Comments on: Socceroos await the luck of the draw http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/ The Roar is a sports opinion website. We tackle sports opinion rather than simply sports news. And we embed user-generated content — in the form of articles and comments — into the fabric of the site. Featuring some of the best sports writers in Australia — including the Sydney Morning Herald's Spiro Zavos — The Roar aims to be the leading sports website in Australia. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:17:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: dasilva http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250626 dasilva Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:37:50 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250626 If FIFA keeps the same system of seedings as they did last world cup. Also it has been anounced that they will use the october 2009 rankings not the november one as the playoffs gives the team that finish 2nd an advantage by playing two extra games. England will be seeded, so we won't get England and South Africa or England and Italy in the same group However my seeded team I want in terms of being beatable would be South Africa but my second preference will be France. They are a pretty mediocre team right now that needed to cheat to beat an Irish side that we flogged. I would like to have Uruguay in our group just so we can make a direct comparison of us this year and Australia in 2005. The European side- I would be pretty satisfy with the likes of Greece/Switzerland or Slovenia. If FIFA keeps the same system of seedings as they did last world cup. Also it has been anounced that they will use the october 2009 rankings not the november one as the playoffs gives the team that finish 2nd an advantage by playing two extra games.

England will be seeded, so we won’t get England and South Africa or England and Italy in the same group

However my seeded team I want in terms of being beatable would be South Africa but my second preference will be France. They are a pretty mediocre team right now that needed to cheat to beat an Irish side that we flogged.

I would like to have Uruguay in our group just so we can make a direct comparison of us this year and Australia in 2005.

The European side- I would be pretty satisfy with the likes of Greece/Switzerland or Slovenia.

]]> By: Teffers http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250417 Teffers Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:27:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250417 I believe that being in an "easy" group may hinder our performance. We have a horrible propensity (IMO) to underachieve when we are labeled favorites. So in a group of: South Africa England Australia New Zealand We could/should be the favorites' to get second spot, but look what happened at the Asian Cup or against nations we should (on paper) easily beat (Kuwait, Oman at home), however, put us in a group in which we are not expected to come out of (WC2006); then we should advance. We have a history of punching above our weight and rising to the challenge. Just look at our recent record against some of the better teams, whilst we don't always win, we have more often than not caused them problems and have even gained those unlikely draws (Holland) which, lets face it, could mean the difference between the second stage or an early flight home. I believe that being in an “easy” group may hinder our performance. We have a horrible propensity (IMO) to underachieve when we are labeled favorites. So in a group of:

South Africa
England
Australia
New Zealand

We could/should be the favorites’ to get second spot, but look what happened at the Asian Cup or against nations we should (on paper) easily beat (Kuwait, Oman at home), however, put us in a group in which we are not expected to come out of (WC2006); then we should advance. We have a history of punching above our weight and rising to the challenge. Just look at our recent record against some of the better teams, whilst we don’t always win, we have more often than not caused them problems and have even gained those unlikely draws (Holland) which, lets face it, could mean the difference between the second stage or an early flight home.

]]> By: Jim Bom http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250315 Jim Bom Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:34:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250315 I agree about Uruguay. I still vividly remember the greeting the Socceroos received at the airport after arriving in Montevedeio for the return leg in 2001. Spat at, verbal abuse, aggressive behaviour. No wonder they played like pambies and were outwitted by the long ball! I agree about Uruguay. I still vividly remember the greeting the Socceroos received at the airport after arriving in Montevedeio for the return leg in 2001. Spat at, verbal abuse, aggressive behaviour. No wonder they played like pambies and were outwitted by the long ball!

]]> By: Jim Bom http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250310 Jim Bom Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:30:23 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250310 I agree with Robbos. I was at the Brazil game and AUS were definitely not "poor". 0-0 at half-time, and with the German dentist being awestruck with Brazilians, they could do no wrong. The only poor thing that day was the referreeing. And btw, all these armchair pundits who go on and on about PVB's 4-5-1 strategy, should also reflect on Brazil in the last world cup. Ronaldo was used as a lone sriker throughout. In fact, the operative word in WC football is defence....just ask Italy! I agree with Robbos. I was at the Brazil game and AUS were definitely not “poor”. 0-0 at half-time, and with the German dentist being awestruck with Brazilians, they could do no wrong. The only poor thing that day was the referreeing. And btw, all these armchair pundits who go on and on about PVB’s 4-5-1 strategy, should also reflect on Brazil in the last world cup. Ronaldo was used as a lone sriker throughout. In fact, the operative word in WC football is defence….just ask Italy!

]]> By: Art Sapphire http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250177 Art Sapphire Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:02:15 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250177 Fifa has yet to decide how the seedings and pots will be worked out. It is leaving that until two days before the draw, when the World Cup organising committee meets in Cape Town. No point speculating until we find out what FIFA do? Anyway - for those who are intersested - these are the people that make up the World Cup organising committee. Which pot Australia ends up in will be determined by these people. Chairman - Issa HAYATOU Cameroon Deputy Chairman - Julio H. GRONDONA Argentina Michel PLATINI France Jack A. WARNER Trinidad and Tobago Ángel María VILLAR LLONA Spain Reynald TEMARII Tahiti Michel D'HOOGHE Belgium Ricardo Terra TEIXEIRA Brazil Mohamed BIN HAMMAM Qatar Nicolás LEOZ Paraguay Junji OGURA Japan Slim CHIBOUB Tunisia Senes ERZIK Turkey (UEFA) Chuck BLAZER USA (CONCACAF) Jacques ANOUMA Côte d'Ivoire (CAF) ZHANG Jilong China PR (AFC) Luis CHIRIBOGA Ecuador (CONMEBOL) Fred DE JONG New Zealand (OFC) Franco CARRARO Italy Gilberto MADAIL Portugal Molefi OLIPHANT South Africa Nodar AKHALKATSI Georgia Hafez AL-MEDLEJ Saudi Arabia Rignaal FRANCISCA Netherlands Antilles Mohamed RAOURAOUA Algeria Theo ZWANZIGER Germany Frank LOWY Australia Franz BECKENBAUER Germany (Germany 2006) Irvin KHOZA South Africa (South Africa 2010 (Chairman)) Danny JORDAAN South Africa (South Africa 2010 (CEO)) Fifa has yet to decide how the seedings and pots will be worked out.
It is leaving that until two days before the draw, when the World Cup organising committee meets in Cape Town.

No point speculating until we find out what FIFA do?

Anyway – for those who are intersested – these are the people that make up the World Cup organising committee.
Which pot Australia ends up in will be determined by these people.

Chairman – Issa HAYATOU Cameroon
Deputy Chairman – Julio H. GRONDONA Argentina
Michel PLATINI France
Jack A. WARNER Trinidad and Tobago
Ángel María VILLAR LLONA Spain
Reynald TEMARII Tahiti
Michel D’HOOGHE Belgium
Ricardo Terra TEIXEIRA Brazil
Mohamed BIN HAMMAM Qatar
Nicolás LEOZ Paraguay
Junji OGURA Japan
Slim CHIBOUB Tunisia
Senes ERZIK Turkey (UEFA)
Chuck BLAZER USA (CONCACAF)
Jacques ANOUMA Côte d’Ivoire (CAF)
ZHANG Jilong China PR (AFC)
Luis CHIRIBOGA Ecuador (CONMEBOL)
Fred DE JONG New Zealand (OFC)
Franco CARRARO Italy
Gilberto MADAIL Portugal
Molefi OLIPHANT South Africa
Nodar AKHALKATSI Georgia
Hafez AL-MEDLEJ Saudi Arabia
Rignaal FRANCISCA Netherlands Antilles
Mohamed RAOURAOUA Algeria
Theo ZWANZIGER Germany
Frank LOWY Australia
Franz BECKENBAUER Germany (Germany 2006)
Irvin KHOZA South Africa (South Africa 2010 (Chairman))
Danny JORDAAN South Africa (South Africa 2010 (CEO))

]]> By: vladimir http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250164 vladimir Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:47:19 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250164 this is a time wasting article... we'll play whoever we're drawn against... who cares if its usa or nigeria or whatever...? i know, people with petty gripes against particular countries... this sort of resentiment needs to be risen up against and a more noble creation envisaged for the future of humanity... this is a time wasting article… we’ll play whoever we’re drawn against… who cares if its usa or nigeria or whatever…? i know, people with petty gripes against particular countries… this sort of resentiment needs to be risen up against and a more noble creation envisaged for the future of humanity…

]]> By: AndyRoo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250161 AndyRoo Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:41:38 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250161 I would love too see us beat the USA, they were very condescending of us in their 2006 previews. They have a decent team though so would be a tough game. I would love too see us beat the USA, they were very condescending of us in their 2006 previews.

They have a decent team though so would be a tough game.

]]> By: Brian http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250153 Brian Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:34:26 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250153 Ideal is to be in South Africa's group as it will be weak. Otherwise there will be a seeded team with us so hopefully we avoid the strong non-seeded teams - if we get Netherlands, Portugal or Ivory Coast + a seed other than S.Africa we're in deep trouble. Ideal is to be in South Africa’s group as it will be weak. Otherwise there will be a seeded team with us so hopefully we avoid the strong non-seeded teams – if we get Netherlands, Portugal or Ivory Coast + a seed other than S.Africa we’re in deep trouble.

]]> By: whiskeymac http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250107 whiskeymac Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:48 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250107 well uruguay qualified. Ithis wld be an interesting tie for us. It's a country we have a good recent and real rivalry with. i wldnt mind us playing the USA either as i remeber the coach making disparaging comments about us in the not so distant past too... that is so long as we won (and they were impressive at the confeds). ultimatley though the cliche is true that there are no easy games (well maybe NZ but for us it will have the flavour of a derby), just that some games would be easier than others. certainly most countries wld favour their chances against us again, especially as our results havent been earth shattering and rightly or wrongly there's no coach aura (say unlike "Capello's" England). whoever we draw will be an interesting battle to qualify. well uruguay qualified. Ithis wld be an interesting tie for us. It’s a country we have a good recent and real rivalry with.
i wldnt mind us playing the USA either as i remeber the coach making disparaging comments about us in the not so distant past too… that is so long as we won (and they were impressive at the confeds).
ultimatley though the cliche is true that there are no easy games (well maybe NZ but for us it will have the flavour of a derby), just that some games would be easier than others. certainly most countries wld favour their chances against us again, especially as our results havent been earth shattering and rightly or wrongly there’s no coach aura (say unlike “Capello’s” England). whoever we draw will be an interesting battle to qualify.

]]> By: cbowden9000 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250096 cbowden9000 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:28:47 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250096 Ultimate in the sense of the best match-ups to watch. It would be the "ultimate" world cup experience playing these teams and progressing to the knockout stage. I am simply fantasising here. Of course in reality I would rather us play less exciting games against the weaker teams to make it easier for us to progress. Ultimate in the sense of the best match-ups to watch. It would be the “ultimate” world cup experience playing these teams and progressing to the knockout stage. I am simply fantasising here.

Of course in reality I would rather us play less exciting games against the weaker teams to make it easier for us to progress.

]]> By: Robbos http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250092 Robbos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:26:55 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250092 Interestly, I saw it differently, I saw the game against Brazil live & have seen on replay afew times. There is no doubt that the Brazilians were better players than Australia, but as a team I thought Australia played very well against Brazil & with a bit of luck could've come up with a draw against them, we certainly should've scored. Also every decision went Brazil's way during the game. I thought as a team Brazil was poor. Now as for Italy, if Toni had his aim right, Italy would've been 3-0 up at halftime & the send off would not have mattered. In the 2nd half Italy played like a team with a man sent off, but never did Australia look like scoring & their best opportunities (which Guus was banking on) was fresh legs in extra time against a tiring 10 men team or penalties. Italy was a better team agains Australia than Brazil was against Australia & Italy was a better team than Brazil in the whole tournament. Interestly, I saw it differently, I saw the game against Brazil live & have seen on replay afew times. There is no doubt that the Brazilians were better players than Australia, but as a team I thought Australia played very well against Brazil & with a bit of luck could’ve come up with a draw against them, we certainly should’ve scored. Also every decision went Brazil’s way during the game. I thought as a team Brazil was poor.
Now as for Italy, if Toni had his aim right, Italy would’ve been 3-0 up at halftime & the send off would not have mattered. In the 2nd half Italy played like a team with a man sent off, but never did Australia look like scoring & their best opportunities (which Guus was banking on) was fresh legs in extra time against a tiring 10 men team or penalties.

Italy was a better team agains Australia than Brazil was against Australia & Italy was a better team than Brazil in the whole tournament.

]]> By: vladimir http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250068 vladimir Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:07:58 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250068 more anti-australia rhetoric from fisher (pommy) price... more anti-australia rhetoric from fisher (pommy) price…

]]> By: Fisher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250059 Fisher Price Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:02:51 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250059 I see Australia going out regardless of who's in the group, but you would not choose to be grouped with Capello's England. I see Australia going out regardless of who’s in the group, but you would not choose to be grouped with Capello’s England.

]]> By: Freud of Football http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250041 Freud of Football Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:49:59 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250041 Why would that be the ultimate group? Both Aus and NZ are leagues behind England and Italy. I'd much rather get an easy (there are no "easy groups" but at least a favourable group) draw and face some of the bigger countries in the knockout stages. We saw how poor Aus were against Brazil in the group stages but when it's a knockout then teams suddenly don't seem worlds apart, that's why the Italians faltered, not because Aus were so good but because Italy were expected to trounce them but couldn't and almost lost it. Why would that be the ultimate group? Both Aus and NZ are leagues behind England and Italy.

I’d much rather get an easy (there are no “easy groups” but at least a favourable group) draw and face some of the bigger countries in the knockout stages.

We saw how poor Aus were against Brazil in the group stages but when it’s a knockout then teams suddenly don’t seem worlds apart, that’s why the Italians faltered, not because Aus were so good but because Italy were expected to trounce them but couldn’t and almost lost it.

]]> By: Football_Wunderkind http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250036 Football_Wunderkind Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:41:31 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250036 Being in South Africa... I have got a funny feeling it is going to be South Africa England Australia New Zealand and with FIFA relaxing of the laws on hand balls (see France v Ireland) ... don't be surprised to see a few of these boys pick up the ball, run with it and then dive over the goal line. Being in South Africa… I have got a funny feeling it is going to be

South Africa
England
Australia
New Zealand

and with FIFA relaxing of the laws on hand balls (see France v Ireland) … don’t be surprised to see a few of these boys pick up the ball, run with it and then dive over the goal line.

]]> By: cbowden9000 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/20/socceroos-await-the-luck-of-the-draw/#comment-250023 cbowden9000 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:30:33 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25510#comment-250023 . Ultimate group: Australia New Zealand England Italy .

Ultimate group:

Australia
New Zealand
England
Italy

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