By Jesse Fink
October 15th 2008 @ 1:24am
Super 14 tipping now live for sign-ups. Join now and invite your mates..
---------------
Qatar heroes could rock Verbeek’s plans
Rock out! It’s time to put Airbourne’s Runnin’ Wild on the iPod boombox and count down the hours. Tonight, in Brisbane, the Socceroos resume their World Cup odyssey against Qatar, after whupping some Uzbeki ass in Tashkent.
It was an historic victory in Central Asia, arguably the best win of Pim Verbeek’s career as Socceroos coach, which is beginning to assume the firmness and thrall we’ve all wanted to see in that position since the departure of Guus Hiddink in June 2006.
Qatar shouldn’t even be here, of course; but that’s by the by.
Politics assured their survival and they’re here to give us a shake.
This Middle Eastern paperweight is deadly serious about qualifying for the World Cup and there are two important items in their luggage this time that weren’t with them when they last paid us a visit.
Bruno Metsu and Sebastian Soria Quintana.
Metsu, a stand-in for the “ill” Jorge Fossati, is one of my cult heroes: his charismatic and explosive Senegal side was one of the highlights of Korea-Japan 2002, beating world champions France and going to the quarters before meeting a roadblock in the form of Turkey, and he’s got a Choirboys-style bonnet going on that is so unhip it’s positively happening. Teamed with a T-shirt and linen suit jacket: dynamite.
Marseille Vice.
Uruguayan born, Qatari-naturalised Quintana, or Soria as he’s often called, is the superstar of Qatari football and the one player I’ve always sense the Australians have never quite had the measure of.
Last time I saw him play against the Socceroos, in Doha in June, he got more joy down the right side of the pitch than I do with a bottle of Chartreuse and a Jenna Jameson DVD, so don’t expect a repeat of the Qataris’ tactics from their visit to Melbourne in February next year.
They’ll be looking to score early through Quintana and his naturalised Brazilian-Qatari team-mate Fabio Cesar Montezine, and, if they do, it’ll be an interesting test of Pim Verbeek’s coaching. He’s rarely had to pull back a goal – the Socceroos are usually level pegging or defending a lead – and in terms of creative weapons at his disposal his stocks are slim, with Harry Kewell and Mark Bresciano out, and He Who Shall Not Be Named regarded as surplus to requirements.
Tim Cahill is going to carry a lot of weight on his shoulders.
Going into this match of the final round of qualifying, the Qataris are on four points to Australia’s three, and four goals to Australia’s one, albeit from two matches to the Socceroos’ one.
They’re in form, been given a World Cup lifeline by their buddies in high places, got what appears to be their first-choice team on the park and playing under a bloke with more Gallic personality and infuriating aloofness than Eric Cantona.
It’s gonna be a hell of a show.
Super 14 tipping now live for sign-ups. Join now and invite your mates.
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(100)
True Tah said | October 15th 2008 @ 8:13am | Report comment
I think the Australians will smash them like guitars.
good luck boys!
Millster said | October 15th 2008 @ 8:17am | Report comment
Yes, good luck boys.
I am less confident than True Tah. My realistic hope is for perhaps a 2-1. I think they have what it takes to put one past us.
Millster said | October 15th 2008 @ 8:18am | Report comment
PS: Jesse there’s only so much we needed to know about how you ’self-entertain’
Midfielder said | October 15th 2008 @ 9:03am | Report comment
A bannana skin game ………. could loose but should win
The Bear said | October 15th 2008 @ 9:11am | Report comment
A great bit of fluff, entertaining yet political, comical yet poignant. Jesse, you must have had one helluva nite last night with Jenna
Tman said | October 15th 2008 @ 9:12am | Report comment
If Qatar park the bus in front of goal I think we could struggle to break them down. While the likes of Cahill, Culina and Emerton are all intelligent players, there is not even a hint of creativity in the squad. I hope Jesus’ head is feeling good, because it will get a workout tonight!
And I shudder to think of how Jesse will celebrate if the Socceroos notch up a decent victory.
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 9:22am | Report comment
On the ROAR and 442 forums I’ve already stated that it is extremely unlikely that Pim will go with a 442 formation, despite the fact that Pim did so the first time we met Qatar earlier this year in Melbourne, because:
1. a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then; and
2. I can’t see Pim using Culina as the holding midfielder without any other back up – I can’t ever recall Culina playing such a role in the past. Many think that without Grella and Valeri, Culina will get the nod, but I’m thinking there is actually more reason for Pim to go with 2 DMs. This means little likelihood of a 442, and watch for Jase to be partnered by one of either Wilkshire, Burns or Jedi.
Now, last night on Fox FC, both Trimmers and Cockerill were adamant that Pim would go with a 442 (which of course had me running scared that for the first time in my life I was way of track!). But, I’m stating to sense that Pim has put both of them off the scent, and in fact I still think we are unlikely to see a 442. The news reports on the ABC this morning were saying that Timmy was going to partner 2m Jesus – if that’s true – then clearly we are not talking about a straight up 442 – but who knows what to believe anymore!
Trimmers and Cockerill had a similar starting XI, differing only in relation to who partnered 2m Jesus, as follows:
———— Schwatter ————-
Wilkshire — Neill — Moore — Chippers
Emo — Culina — Cahill – Carney
—-Hol/Arch —– 2m Jesus
Interesting that both didn’t view Macca as a serious starter.
If Holman were to start, it would look more like a 4-4-1-1, with Timmy being asked to help Jase out a bit more, and then cover the ground when attacking.
But I honestly think we will be looking more at a 4-2-3-1, with the question being who supports Jase as the 2nd DM?
Variation 1:
———— Schwatter ————-
Emo — Neill — Moore — Chippers
—— Culina — Wilkshire
Hol/Arch — Timmy — Carney
———– 2m Jesus ———–
Variation 2&3:
———— Schwatter ————-
Wilkshire — Neill — Moore — Chippers
—— Culina — Burns/Jedi—–
Emo ——–Cahill —– Carney
———— 2m Jesus———-
My final offer is to think back to the South Africa game where Pim pulled out some sort of 4-2-2-1-1, and I think he has the personnel to do it again:
———— Schwatter ————-
Wilkshire — Neill — Moore — Chippers
——– Culina — Burns
Emo —————————–Sterj
————–Cahill ——————
———— 2m Jesus———-
Millster said | October 15th 2008 @ 9:28am | Report comment
Fox this morning is predicting 4-1-3-2 with Fat Macca and Jesus up front, Emmo Cahill and either Carney or Holman in attacking midfield, Culina as holding mid, and Wilkshire, Moore, Neill and Chippers holding the fort.
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:00am | Report comment
No - Pim’s put them all off the scent.
The Bear said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Will he or won’t he? That is the question!
The Bear said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:06am | Report comment
I think the media WANTS the attackers on, and they are sort of in denial. Pim will win, and then after he has, with an “ugly” formation, he will say i am not here to entertain (ie “well we all would like to have goals” yadda yadda )… he is here to qualify.
And that’s the end of that. lol!
Graciously,
The Bear
Kazama said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:09am | Report comment
I think the boys will get the job done tonight; there might be a couple of nervous moments but I think we’ll win this one. I’d be much more confident if Fossati was in charge rather than Bruno, whom I’ve admired since watching Papa Bouba Diop slot that goal past Barthez. He is a class act and he has led teams to wins in big matches and tournaments before, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Qatar make the World Cup - hopefully not at our expense.
I guess the fact that they don’t deserve to be here is a moot point now, sadly.
Slippery Jim said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Pippu, your two reasons for us not playing a 442 are not exactly convincing, not to say you’re wrong of course. I hope Scotty “Ronald” Mcdonald gets a run as expected and scores a hattrick. It is highly likely as, according to your argument #1, ie there has been a lot of water under the bridge since the last game…QED, yes?
Since Trimmers and Cockerill can have you running scared when they posit a different formation scenario, whether you are at all worried that Les’s latest blog the state of the game I again restates his confidence in the feasibility of our WC host bid for 2018: “Australia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018, far from being a pipe dream as sceptics would suggest, is credible and achievable.” Has Les got you running scared as well? Just wondering
Los Oso said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:19am | Report comment
Qatar are missing their first choice GK plus three others from their first choice XI.
Soria would trouble any international defence in the world if he gets good service from his midfield.
We have plenty of flexibility within our squad to deal with this..if their midfield looks dangerous we could always pair Wilkshire and Culina at DM and push Emerton back to RB.
We should win…they will sit back and try and score on the counter…we can only lose if we don’t take the chances that will inevitably come to us…they will not outplay us…they will be rapt with a point.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:41am | Report comment
The Bear
I’ve once have been disenchanted with Pim’s conservative style
Pim’s Soccerrooos however has shown in the past two matches that they can play good attacking football which led me to warm up to Pim a bit.
We’ll see tonight if that’s just an abberration and a 1-2 off thing or that Pim’s after having the side for a while is developing the cohesiveness to play more an attacking game.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:56am | Report comment
In any case
Pim Verbeek has bee awfully bullish in the press conference. Comments like Australia will win etc. I think since australia defeated Qatar for the last two matches by decent margins that he is playing “we are favorites and should win easily if playing to our best card” to intimidate the Qatari players who were intimidated by Australia in the last two matches due to our players who are playing in Europe.
It will be very strange if for all the tough talking Australia go to the match and defend for 90 minutes. So I believe the tough bullish talking from Pim will be back up with action as well and Australia will be adventurous and dictate the Qatari at least early in the game. I think a 442 is not out of the question. The idea of Pim is an overly defensive manager has been overstated and really has been blown out of proportion.
jimbo said | October 15th 2008 @ 10:58am | Report comment
dasilva,
Pim’s “attacking style” is turning off the punters in droves after the China debacle.
With the Socceroos doing so well and likely to qualify again the remaining games should be a sell out, but tickets sales for tonight’s game are very poor.
There’s a fine line between getting results and providing entertainment and Pimbo hasn’t got a clue.
The Bear said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:07am | Report comment
dasilva, Pim has said a good many bullish things in the press this last couple of weeks. The swipe at Carles thrift game time in the last month, being one of the more absurd ones.
Jimbo, perhaps it’s a timely reminder for the FFA, that winning isn’t everything.
Especially against less fancied opponents.
Graciously,
The Baer
Koala Bear said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:07am | Report comment
The Bear,
Yes that’s what I hate about this man he splashes out the same old rhetoric .. I am hear only to get the team through to 2010 World Cup … Geez I hope he will resign straight after .. So who ever takes over will get the player “He Who Shall Not Be Named” a spot in the squad. So we will not have to watch more of the rubbish he asks the players to play.. We can look so good when Pimbo is not involved; with a reluctant Rob Baan in charge of the National teams; we played some decent football under him.. One can see or read between the lines why he has decided to move on …
~~~~~~~~
KB
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:08am | Report comment
The China debacle was pretty awful and in honesty was a really bad PR exercise and is partly responsible for the poor crowds (should have hold it in Adelaide)
However I’ve seen some progress in the last two matches (that were all away matches unfortunately) to suggest that PIm has become a little bit more adventurous. We’ll see tonight whether that trend will continue. I believe when he started there was a lot of new players and the team was playing with little cohesion. THerefore he instructed his sides to play a more defensive style of football.
However as the team started playing together for a while and understanding each other Pim then gives license for the team to attack.
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:15am | Report comment
It amazes me that people keep thinking that Qatar is a pushover - these Gulf nations can play if you give them half a chance.
Ben of Phnom Penh said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:16am | Report comment
It needs to be remembered that Qatar managed to put three past Uzbekistan. This will be a good test for us as we need to be patient as does the crowd, especially if Metsu decides to park the bus.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:17am | Report comment
Let’s look at the worst performance
china away - We have virtually zero strikers playing in altitude and Pim second match with the team. Perhaps overestimation of China ability but
Iraq away - After the home match where we should have lost due to overenthusiastic full backs (carney and emerton) who didn’t knew when they should attack and when they should come back and defend causing us to be vulnerable in the counterattack. They were rightly both singled out for poor performances at home. He then instructed both players to not make attacking runs in the UAE. Ok more defensive football but it was obvious that Carney and Emerton didn’t have the cohesiveness and the team chemistry to attack without exposing the side.
CHina and Ghana at home - A-league players. No Grella and Culina. Lot of trouble holding possession. Some of the players playing together for the first time
HOwever the last two matches were good indicators that the side has become more organise and more comfortable with the position they are playing. I found it strange that you guys completely ignored the progress in the last two matches. Where we play fluidic football in the first half of both matches.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:26am | Report comment
Pippinu
Qatar are not pushovers. However they are pushovers if they come over with an inferiority complex (reason why they beat Iraq,Uzbeks and then lose easily to Australia). That’s why Pim is being very bullish in the press conference and trying to reassert there superiority. Playing mind games. It may back fire and inspire them to play better. We’ll see.
nomad3 said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Guys,
Australia 4-0 .. … Japan draw with Uzbekistan… we go top …end of story …no more rhetoric !!!
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:53am | Report comment
sj
not worried about Les thinking (desperately believing) that 2018 is still a possibility.
I wrote on 1 November 2007 that there was absolutley no chance - and nothing has changed in the meantime.
Slippery Jim said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
Pippu, nothing has changed? Actually it has - since then, in fact, last month, it was revealed that Frank Lowy has become a member of the prestigious FIFA World Cup Organising Committee and, it appears, he is soon to sit on the executive board of the powerful Asian Football Confederation. Significantly, the committee, which meets periodically, does not include representatives from England or Russia - two of the biggest rivals for the 2018 prize. Therefore is more likely then ever. Frank Lowy, as we all know, is a man that can move mountains when it comes to football.
Dickroo said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
on ya, nomad3!
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Sorry sj - I’m still not convinced.
By the way - what did you make of bin Hammam’s backflip on the 39th round?
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
SJ
Funny enough. Les Murray says that Lowy appointement will make no difference to our World Cup 2018 bid
The FIFA World CUp Organising Committee have no say in who gets the World Cup. Their role is to help organise the world cup to the country who already won the World Cup bid. Also if Lowy uses his position on the board to try and win votes for the World CUp bid that that will be a breach in FIFA codes of ethics.
Still its not going to hurt our bid.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
Pippinu
I think perhaps Bin Hamman realise the monetary benefits of the 39th match. Pretty much we allow the match to happen if we get a large cut of the pie.
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
I’m just reading the Age, and I noted that they too have suggested a 442 formation, but looking closely, it’s the best evidence yet that people are being fed a line!
For starters, both Carney and Chippers are shown on the right.
And then Moore’s name appears twice, once alongside Neill, and then in the midfield alongside Culina.
And there’s no Timmy!
442? Forget about it!
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:41pm | Report comment
dasilva
the other interesting thing was that I thought the English FA were going to put the idea of the 39th round away until the nailed the 2018 WC - but all of a sudden it’s out in the open again - just at the time that the most vociferous opponent was visiting England - I can assure you, it’s not all coincidence!
Slippery Jim said | October 15th 2008 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
Aha - so there HAS been not one, but more than one significant change since you and Les made your initial positions clear on the 2018 bid.
Just like with bills submitted to parliament, they are not always approved based on their initial format, but are often amended into a more acceptable form for later approval. Scudamore always said after the initial failure of the proposal that they would revisit it “in some format”.
Hammam is likely keeping a dialogue open due to benefits to Asia who have a large EPL following. Sepp Blatter, however is a different story altogether, and any continued talk of a 39th game is likely to create a greater and more entrenched antipathy towards Englands bid for 2018, as Blatter said in February, any attempt to press ahead with the plan in defiance of Fifa would scupper England’s chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup, which will be decided by a ballot of the 24 executive committee members. “If you go against the authority of Fifa and the executive committee, then you cannot expect them to be in your favour later on…England will not be the only World Cup bid. So, if Mr Scudamore says that [it will help 2018], let him say it. I will not deny chances to any of the candidates for 2018 but I cannot imagine that when you go against the deciding body for the decision on the World Cup that you will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic.”
Therefore, continued proposals for a 39th EPL game make England’s bid less likely to garner support for 2018, and therefore Australia’s bid more likely.
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
sj
unless people like bin Hammam are getting won over with the lure of EPL riches (and we all know it doesn’t take too much to win Warner over)
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
This is on the Sydney Morning Herald by Michael Cockerill
LIKELY TEAMS(4-4-2). Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer. Defenders: Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield. Midfield: Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Tim Cahill, David Carney. Strikers: Scott McDonald, Josh Kennedy.
Seems reasonable diamond 4-4-2 line up to me
In any case Verbeek has gave nothing away in the press conference and refuse to mention the 18 man squad. He may end up showing up all the media who are predicting 4-4-2 wrong. In any case I’m still convince you’ll see a more enterprising Australian team out there whether it is 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1
39th match - if asia gets a large slice of the pie and bin hammed has been won over. Then there is no reason to be secretive about it as it will be no longer an obstacle for the world cup bid. Its funny that perhaps England biggest problem for the 39th match is getting UEFA support not from other confederation.
I also have a feeling a deal has been made. That Asia may back England for the World cup bid once the asian nations has been eliminated and perhaps vice versa. Who knows how this bid politics works?
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
dasilva
I think that’s spot on - but will this scenario necessarily help an Australain bid in 2022?
And is the AFC still pursuing the idea of having only one Asian country bid for each of 2018 and 2022?
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
SJ
I agree. Even if acceptance from Asia about it. England has still pissed off Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini. Going against UEFA and FIFA boss will not help your WC bid.
It’s the reason why I believe Russia will be the host if 2018
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
Pip
I don’t necessary think this scenario either harms or benefit Australia for the 2018 WC. It will benefit England greatly however the AFC is still going to back any Asian countries in preference to England. If Australia bids for the 2022 world cup and gives up 2018. Then perhaps Australia will get the support of England for it. It may be the smart thing to do.
However Lowy is no fool and although we have a outside chance of winning the WC2018, I don’t believe it is impossible
I heard that Australia has the support of ITaly, Brazil and South Africa for the WC2018 bid. This combined with England’s strained relationship with FIFA executive committee and UEFA gives us a chance to pip England for the World CUp
Midfielder said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
From the smh from dasilva LIKELY TEAMS(4-4-2). Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer. Defenders: Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield. Midfield: Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Tim Cahill, David Carney. Strikers: Scott McDonald, Josh Kennedy.
Almost I think Emerton back to full back and Jedi into to CM with Wilkshire on standby if Jedi fails at this level.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
Midfielder
I can only see Jedi play if we play 4-2-3-1. Even if we do play that system, Jacob Burns is the incumbent (which is rather concerning) and probably get picked in front of Jedi (who although played poorly on debut. I think he has potential and IMO should play in front of Burns).
Also I don’t see Wilkshire getting drop and Emerton will probably stay as a winger. It was one of Pim successful tactical changes swapping Emerton and Wilkshire around. Emerton is liberated and is playing good attacking football and wilkshire often makes good overlapping runs and doesn’t have to dribble past players (unlike a winger) and is a reasonable defender. I think those two position will stay as it is until the World CUp.
Mick of Newie said | October 15th 2008 @ 1:50pm | Report comment
sorry midfielder, Wilkshire will play and if a 2nd DM is required it will be Burns. I would like to see Jedi play but Pim is too pragmatic for that. My tip no A leaguers in the squad.
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer. Defenders: Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield. Midfield: Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Tim Cahill, David Carney, Holman. Striker: Josh Kennedy.
Bench: Petcovic, Coyne, Burns, Sterj, Garcia, Djite, McDonald.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
There is one A league who will definetely be in the squad Mickie
Craig Moore
Pippinu said | October 15th 2008 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
Unless Pim surprises all and puts in Coyne.
Mick of Newie said | October 15th 2008 @ 3:33pm | Report comment
Das, Is that the second time in a week I have to stand corrected. Rather diminishes my point doesn’t it.
Rob of Perth said | October 15th 2008 @ 3:56pm | Report comment
Not sure if it’ll be 442 or 451, but would be happy with either to be honest.
442 with Macdonald and Kennedy up front would be nice and attacking from the outset, which would create a positive atmosphere, and give us a good chance of getting that early goal.
451 with Cahill in behind Kennedy would also get my vote, in that it plays to the strength of our best player (Cahill), by putting him in the same position he plays for Everton, to great effect.
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
Pip
Moore will definitely at least be in the bench. Unless Spiranovich and Coyne was considered superior options to Moore
Mick
It’s an honest mistake. Moore has played in Europe so long its hard to classify him as an A-league player.
Rob
4-4-1-1 With Cahill behind Kennedy is my pick
My preferred selection that pim probably won’t pick
Schwarzer
Wilkshire, Neill, Coyne. Chippers
Emerton, culina, Cahill, Sterjovski
cahill
Kennedy
Bench
Galekovic (petkovic was a disaster last 3 matches I saw him played. Tunisia, Denmark China)
Moore (coyne is the incumbert and IMO outplayed lucas neill when they played together)
Jedinak
Steffannuto (just out of curiosity. I never seen him play before and he has been in the squad for a while)
Djite
Mcdonald
Garcia
Mick’s team looks like the most accurate in predicting the team.
Midfielder said | October 15th 2008 @ 6:45pm | Report comment
Off to the club to watch the match …………. Go Aussie
Rumma said | October 15th 2008 @ 6:57pm | Report comment
Message to Jesse Fink - enough of the Heroes in headlines, sportspeople in general are do not fit the criteria.
I get really p%(&-ed off with the way the media misuse this word. I’m a Vietnam Vet and saw heroic deeds in the field, and I do not deserve the accolade either. Our 400+ Olympic representatives are not heroes either so please no more.
Jesse Fink said | October 15th 2008 @ 7:32pm | Report comment
Um, Rumma, it was a play on “Guitar Hero”, the game. And used in mind with the rock theme throughout. Geddit?
dasilva said | October 15th 2008 @ 11:03pm | Report comment
4-0
That was an anticlimax. I got the same feeling watching this match as I do when you watch the Australian Cricketers bulldoze their opponents.
Qatar didn’t really show up.
It’s like they lost the match when it started raining.
Pim was right to be bullish
The funny thing is that they’ll probably find a way to qualify to the world cup despite this abject performance. THey have never lost to Japan in their history ( 5 matches 2 qatari victories and 3 draws) and has a knack of winning against non-Australian teams
It must be a mental thing with Australia that they just can’t convince themselve they can match us. Also they probably struggle with out european style of football and can’t deal with our crosses, set piece, physique and height.
Anyway great to see Cahill back and scoring. He is our talismanic star player now not Harry Kewell. Wilkshire puts another assist. Kennedy scores from a header again - He is made for Asia. Emerton has now become our most consistent performers for our national team and scored from a very classy finish. During the 2001-2005. I thought he was overrated, our weakest link and the worst player during the Uruguay qualifiers and called for his dropping. Nice to see him prove me wrong.
We played a good mixed style of attacking football. We played 4-4-2 astounding all of those cynical people who were convince that Pim was Mr. Defence.
Only 3 matches away from hearing Pim sing the national anthem
More good news
Uzbekistan drew with Japan 1-1.
Perfect result for Australia as the more Uzbeks stay in contention the better it is for Australia and we look pretty good top of the ladder.
One sour note
Our next two matches are on single FIFA friendly date. This is the World Cup qualifiers and I find it hard to believe there is no room in the calender for a double FIFA date. It’s disapointing that these type of things handicap Australia and any other countries who are good enough to have players in Europe. Shouldn’t the AFC should be trying to encouraging the best players to play in the matches. There will be more club vs country rubbish, more David Moyes whinging and pim fighting tooth and nail with clubs. Let’s hope Cahill get another red card.
paul said | October 16th 2008 @ 1:53am | Report comment
what was the crowd?
Slippery Jim said | October 16th 2008 @ 6:49am | Report comment
Obviously, Lowy’s appointment to the FIFA committee does not give him anything as simplistic as voting rights on the bid for 2018.
However, according TWG site, “The FFA CEO will have more regular contact with FIFA which should hold Australia in good stead for its own World Cup bid.”
As for Les Murray on TWG, as Dasilva said, his piece was merely stating that Frank Lowy’s FIFA committee is an organizational one, not one that enables him to have a say in, or illegally influence the vote on which country wins the hosting rights. He does say that “it obviously can’t hurt our bid” and that our bid is as realistic as ever.
What it does mean, however is that it gives us valuable information that we can use to make our bid as attractive as possible to FIFA.
“Our chairman’s membership on the committee will give us insights into the management of the tournament which will be very useful for us as we prepare our bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said.
“With Australia advanced in planning a bid for 2018 or 2022, it gives the chairman of Football Federation Australia unprecedented access to the key men who run the game’s global governing body, FIFA. The committee also produces a definitive report after each World Cup, giving Lowy access to the lessons learned from South Africa before the FFA has to submit it’s bid.”
John Aloisi has also said openly that he believes Lowy’s appointment can only improve the country’s chances of hosting the event in 10 years’ time.
I can only hope that you are as wrong about our chances of winning the bid for 2018 as you were about Pim not playing a 4-4-2 formation, Pippu!
dasilva said | October 16th 2008 @ 7:21am | Report comment
paul
Crowds 34,320
dasilva said | October 16th 2008 @ 7:23am | Report comment
nomad3
You’re a bloody genious
True Tah said | October 16th 2008 @ 7:26am | Report comment
smashed like guitars!!
Mick of Newie said | October 16th 2008 @ 7:49am | Report comment
Jim
If Macca looks so fat in gold how does he look in green horizontal stripes. Maccas inability ot get into the game (save for his touch on Emmo’s goal) was the only disappointment for me. The highlight was the quality of the finishing. Only a limited number of shots but Timmy and Emmo’s technique in taking not straight forward chances was great. Many A league players should watch and learn.
Midfielder said | October 16th 2008 @ 8:02am | Report comment
Das
Match was a sell out according to ABC, its a pity the storm kept so many away.
Midfielder said | October 16th 2008 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Youtube on the goals ……. hard to pick a best but for me the fourth goal was the best.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=iYM4mOKANJo&feature=related
Slippery Jim said | October 16th 2008 @ 8:48am | Report comment
Mick of Newie, actually verticle stripes are very slimming, whereas the new skintight Socceroos uniform is none to flattering for the chunky player.
Macca did contribute some important passes, but looked sluggish and slow. Kennedy was outstanding, as was Cahill of course, Wilkshire had a good game, and even Holman when he came on showed he can have a good touch. Emerton was great again in midfield as well. All round a great game and shows that Pim can play attacking football when he wishes (even if the style wasn’t particularly attractive).
Millster said | October 16th 2008 @ 9:07am | Report comment
Good crowd considering. Half an hour before the match I was about to sign Queensland out of the Australian federation for having such shit weather, such a badly draining stadium, such poor wet-weather crowds etc but I’m glad I held my fired because considering the circumstances it all came together pretty well. I was actually amazed at how well the pitch played after the first 15-20 minutes.
Great result and more importantly a scary one for opposition given we had Kerell, Grella, Bresh out of action plus (as discussed above) Fat Macca on the park but still waiting for the floodgates to open - and I’m sure they will.
I just love that we play with so much width at the moment. To me the absolute heaven is the way we are now using guys like Carney, Wilkshire, Chippers and Emmo in the wide areas and really stretching defences and are able to create opportunities from those wide positions BOTH in the air (eg to Jesus and/or crumbers) and on the grass. On a related theme, and god am I eating humble pie in saying this, hasn’t Wilkshire grown as a handy player in his position.
I’m not going to bang on too much about the scoreline as Qatar clearly didn’t turn up (only 2 decent moments all night) but even if it was a training run for the styles and variations we want to have in our national team it was a joy to watch.
I’m usually caution but I’m calling us as being home in terms of South Africa 2010 via one of the top 2 positions in our group. The way I figure - psychological dominance over Qatar (3pts in Doha), two Bahrain fixtures (4pts should be easily gettable), Uzbeks is a 50/50 and may be playing for their lives (1pt), and I’m always cautious about the Japanese and will stay maybe overly pessimistic about the returns from the 2 fixtures (so will count only 2pts from the 2 games). So even with my dose of conservatism I see us ending on 16pts… but as important is the fact that the only team I see us possibly giving 3 points to is Japan.
Slippery Jim said | October 16th 2008 @ 9:10am | Report comment
Wait a minute, you said horizontal stripes, didn’t you! Maybe if Big Macca was lying sideways on the grass (perhaps whilst slide tackling) wearing his Celtic uniform he would look at his most svelte??? By the way, the Celtic away uniform this season is exactly the same as the Socceroos - spooky eh?
Koala Bear said | October 16th 2008 @ 9:29am | Report comment
It was pleasing to me that we finally went out there to play and not just to contain.. Hopefully we have now sorted out our two most important central defending positions… A superb display from Moore and Neill in total control with Culina in front of them, holding, switching play, side to side, and made an almost impenetrable wall that allowed our attacking midfielders to take the fight up into the top third..
Everyone did their job on the night and it was hard to pick out the best .. However, when Cahill plays there is a certain inspirational buzz in the air with every player wanting the ball .. I enjoyed the game but It still left me thinking that, that game could have been misleading as the Qataris seemed there minds were not on the job last night.. I think there are still a few unanswered questions when we meet the Japanese .. That encounter will show us how we will fair in SA 2010 .. I hope everyone will be fit and available for selection for that one at the MCG..
~~~~~~~~
KB
Pippinu said | October 16th 2008 @ 9:44am | Report comment
sj
for the first time in my life I got it wrong (maybe the 2nd) - but let’s be honest - an A-League all-stars team playing 5-4-1 would have won it last night.
I’m still struggling to understand how Qatar manages to get good results against a real footballing team like Uzbekistan!
I felst a bit like dasilva - I really struggled to into the game it was so one-sided (my disappointment of being outgunned by 16 year olds in guessing the starting line-up may have had something to do with it) - but I can take comfort in the fact that Pim’s subterfuge was so complete, he managed to do the obvious without being overly obvious about it!
Re 2018 - as I wrote as far back as 1 November 2007 - forget about it!
jimbo said | October 16th 2008 @ 9:50am | Report comment
Pimbo’s got the right tactics for Guitar - they’re the only team we can score more than one goal against.
Glad to see he played more attacking and the Guitaries played into our hands by defending so deep.
The other result went our way and top of the group after only two games and looking good for a spot in the next WC now.
Its all a bit wierd qualifying this way after the excitement of the one off Uruguay game and the dramatic penalty shoot out.
Even if half the team isn’t available for the next two games gives the A-Laggers and the young players a chance to shine.
Midfielder said | October 16th 2008 @ 10:24am | Report comment
SJ & Pip
SJ you said ” shows that Pim can play attacking football when he wishes (even if the style wasn’t particularly attractive)”
Pip you said “an A-League all-stars team playing 5-4-1 would have won it last night”
We watched a different game …………. get over it ………. he is an excellent coach. SJ our control and confidence last night was just well as good as any Australian team has ever had. The goals where nothing but brilliant so find your comments a very hard call.
Pip as for the A-League team winning ……… you should stop pinching KB’s pink pills they are quite strong and can bend minds………. WTF ………we played bloody well
Mick of Newie said | October 16th 2008 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Lets not underplay the performance with talk of A league teams beating Qatar. Timmy’s finish with his left peg was top shelf and took Qatar out of the game. The second goal sat them back on their heals.
What is interesting is the number of goals we are scoring from Wilkshire crosses that are (as Robbie Slater would say, and I agree) from the wrong area of the park. Conventinal wisdom is get to the by line and cross not knock it in when still 25 yards from the by line. Three comments, the crosses are quality, the finishing is quality and one caveat we are unlikely to get as much joy from quality international defenders (but that is for much later).
As for the defending, last night did nothing to convince me Moore is necessarily the answer. He played well but you could not put that performance up against those of Coyne and North in recent times and say one was better. I still think we gave away some soft fouls in dangerous areas (particularly Niell) and we did get pulled apart once or twice. Playing against a spiritied and quick forward line away from home will be the real test. But that is for the future. 6 points from 6 and Japan dropping points at home is just about a perfect start.
Pippinu said | October 16th 2008 @ 10:42am | Report comment
Midfielder
I read nothing into last night’s game - our players are so far advanced in comparison to theirs in terms of professionalism, discipline, field positioning, reading the game, attack on the ball, body strength, fitness levels, etc.
I disagree with sj re playing attacking football - we shouldn’t let the 4 goals fool us into thinking that we played an attacking brand of football.
I do agree with you that it was a controlled game - we controlled the tempo and in the first half hour pretty much dominated possession - we played very much within ourselves - let’s be honest - we barely got out of first gear.
I was wrong about Pim not choosing Jase to play holding midfielder - but I now see why he had so much faith in Jase - he was never, ever challenged by the Guitaries! As such, he played a classic central midfielder role, rather than a classic holding midfielder role. Let’s be honest - the two centre-backs didn’t need screening! That’s what I got so terribly wrong - and yes, Pim made a spot on call.
What do we take out of this game in terms of preparing for Japan? Nothing.
Does it matter for the moment? No, we are as good as qualified for South Africa.
Nice 4-0 win, valuable 3 points, 2 out of two - all good news - but don’t try and read too much int