Socceroos to qualify for Cup in their sleep

 

By , 1 Apr 2009 Doug Conway is a Roar Pro

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The Socceroos could qualify for the World Cup while they’re all tucked up in bed, the nation sleeps and the lights of ANZ Stadium are long turned off.

What a change from John Aloisi’s dramatic penalty against Uruguay at the same venue in 2005.

That’s what will happen if Australia beats Uzbekistan in Sydney on Wednesday night, then Bahrain and Qatar draw in the Middle East five hours later.

Neither result would be a surprise.

That combination would be enough to mathematically confirm Australia as the first nation to qualify for South Africa 2010, a far cry from the penalty shoot-out that turned them into the 32nd and final qualifier for Germany 2006.

If the Socceroos do the business against Uzbekistan, they can expect to know the result of the Bahrain-Qatar encounter around 3am Sydney time.

But no matter what happens the Socceroos, undefeated in four matches so far, would have to fall into a deep, dark hole not to qualify eventually.

Coach Pim Verbeek is not even thinking of South Africa yet.

His mind is focused purely on taking three points from Uzbekistan, and he doesn’t care how he gets them.

Many fans and players, including midfielder Jason Culina, believe it’s time for the Socceroos to entertain after some dour but effective performances.

But Verbeek declared: “I promise you, if it takes until the 93rd minute and we win 1-0, I’ll be happy.”

The Dutchman has a full squad of 21 to choose from, with doubts only over whether Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Michael Beauchamp and Carl Valeri can go the full 90 minutes.

Uzbekistan has virtually resigned itself to fighting for third spot in the group, and through it a further qualifying chance.

But the visitors are on a high after thumping Qatar 4-0 at home last weekend.

AUSTRALIA v UZBEKISTAN

Asian Group A, World Cup qualifier
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: Wednesday, 2000 AEDT
Last meeting: 10/09/2008, Tashkent, World Cup qualifier: Australia 1 bt Uzbekistan 0

Players to watch:

Australia

HARRY KEWELL: Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he has never seen Kewell in better condition physically or mentally and that could be an ominous warning for the Uzbeks. Harry is loving life with Galatasaray in Turkey, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances this season and will provide plenty of spark in Australia’s attack.

SCOTT McDONALD: Has proved he can score goals at the highest level for Celtic in both the Scottish League and Champions League. Is yet to score for Australia in 10 appearances but is too good a player for that drought to continue much longer.

MARK SCHWARZER: Time and time again Schwarzer has proved Australia’s saviour in a number of tightly-contested qualifiers. He’s probably in career best form with Fulham in the English Premier League and Uzbekistan will need something special to get one past him.

Uzbekistan

SERVER DJEPAROV: The reigning Asian player of the year looms as the biggest threat to the Socceroos in Sydney. Almost like Uzbekistan’s Tim Cahill with his goal-scoring rate from midfield, netting 19 times in 23 games for Uzbek league winners Bunyodkor last season.

FARHOD TADJIYEV: Has come from nowhere to almost single-handedly revive Uzbekistan’s qualification hopes with a hat-trick in their win over Qatar. The lively 21-year-old attacker already has seven goals for his country in just nine appearances.

JASUR HASANOV: This electric Bunyodkor winger proved a real handful for Adelaide United in the Asian Champions League last season and will be aiming to do the same against the Socceroos. Possess pace, great ball skills and a fine cross.

© AAP 2012
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