The Australian Socceroos during a training session in Brisbane, Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, ahead of their World Cup qualifier match against Qatar on Wednesday. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
With Pim Verbeek’s Golden Green and Gold’s creating their own history by qualifying for consecutive World Cups in typically clinical fashion on the weekend, it is time to run the rule over the individual performances throughout the campaign.
But before I get stuck into that, I want to dispel a myth that has been circulating, and I heard it again last night at the Sydney FC game in Penrith, about how “easy” the qualification route through Asia has been.
Granted, the competition hasn’t been consistently of the highest level. But to claim it’s been easy does a massive disservice, in my mind, to the meticulous planning at both an FFA and coaching staff level, and the supreme commitment of this wonderful batch of Socceroos.
In all likelihood, the success during this campaign will only truly be appreciated the next time a local or international manager fails to get us to a World Cup, or perhaps even to the next Asian Cup, the latter of which still appears a distinct possibility.
Remember, for example, Australia’s disastrous Asian Cup two years ago, or the fact the first phase here put paid to both China and Iraq, decent sides. There were other times, like in Kunming and Dubai, where our passage through looked anything but assured and it was only Australia’s superior record against Qatar that made it comfortable in the end.
Thankfully, the second phase hasn’t had the same drama, but it hasn’t always been a walk in the park, which reinforces what a wonderful job Frank Lowy did in learning from the Asian Cup debacle and hiring someone who could navigate Asia, despite the animosity towards him at the start.
With that context in mind, it’s time to pay homage to the players who have fulfilled the plans and taken us through our first Asian qualification campaign.
GOALKEEPERS
Mark Schwarzer, 9; the big man gets better with age and has streaked miles ahead of his nearest rival. The player of the qualifying campaign.
The others; hard to truly gauge the successor, given the lack of game time, but Michael Petkovic appears to be well thought of, and has been the number two for all but the opening two games.
DEFENDERS
Luke Wilkshire, 8; when Verbeek was struggling for a bit of penetration on the right wing, he decided to move Brett Emerton forward and slot Wilkshire in at right back. He was only able to do it thanks to Wilkshire’s adaptability, and he combined beautifully with Emerton and has shown deft crossing ability. Like Schwarzer, gets better and better.
Lucas Neill, 7.5; unavailable in a couple of the earlier games as his partner gave birth, Neill resumed with some solid work in the middle, and has played a key role in ensuring so many clean sheets in the second phase. Was particularly brilliant in Yokohama.
Craig Moore, 7; absent in the early going, Australia’s defence instantly looked better the moment he teamed up with Neill, most notably in the smash and grab a point raid on Japan. Needs to stay fit, but still in the mix at this stage.
Chris Coyne, 7.5; only came into the reckoning in the second phase, but was superb in Tashkent, and equally as effective in both Manama and Doha, despite Quintana drifting away from him for Qatar’s best chance on Sunday. Has been showing a great temperament, which rightly has him ahead of both Jade North and Michael Beauchamp at this stage.
Jade North, 7; superb in a three man backline in Kunming, he was among the stand-outs in the first phase, despite looking uneasy in the loss to China in Sydney. Great to see him finally making it at this level, he needs a consistent season at club level to stay in contention for South Africa.
Michael Beauchamp, 6.5; getting better by the game, he looked good against the Uzbeks in Sydney, but needs to now take every opportunity, for he has been bumped down the order.
Scott Chipperfield, 7; scored a crucial goal in Tashkent, but his most effective work since coming into the side has been in a defensive capacity. Adds so much composure, he will be almost impossible to replace should he legs not make it to South Africa.
David Carney, 6; a regular under Graham Arnold, he has been bumped down the pecking order by Chipperfield’s consistency in the second phase. Like North and Beauchamp, featured in many of the first phase games, where the defence wasn’t as solid. Needs to get games at club level as the only thing keeping him in the mix at the moment is the lack of left back alternatives.
The others; Matthew Spiranovic did well against China in Sydney but still needs game time. Shane Steffanutto waits in the wings on the left.
HOLDING MIDFIELDERS
Carl Valeri, 8; has been one of the emerging stars of this campaign, moving right up the pecking order in the engine room, to the point he can safely be relied upon to do a job in the absence of Vince Grella, or alongside he or Jason Culina. Especially away from home, where Verbeek often set out a defensive stall, Valeri helped suffocate teams, most notably in Yokohama, while in Tashkent he combined superbly with Jacob Burns in the absence of Grella and Culina.
Vince Grella, 7; isn’t quite the force or immovable object he once was, but appears to now be handling the heat of Asia better than he did at the Asian Cup.
Jason Culina, 8; adaptable, he demands perfection in the midfield and has become a real leader in this side after flourishing under Hiddink. Wherever he plays he does a job, and the passing out of midfield always appears crisper when he is pulling the strings.
Jacob Burns, 6; not so effective against China in Sydney, he was otherwise excellent alongside Valeri in the vital win in Tashkent.
Mile Jedinak, 6; has done well to force himself into Verbeek’s mind, even if only as a squad regular. A good season at Gencler and he comes right into the mix, possibly at the expense of Burns.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
Brett Emerton, 8; before his knee injury and especially after being moved up the pitch, Emerton was dynamic, proving far too physical and powerful for his Asian opponents. A Socceroos legend since Germany, fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
Brett Holman, 6.5; like Valeri wasn’t really in the mix before this campaign, but has hitherto grabbed some of his chances, at least in the eyes of the coaching fraternity. Opinion in less flattering among many fans, but there is little doubt Holman does an effective defensive job, helping the Socceroos defend from the front. Appears best suited when Verbeek is trying to suffocate and counter-punch, where he can use his pace to hassle and counter.
Tim Cahill, 8; wasn’t suited to the sole striker role in Manama, but has been exemplary in his attacking midfield role, especially when Josh Kennedy has been forward. No-one reads the fall of the second ball or times their run into the box better.
Mark Bresciano, 7; had an outstanding game in Sydney against Uzbekistan but has otherwise been fairly quiet in an attacking sense. Defensively his work has been top-notch, and he can still pop up with the crucial goals.
Harry Kewell, 8; has been excellent throughout, popping up with crucial goals like his one in Brisbane against Iraq. Supreme on the weekend.
The others; Richard Garcia is till feeling his way in, Nick Carle can’t get a look in and nor, it seems, can Mile Sterjovski.
STRIKERS
Josh Kennedy, 7.5; has been super in the air, scoring and setting up. Asian opponents haven’t been able to touch him inside the box, but you would expect European opponents to deal better with at the World Cup.
Scott McDonald, 6.5; had his best game in Green and Gold in Sydney against the Uzbeks, but is still waiting for his first. If he keeps demonstrating the workrate he showed against the Uzbeks, goals will come, hopefully starting tonight.
The others; Bruce Djite has been on the bench a bit, but didn’t take his chance against China. Needs to keep producing the goals in Turkey. Mark Viduka made a brief appearance in camp earlier this year but has been unsighted on the pitch.
Barry
Guest
Tony, I have to disagree with you in reagrds to your assesment of Brett Holman. Giving him a rating of 6.5 is a bit of a joke. I think if you subtratcted 5 from the 6 you will find it = 1.5...which is more of a fairer indication of where he is. To me he is one of the worst Socceroos ever to wear the green and gold. His touch is terrible, he runs a lot...he sometimes passes the ball but a majority of the time his passes are passed to the other team. I think that Carle Vidosic or the Sterj could play in that roel and do a 10 MILLION time better job. For the love of god PV drop holman.
whiskeymac
Guest
tony looking forward to your accurate predictions for the Japan game now! hopefully with Milligan gone to China - Spira (flu willing) and or Williams can partner Neill.... and Carle gets more than a token run on (i would settle for Vidosic/ Djite gettinga game)
Koala Bear
Guest
Slippery Jim, too bad it was not you instead of Maccas with those 'black beauties' of yours; you would have hit the inside of the post, rebound to the other inside post, only to hit the underside of the crossbar and back into play... :lol: (A true confession of a Manly district footballer) ~~~~~~~ KB
Koala Bear
Guest
Slippery Jim, I went to the Palm Beach Soccah club to watch the game.. Yes I did see it .. It was a good pass .. However, for the rest of the 80 min he was true to form; 'run rabbit run' ... I thought when the commentators called for Nicky Carle, it was the right one and suddenly the Bahrain defence looked extremely fragile with all the Roos lifting for the last 10 min to prove to me at least, he should be the first sub to come on before Holman... ;) ~~~~~~~ KB
Slippery Jim
Guest
KB, did you see that glorious defence splitting creative pass Holman dinked through for scotty mac? Criminal that Scotty did not bury a very easy chance my 70 year old grandmother with a bad hip could bury...
Commando
Guest
Good synopsis Tony, tough draw mmm....fact is they still need to beat their opposition in pressure qualifying games. They should have got through and they did, workmanlike yes, shows discipline which in my humble view is proving we are maturing as a football nation.
The Bear
Guest
Pim likes direct football. I just hope we can string a few passes together going forward in the midfield tonight. Nice review, btw. Tho I am not totally convinced by Valeri... I hope Jedinak really takes off this coming season, to put the appropriate selection pressure/options on PvB.
Lmacca
Guest
Greg, One thing about the relative strength of Europe vs Asia - I think the rankings system is a little self-perpetuating. The European teams keep playing each other, hence the middling teams get a high score if they draw or steal the occassional win against the "big guns". The Asian teams continue to only play Asian teams, who are not as highly ranked, though may be of comparable strength. So Qatar playing Bahrain won't get either side as many points compared to Finland v Belgium. Yet in reality, all 4 of those sides will be on the outside looking in at the World Cup. The only real test of rankings is the World Cup - and we saw last time that Europe had 10 of the 16 spots in the last 16. Mind you, they have the most qualifiers! Other than that it was spread around pretty well. So the relative strength of Africa vs Asia vs CONCACAF is not all that different I don't think.
Koala Bear
Guest
Tony, I would give Nicky Carle 10 out of 10 for his amazing patience.. As for him being constantly overlooked when he did once sit on the bench.. Now back in the squad, but yet, to be given at least the same respect, which Holman enjoys ... I hope he comes on at some stage in the last two remaining matches to prove his worth ... It’s one thing to run like a rabbit being caught in defensive triangles and to turn over possession.. Compare that to a player who can protect the ball, control it, then to release it to a team mate without fear .. ~~~~~~~ KB
sheek
Guest
I think generally FIFA, for all its faults, has the qualification process pretty well right. I also think the way they now allocate the final 32 teams into 8 pools is practical common sense. There's always an element of luck in these things. But the 32 teams will know who their pool opponents are, & who their 2nd round opponents & thereafter, might possibly be. They will know the drill. They just have to go out there & give it their best shot.
sheek
Guest
Greg, How could you possibly suggest FIFA is giving the yanks an easy ride? Shame on you! I wonder if Italy still think there were conspiracy theories about in 2002 when they were ousted by Korea in a quarter final of diabolical decisions. The problem there is that 4 years later in 2006, Italy got all the good fortune in spades against Australia in their 2nd round match. Well maybe that's an exaggeration, the Italian defender shouldn't have been sent off. But gee, I was ticked off with that last minute penalty, just like every other Aussie.
Captain Random
Roar Rookie
"If it was a World Cup where only the best teams got there - based on FIFA rankings maybe? =) - would that be “fairer” than regional qualification?" It would definitely be fairer. Not that the confederations would ever agree to it.
whiskeymac
Guest
FIFA has always wanted to develop the game in the states. why else USA 94? FIFA got the MLS out of it... and it was awell run "soccerfest". USA, Mexcio and the central american, carribean teams (oh and Canada) is a small group. but maybe the region is too large to be attached to another confederation. so they stand alone - like Oceania. However unlike Oceania how many places do they get allocated? Is it disproportionate to the population or teams? if it is, then its not an unreasonable conclusion that U$ and FIFA's love of the greenback have a disproportionate weight in the game compared to their stature. FIFAs problem is to grow the game in new markets (Asia and N America) develop it in establishing ones (Africa) and keep the old ones happy (SAmerica and Europe). If it was a World Cup where only the best teams got there - based on FIFA rankings maybe? =) - would that be "fairer" than regional qualification?
Greg Russell
Roar Guru
Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with Sheek's statement that "The Asian conference is the best thing to happen to Australia". For as long as I can remember I have argued for this, and so far it is turning out even better than I could ever have imagined. Whiskeymac - I think the best possible answer to your speculative question lies in the FIFA world rankings. I know these are much derided, but FIFA seems to really do its best to get these as correct as possible (nothwithstanding that any rankings system inevitably throws up some quirky results). For countries you mention, current rankings are Australia 29, Finland 49, Belgium 63, Iraq 77, Qatar 94, China 98, Kazakhstan 132. I realise that the difference between 60 and 70 is not great (just as with 60 and 70 rankings in tennis), but this does suggest that Finland and Belgium are, on average, more difficult opponents than Iraq, Qatar and China. In this context it's worth remembering that Finland "have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup or the European Championship" (from Wikipedia on "Football in Finland"). On the other hand Belgium have a highly pedigreed World Cup record for a small nation. Either way, one comes to the obvious conclusion that Europe is a tough qualifying route. Still, if Australia really is as good as 29th in the world, then it could be optimistic of its chances of qualifying via Europe. This is a statement that implicitly recognizes Australia's recent results against European teams, because these are all fed into the world ranking. I tend to agree that CONCACAF has been a soft qualification route, although I could not possibly say whether it has been any softer than Asia. What do we all think of the much-stated conspiracy theory that FIFA makes CONCACAF easy so that the USA can be at the World Cup?
whiskeymac
Guest
Greg i understand your posing question, and i think that it is a fair historical comment. I say historical (and as an aside) because my hope is that the Koreas and Japans arent necessarily going to have it as easy from "now" on as other countries get their act together. and yes, the inclusion of Australia adds another dimesnsion and competiton for a spot between the 5 or so top contenders every few years. That is a fact not just realised by kuwait. Hopefully Asia will continue to develop where there will be 10 teams of a good standard from which real competiton can be found, but even now I think Asian qualification is probably harder than the USA's (a hunch no empirical data to support of course). my turn for a thought... I also wonder how well our top Asian teams would do in some of the euro qualifiers. take out the top two seeds in each group (and maybe some of those second seeds aren't necessarily harder than Korea or Japan) and we might be a fair shot as a middling-fair euro team (well the trips to San Marino and luxembourg arent very daunting and probaly easier than playing indonesia). i splaying finland or belgium or kazakhstan much more onerous than Qatar, China or Iraq?
sheek
Guest
Greg, I back up whiskeymac's comments above. If the Asian conference is fundamentally weak because the same usual suspects qualify for every world cup, how do you explain South America, where Brazil & Argentina, & often Mexico, are perennial qualifiers? Or Europe, where Italy, Germany, Spain, France & England, & probably Netherlands, have reached the point where they are virtually perennial qualifiers. It should also be noted that of the 18 world cup editions contested to date, only 7 different countries have shared those 18 world cups, while a further 4 have played in at least one losing final. And this is a sport considered to have the greatest footprint on the planet. The Asian conference is the best thing to happen to Australia. Unlike South America, where most countries speak Spanish, & have an Iberian (Spanish-Portuguese) culture, or Europe, which enjoys mostly a similar culture, Asia is extraordinarily varied in language, culture & religion. There are massive distances to travel, across many time zones, to countries varying mightily in language, culture, religion & politics. It's not only physically draining, but mentally & emotionally as well. If the quality is not yet there in the opposition, then the circumstances make it so. It's too easy to poo-poo the quality of the opposition, but make no mistake, its been tough, & the Socceroos & FFA should be congratulated for not taking anything for granted. If they had been any less committed or prepared, as perhaps they were at the previous Asian Cup, they would have been in a lot of trouble.
Greg Russell
Roar Guru
whiskeymac, I guess what I am suggesting is that Japan and South Korea (and hopefully Australia!) are to Asia what Spain, Germany and Italy are to Europe, what Brazil and Argentina are to South America, and what USA and Mexico (until now?) are to CONCACAF, i.e., teams that (almost) always qualify. I guess my point is that if a team always qualifies, then it's debatable if the process can be called "hard". It might be hard in the sense of being gruelling, but it can't be called "hard" in the sense of "appreciable chance of not qualifying" (for these particular teams). Another angle might be to say that qualification for South Korea and Japan is not "hard" in the sense that it is hard for the best teams in Africa. The hope is that as depth grows in Asia, then the number of spots for Asia should increase. So the harder opposition for Japan and South Korea would be counterbalanced by the greater number of spots. (That said, more spots would probably only be achieved by expanding the WC from 32 to a larger number of teams - will that happen?) I'm just tossing out a line of thought here ... just a point of view, not necessarily correct ...
whiskeymac
Guest
Greg, do you think that the same argument could be levelled at concacaf and the south americas? As time goes on there hopefully will be the emergence of different teams in this region and others - for example mexico being 5th in their group was an interesting revelation for me yesterday whereas they are normally "expected" at the WC. The region may not have the heavies of Spain, Germany, Argentina or Brazil to contend with but holistically the process is still tough and demanding and as Asia creates an increased football professionalism (and more money being sown into Asian football) there will be more than just the Koreas, China, Iraq, Iran, Saudis and Japan. ie the Uzbeks (scoalri now at bukyandor (tashkent!?!) are throwing lots of money (despite dubious sources) into football, India could come good and other teams like Thailand, Bahrain aren't that far off the mark. i wonder how, for example, the USA or Belgium (4-0 smacking aside in Japan) would do in the region?
Greg Russell
Roar Guru
Tony, great article, no-one has more admiration for the job Pim has done than me, etc. etc. If I can be permitted to take slight issue with you over one comment, viz. the ease of qualifying through Asia. Obviously it's not easy, in the sense that it's a long campaign and one can't just turn up and expect to cruise through. However whiskeymac is correct: right from the moment of the draw for the final group stage, it was evident that we really got lucky with our group in comparison with the depth in the other group (the two Koreas, Saudi and Iran). On the other hand, one could argue that this was just an evening of the ledger for getting a tough group (China, Iraq, Qatar) before that. Anyway, that's not really my point. Rather, my point concerns something that I read: that this will be the 7th WC in a row for South Korea and the 4th for Japan. OK, they both got 2002 automatically, but that doesn't change these numbers significantly. Given this and that Asia has had only 3 or 4 places during this period, it is striking that pretty much the same teams are getting through every time. One therefore has to think that qualification is not quite so hard as one might think for the best Asian teams.
sheek
Guest
Great article Tony, I don't claim to be a genius, but the ignorance of the human being on occasions defies logic. There's more to qualifying for a world cup than merely the strength of the opposition. Plus what 'whiskeymac' said. But you just can't get through to some people. There's also a disgraceful headline on the back page of today's Daily Telegraph (10/06/06) titled 'Fans Snub Hero Roos - and you can blame this man' (pointing to photo of Verbeek). We should be celebrating Verbeek for his achievements, & appreciating the ticklish situation with injuries, suspensions & other commitments. But all the "dailly terror" is interested in is a grubby, slimy attempt at selling more newspapers. Obviously, these rugby league hugging hacks want to jump on the Socceroos bandwagon, & arrogantly expect seats right up the front of the bus. Anyway, to Pim & the Socceroos, I salute you!