team bus and its mayhem here KB.
They’ve hitched up another bandwagon after the win over the Dutch and Amanda and Totti are in the back seat flashing brown eyes at the trailing paparazzi.
Brett Holman is cracking up the boys with his Nicky Carle jokes and wait a minute . . . there in the front seat I think I can see Pimbo actually smiling for the first time this year.
We’re headed for the Goat Penis restaurant at Tashkent to party till the wee hours, so come on board and join us if you can.
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 9:03pm | Report comment
Jimbo,
thank Allah you’re behind the wheel, as I have heard that the fleas from a thousand Camels have been let loose in the back seats of the team bus.. This could explain the “what you think” is a smile on Pimbo’s dial, that’s probably a grimace and of self control of not letting on to the lads, that what is installed for them in Uzbekistan. When they have crossed over to what could be a torrid time in the Goat Penis restaurant at Tashkent..
Luckily you managed to pick up the love birds on the way to divert the media attention from our lards.. Good Work Jimbo..
I can’t help think that Nicky was cringing back in London, how Bret Holman tried to blast the ball thru the keeper. he was probably saying to himself; you idiot ! ! !.. Why didn’t you do a reverse scissors chip over the advancing keeper.?.
~~~~~~~
KB
dasilva said | September 7th 2008 @ 9:17pm | Report comment
That’s right 1st XI
2nd half – Bresciano for Kewell. Sterjovski for Emerton at half time. Djite for holman and Beauchamp for Coyne at 70th minute. Jacob burns and garcia for kennedy and culina in the 78th minute
The players who played well IMO were Schwarzer (good save against Kuyt), Culina (more attacking which is good to see), valeri, Emerton (most attacking threat in the 1st half) and coyne (surprisingly decent distribution, solid at the back)
The player who did all right were Luke wilkshire (decent passing and put the assist for Kennedy but was exposed for lack of pace at the back by ryan babel who run circles around him), kennedy (virtually nothing in general play looking clumsy but scored the goal with the head.) Holman (involve in most of the attacking play but miss a sitter. typical holman match) Kewell (barely touch the ball but surprisingly offer good defensive cover whenever carney decides to overlap. Work hard for the team. Hope to see more attacking side from him in Tashkent)
The players who played poorly – carney (perhaps a bit harsh but same problems. Good dribbling, offer attacking support and was involve in attacking play but terrible passing. Played well by his standards. Got applauds by Craig Foster but I don’t think he is good enough) lucas neill (worst player on the pitch. Responsible for the first goal. Poor passing in the second half)
The substitute.
We lost a lot of cohesion in the second half due to lots of substitute and the poor performance of lucas neill. Djite looks lively in the few moments he was in. Bresciano didn’t do much and did some poor shots from outside the box. the rest were fairly anonymous
Overall
Great 1st half – best half of football australia played since the world cup 2006. Poor second half. Deserve to be leading at half time but didn’t due to poor finishing from Holman and a poor header from Culina (if only that ball went to kennedy). Deserve to concede a goal in the second half but didn’t due to schwarzer and poor finishing. A draw would have been a fair results but I’m Australian so we got a “deserved” victory.
jimbo said | September 7th 2008 @ 9:26pm | Report comment
Thank God its the Uzbeki fleas and not the Amsterdam crabs!
I’m scratching so much I can hardly keep the team bus in a straight line . . .
And silly old Nicky Carle just tried to run us off the road in his brand new red Ferrari, but Holman got him with the Grolsch bottle.
Looking forward to my barbequed penis and a flagon of Gnat wine and dancing the night away with Doris and the cheer girls.
Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Amanda Amanda Amanda!
Koala Bear said | September 7th 2008 @ 9:37pm | Report comment
dasilva,
Thanks for the great report
Jimbo,
Goodnight Lards….
time for bed.. I am scratching all over .. my dog must have fleas..
~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | September 8th 2008 @ 8:44am | Report comment
If Holman is in our STARTING 11, as Attacking Midfielder, no less, then i am far from convinced these ‘Roos are ready. The Dull Graft assimilation is complete.
Sure, good result. But more kudos for giving Djite more than 10 minutes of game time.
Bye Bye Bresciano. You will be missed.
Graciously,
The Bear
Midfielder said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:01am | Report comment
Bear
Bresh will play ahead of Holman ……….. if fit. In fact Bresh would be one of the first picked.
Just on Djite …… played what four maybe five games in Europe in Turkey, Kennedy some years in Germany first choice player in his current team and scored and got a penalty.
Bear you can have 30 players on the field yes it must be a hard call …… our squad numbers are impressive now I think our squad is now about 40 and outside a handful that pick themselves everyone else can say I could be in the side.
Further on Djite I watched him in the China game, was at Homebush, also saw him at Bluetounge on a number of times. Impressive yes, but in the China game touch not quite there
Koala Bear said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:14am | Report comment
After watching this DVD of the Uzberks in full training I am worried lards.. They seem to have a lot of depth in their squad…
Jimbo and Norm,
what ever you do don’t look in the rear vision mirror. Stay focused; with eyes on the road looking straight ahead for the Tashkent Football stadium Uzbekistan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrrwzfAI5uU
Bear,
I agree on Bresciano, how on earth could you put Holman in front of Bresh, for that matter even Wilkshire, Culina.. It certainly is looking more and more like the Dutch Mafia selecting the national team…
~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | September 8th 2008 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Midfielder,
The depth is good, but the quality of that depth the Pim has invested in, is fairly poor, imo. The persistence with Holman as CAM is an achilles for Pim. The sooner Tim is back, the better – that i am sure all of Australia is in agreement.
And i was actually pleased with Djite’s game time. I pointed out that he DID get more than ten minutes (came on 67th).
Graciously,
The Bear
Midfielder said | September 8th 2008 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
Bear
Cahill for Holman is a must. ……….. But Fozzie who is fairly hard to please especially at national level said some very supportive things about Holman on Sunday.
My take is Holman has been played by past coaches out of position and maybe Pim has found our Cahill backup, only Nickie Carl & Culina can play this role well, others to consider, Bridge, Hollan, Kurise, Burns. Also he gets better each game.
It appears to me Pim is opting for a single striker up front with two fast running mids behind. But given McDonald was out maybe if he only has one (as he sees it quality striker) he will play the two mids behind. If Bresh takes one of the positions, thats leaves Timmy …….. then …… Culina …….. Holman or Nick, me I would take Nick, but does Nick play the pattern Pim wants
On quality in depth ………. I think it is the best we have ever had its just we have not found a new Kool or Dukes, but we never had a Kool or Dukes before either.
The concern I have is Lucas’s form is down a bit and he was our rock in 2005 / 2006, so hope he can find a parnter to work with.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
Holman’s not terrible and he was lively and involve in most of the attacking play. He does do penetrating and intelligent runs in the box. in all honesty – Bresciano and nicky Carle don’t do that. They are both more of a playmaker then holman. I can understand why holman is selected above both bresciano and nicky carle even if I disagree with. I would argue that his penetrating runs is better than any other player in the team even Cahill and mcdonald
My only problems is that he can’t finish. this sorts of make him a poor mans cahill and incredibly frustrating to watch. He is not completely rubbish like people make out him to be but he is testing the patients of every soccerroos fan.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 12:51pm | Report comment
Midfielder
Foster never say bad things about fellow players even if they play poorly. even Zadkovich and topor-stanley when he said they play poorly – he still say they have great potential and blame on youth development instead of the players. He only criticise players for unsportmanship behaviour. Perhaps as a former player he understands the difficulties of playing and refrain from being overly critical. Perhaps if he done some professional coaching he won’t be quick to lash out to other coaches.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 12:57pm | Report comment
I meant to say he never criticise fellow Australian players.
Towser said | September 8th 2008 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
The first half against the Dutch has been described as the best since the World Cup.
How do we determine that. Well to me it was the most organised since the World Cup. Therefore with organisation comes flowing football. Ie your not spending your energy chasing shadows on the opposition side & often being caught out of position leading to mistakes. You retain possession then in what is essentially an organised team effort. Therefore in my book this means that you have understood what the coach requires as the team did under Guus, in contrast to the shambles in the last appearance in the Confederations cup under Frankie.
If this organised football continues on Wednesday, It will be a positive signal that Pim is getting “Pimball” through to the team.
Pippinu said | September 8th 2008 @ 1:06pm | Report comment
dasilva
A poor man’s Cahill is actually a very good description of Holman. I recall being underwhelmed when I first saw Holman debut about two years ago. I thought his first touch was pretty close to the worst I had ever seen in a Socceroos shirt (and we had some shockers in that regard during the 80s, believe you me!). Even his game against China (when we won 2-0 and he scored his one and only goal) was insufficient to persuade me otherwise.
But as you have intelligently pointed out, players don’t get chosen for no reason, and you have pointed out one reason why Holman gets so much game time. Another, which is quite related, is his role as a “defensive forward” (and all AFL fans would understand what I mean by that – the sort of bloke who will play on a Lindsay Gilbee to stop a team building from the back).
Because we are sort of entering the great unknown in Tashkent, Pim would see that as an important element of the squad for this particular fixture. Good coaches pick horses for courses, and despite the mystery that is Uzbekistan, Pim would know as much about them as just about any other manager in the World from his Asian experience (although it looks like our ol’ pal Fossati is not completely clueless on that front!).
The Bear said | September 8th 2008 @ 4:18pm | Report comment
Folks,
Holman may make “intelligent” runs into the box, but he is expected to make the *passes* for these runs. As CAM (or whatever he is supposed to be playing) he can’t do both. Play two strikers, heck make him a striker, but don’t rely on him to play both positions, especially if he is placed centrally.
The defenders will be all over the lone striker, whilst Holman will be running after some headless chook, and the final ball won’t ever arrive.
Graciously,
The Bear
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 8:41pm | Report comment
The bear
Not necessary. Viduka role as the striker was to hold up the ball and pass so that midfielders will be able to make intelligent runs and create chances. Kennedy was given that role. He didn’t really succeed with that job but nevertheless if we have a striker who do that job and Holman behind making intelligent runs then we might be a handful if he can actually score. I believe if holman gets his act together then a viduka and holman combination may be deadly.
In any case against Qatar he made two decent assist. His passing may not be fantastic but they are not terrible either. He is a decent passer of the ball. His problems is technique and shooting.
jimbo said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:05pm | Report comment
Kennedy is not a better player than Viduka but to date has a much better goal scoring average for the Socceroos – 1 goal every two games.
I hope Josh can stay fit and gets some more goal scoring maturity in Asian competition.
We need him to keep scoring and he fits in well with Pimbo’s style of play.
Viduka and MacDonald have served Australia well (when they decide to play) but haven’t scored that many goals for us as a lone striker.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:12pm | Report comment
I would love to have Viduka, Kennedy and Cahill playing together. Imagine that – it would be an aerial bombardment as all are good with the head.
The Bear said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:19pm | Report comment
dasilca, you are looking for Holman to play as a second striker, tucked in behind the loner ie Viduka? This is obviously not strictly a central attacking midfielder. There is a difference. And i assert, will only ever work on paper.
btw, Kennedy is not going to be a “Viduka”. Kennedy will be a set piece guy, or any aerial attacks from the flanks. Someone like Holman, is not only not required, but is ill-fitting with a Kennedy pairing, imo.
Graciously,
The Bear
Midfielder said | September 8th 2008 @ 9:44pm | Report comment
Bear
Agree your last post, but there is no Dukes in sight, no one has his strength turning ability and so on, but two attacking mids does not only need a back to goal playing striker, clever runs to near and far post from deep, even play off each other and maybe create for the striker. Whether Holman is in this class is debateable at present I think not ….. can he become that player ……… is Nicky the answer not sure TBH. However the idea of playing a lone striker is catching as so many sides are doing it these days not only Pim.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 10:37pm | Report comment
I agree that Kennedy is no Viduka. He only look dangerous in crosses and setpiece. He seems very one dimensional player. He looks clumpsy with the ball at his feet and lost possession few times. Some of his shots on goal looks funny.
Mark Viduka played as a “playmaker” for soccerroos. He help create spaces for Bresciano and Cahill to run into. You don’t have to be a second striker to do that. My point is that when Viduka comes back there is potential for Holman to combine with him.
Few quotes from Bert Van Marwijk – Netherlands Manager
“There was no balance on the midfield, Brett Holman had all the time and space to do whatever he wanted,” moaned the coach.
“Nigel de Jong, Mark van Bommel and Rafael van der Vaart had trouble anticipating his movement and need to learn from this match.”
“Against Russia with playmaker (Andrei) Arshavin, Van Bommel and De Jong played well but against (Australia’s) Brett Holman they never got control”.
He was comparing Holland draw with Russia in recent friendly with defeat to Australia.
Holman played well. Well enough to be singled out for praised by the Dutch Manager. He combined well with the midfielders, was involve in every attacking move and made some good intelligent runs. When its comes to clever and intelligent runs, sadly no one in the team does it as well as Brett Holman. He also show he could pass the ball shown by his two assist against Qatar.
If you tell me months ago that I’ll be defending Holman then I would have crack up laughing. However after his performances against Qatar and now Holman. I become a Holman hater to a holman skeptic. I don’t think he is a great player but I don’t believe he is rubbish like some people believe (like Jesse fink who can’t comprehend why is he in the side). He shouldn’t be consign in the rubbish bin yet and should still be persisted with. He may not be up to standard yet but with time and imporvement in finishing he could become a very good player for the soccerroos. Remember that he is still a young player. Give him time.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 10:46pm | Report comment
and now Holland – typo
jimbo said | September 8th 2008 @ 11:08pm | Report comment
Josh Kennedy has scored 5 goals in 8 appearances for the Socceroos.
Brett Holman 1 in 17.
Mark Viduka 10 in 44.
John Aloisi 27 in 55.
Nicky Carle 0 in 7.
Scott MacDonald 0 in 9.
I think Aloisi is going to have a big year in the A-League and will trump them all as the Socceroos lone striker for the remainder of our WC campaign.
Viduka won’t put his hand up till after we’ve qualified (if we do).
Midfielder said | September 8th 2008 @ 11:26pm | Report comment
Jimbo
IMO the Dukes will play in the Japan match if it is a qualifer, ……… interesting will be Pims choice if Dukes says I will come to WC and has taken no part in getting there.
Dasilva
Not sure why you see JK as only good with his head, given he is a first choice player in a German top division side he would have more in his kit than a good heder.
On the Holman thing, I think Fozzzie said it best if he could only find a goal kicking foot as he always gets in good position and that takes skill.
dasilva said | September 8th 2008 @ 11:34pm | Report comment
Perhaps Midfielder you are right about Kennedy. Nevertheless – for the matches I’ve seen for the soccerroos he hasn’t done much with the ball on his feet. Scored all of his goal with the head. Hasn’t hold the ball up and lose possession when trying to. Now that might be ok if you score 1 goal every two matches. However I don’t believe kennedy will maintain that and if he can’t maintain that he needs to offer more than aerial threat.
I heard he did the ‘viduka’ role well for one match of the german league. However I missed that match on setanta. I ended up watching another match where his team lost badly and he didn’t had the greatest match in the world and only offering threats with his head.
Perhaps he does have ability with his feet – it just that he doesn’t show it consistently or maybe only on matches that I don’t watch.
The Bear said | September 9th 2008 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Fair call, dasilva. Holman would do well with Dukes, but then we have Bresh, Kewell, Emmerton, Carney, and Cahill. Given the amount of time we have persisted with Holman, i hope he knows he has been one lucky so and so. In fact given his abilities i’d rather Carney as the guy to link with a “holding” striker. The natural choice would be Kewell.
But given we need an option to Dukes, Holman, for all his praise from the Dutch coach, didn’t really capitalise on his “good” game. If Kennedy is the striker, i think ground passing is a bit of a waste.
Where does the leave us? I think Guus had it right. Josh only to be played when expecting set pieces and corners. It really matters little who plays tucked in behid him, only that they can’t shoot.
And Holman can’t. I’d say give Emmerton, Kewell, or Carney a shot if only playing Josh (alone) as striker. They all can, and do, put the laces right through he ball.
Graciously,
The Bear
dasilva said | September 9th 2008 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
You also have to remember that Holman actually played as a second striker that match. Australia played in a diamond 4-4-2 with holman behind kennedy. despite kennedy inability to hold the ball – holman still cause trouble.
I would like to see holman/viduka combination for at least one match. If it doesn’t work well then perhaps there is no place for holman.
I agree that his finishing is terrible and without improvement in that areas then there is no use for him despite his intelligent running. Nevertheless he is 24 and its not impossible for him to improve finishing. Apparently hernan crespo was a late developer into a clinical finisher. Now I’m not saying he will become as good as crespo but he could still be a decent player. i just hope he doesn’t waste his potential as he does have it.
If holman improves his finishing then he is the best option to play behind viduka as like I said there is no better intelligent runner in the team. I think the best current option is Tim Cahill if fit or bresciano who I believe will be a better central player than a winger. Harry Kewell, Emerton are decent options but you lose there ability in the flanks. David Carney- I don’t believe he is good enough. His passing is atrocious. He is not a proven goal scorer either despite that one wonder strikes against Nigeria. I don’t believe his finishing is any better than holman. Holman has a goal scoring record of 1 goal every 4 games in the dutch league. Not great but not terrible either.
jimbo said | September 9th 2008 @ 2:21pm | Report comment
If Tim Cahill comes back fitter than ever, then Holman or Carle won’t get a game (unless a couple of the others are injured).
Hopefully by the Guitar game in Brisbane next month, we’ll have Cahill, Bresch, Kewell and Aloisi fit and ready as our forward line.
Pimbo holds Viduka in high esteem and will pick him whenever he chooses to play, which may not be best for the team at that time.
The only other bolter would be Djite maturing a lot quicker and forcing his way into the striker role for the WC ahead of Dukes or the others.
The Bear said | September 9th 2008 @ 4:03pm | Report comment
Jimbo, i don’t think Pim will be swayed OVERLY by Timmy’s return. Holman is his and Arnie’s bonding project. There is a lot of power in a shared project, especially if Pim has a soft spot for dear old victmised, old hollandia sympathising, Graham.
Graciously,
The Bear
jimbo said | September 9th 2008 @ 4:10pm | Report comment
Bear,
if Pimbo picks Holman ahead of Tim Cahill, then we know for sure who is picking the team and who wears the pants in the Verbeek Arnold household.
Midfielder said | September 9th 2008 @ 4:14pm | Report comment
Bear
When Timmy is back my guess he is on the first five picked, ………..Holman is being tested as his replacement …… but once fit Timmy is the first team.
dasilva said | September 10th 2008 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Pim has been quoted to say that Tim cahill is a special player and didn’t look to please when he was injured.
I can’t see how someone can be a fan of holman and not like Cahill who is similar style of player but more superior is most areas of the game.
The Bear said | September 10th 2008 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Folks, time will tell.
Graciously,
The Bear
Joe FC said | September 11th 2008 @ 8:34am | Report comment
3 points in Uzbekistan is a great result. Very good first 45 but a diffuclt second. So far so good.
Midfielder said | September 11th 2008 @ 8:49am | Report comment
Away win always good …. Holmam was poor, Kool was class,
Koala Bear said | September 11th 2008 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Great to be alive, wonderful news, the “Australian National Football Team” triumphs.. Scott Chipperfield grabs the winner and I shall go down to the CRSL today at 1:30pm to watch the replay.. I am a bit surprised that th Uzbeks did not force a draw on their own turf, but I will take the 3pts gladly .. We are getting closer to securing a spot in 2010 .. Well done Lads..
Does anyone know who was the captain this morning as Pimbo would not tell the media who he had chosen — bloody rediculous. However I suspect it was Lucas.. and not Harry..
~~~~~~~~
KB
Joe FC said | September 11th 2008 @ 9:24am | Report comment
Koala Bear
it was Lucas Neil.
Koala Bear said | September 11th 2008 @ 9:33am | Report comment
Joe FC,
thanks a mate .. one never know these days who actually runs on to the field in a starting line up — really frustrating; but not to know who the captain is, is doubley frustrating ..
~~~~~~~
KB
Norm said | September 11th 2008 @ 10:31am | Report comment
KB
against all the odds jimbo got us to the ground in one piece. Heading back now with Doris at the wheel – jimbo & I over indulged in post match antics. Will give full update at next meeting of 2018 FIFA WC fund raising committee.
Norm said | September 11th 2008 @ 10:54am | Report comment
btw KB
you will not believe the seat number I was allocated……1858
Koala Bear said | September 11th 2008 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
Norm,
I must admit I thought the Cossacks were going to over run you guys in the second half.. I have just had another look at their line up see below…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrrwzfAI5uU
Their interchange bench of 1858 looked awesome .. and what a coincidence; the same bus seat No. like yours (1858) ..
~~~~~~~
KB
jimbo said | September 11th 2008 @ 5:29pm | Report comment
KB,
its all happening on Bus Route 1858.
Norm and I have just hitched up another bandwagon.
We’ve just picked up Amanda, Totti and the boys and are headed for the Goat’s Penis for a big celebration.
Lucas Neill just got on the bus and pointed a finger at Pimbo and said:
“We just saved you your farkin’ job mate!”
Doris bought a beautiful genuine diamond ring from a Nigerian Prince and is having a ball.
We’re off to the Gold Coast tomorrow to get a bit of a tan before the big Brissy game against Guitar next month. Will send a postcard.
Cheers
PS: KB can you wire me a few pesos from the CRSL petty cash box for petrol mate, the cost of gas over here is a joke. I nearly bought a camel to pull the bus, but I don’t have a camel license.
Millster said | September 11th 2008 @ 6:29pm | Report comment
Hey jimbo, in the spirit of collegiality I can report that I got a basic mahout certificate while on my recent travels in northern Thailand – so if KB can’t find anything but old shillings in the cash tin then I can muster up a few of my elephant buddies to help pull the old wreck along.
(And by ‘elephant buddies’ I’m not talking of the big mummas dishing up the slop in the CRSL kitchen…)
Oh and I’m surprised to see Doris driving. I thought she was tasked with giving ’special attention’ to Harry’s dodgy groin…
Koala Bear said | September 11th 2008 @ 7:11pm | Report comment
Jimbo,
Just got home from the CRSL after watching the Uzbecks-Cossacks and their 1858 saber waving strong horsemen sitting on the interchange bench; go down in a heap.. Really not in the same class as our 11 magnificent Kangaroos on BMX pushbike (ala 2000 Olympics).
Geez Jimbo, I can’t get any dough from the Ladies Auxiliary. Bloody Rudd won’t do anything about the fuel excise and the petrol for the bus.. However, if you lighten the load, you may just make it back home to the CRSL.. The ALL STARS have said on the way back travelling along the yellow brick road, stop the bus. Tell Norm to make out that the tyres seem a bit flat, and ask Arnie, Henk, Brett Holman, and Jacob Burns to go check .. Then slam the doors shut tight, do a donut and take off .. We shall not be needing them in Brissie….
~~~~~~~~
KB
Midfielder said | September 11th 2008 @ 7:44pm | Report comment
Just a side comment I don’t have fox and going out at 1:30 finding a pub and getting home well just a tad to hard. A guy tells me to in google type “live coverage A V U” got a number of hits who where streaming the match but most were betting shops or register first.
So I had a look at the MV fans forum and they had a list (see below), this could be the brave new world Millster has touched on at times but I watched the Fox broadcast free on Justin TV
Uzbekistan vs. Australia
FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Thursday 11th September
1:30am AEST
Live Streams
Guangdong
UUSee – Play – 350 Kbps
Sopcast – Play – 355 Kbps
TVAnts – Play – 365 Kbps
TVAnts – Play – 367 Kbps
StarSports [EN]
Sopcast – Play – 410 Kbps
Sopcast – Play – 411 Kbps
TVU – Play – 412 Kbps
PPMate – Play – 450 Kbps
UUSee – Play – 450 Kbps
Iraqgoals
Justin TV – Play – 250 Kbps
Justin TV – Play – 251 Kbps
Libertarian [AUS]
Justin TV – Play – 250 Kbps
Justin TV – Play – 255 Kbps
Norm said | September 11th 2008 @ 9:24pm | Report comment
KB
it worked.