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The Australian Socceroos during a training session at Ballymore. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Well, we’re booked for the 2010 World Cup. But who will go? Twenty three players, including three goalies, and maybe only three or four places still to be decided, injuries aside.
Last night, Pim Verbeek revealed a further eight possibilities to the eleven that started in Qatar.
Having watched the thirteen qualifiers so far, and a couple of Asian Cup games, it’s not hard to see who will be grabbing their bags – assuming Pim is at the helm.
With Brett Emerton another definite, and a team desperate for a striker, Mark Viduka could yet grab a spot.
So in reality, are there any spots left? Who has a chance?
Keepers:
1. Mark Schwarzer
2. Michael Petkovic
3. Brad Jones/Adam Federici
The keepers are fighting for a reserve spot, it seems, with Adam Federici an outside possibility of removing the shaky Brad Jones. Injury to the aging Schwarzer might be their best chance.
Defenders:
4. Lucas Neill
5. Craig Moore
6. Chris Coyne
7. Mark Milligan
8. Luke Wilkshire
9. Jade North
10. Scott Chipperfield
11. David Carney
Craig Moore concerns me. Asia is one thing, but watching him kicking lumps out of Messi, Rooney or Drogba would be very embarrassing, particularly as they would probably have already scored by the time Craig landed his mark.
I’d prefer he didn’t go. The pace has gone.
Scott Chipperfield is slowing and David Carney can’t defend at the highest level. We have problems in defence, with only Matthew Spiranovic likely to break into the above group.
Michael Beauchamp to be overlooked.
Midfield:
12. Brett Emerton
13. Jason Culina
14. Vince Grella
15. Carl Valeri
16. Mile Sterjovski
17. Brett Holman
18. Tim Cahill
19. Mark Bresciano
Midfield is a strength, particularly our defensive midfield pack. Mile Jedinak showed his flaws again last night and can contemplate a holiday next June.
Australia keep the ball so much better with Grella and Valeri. We might not always use it well in the final third, but we shut down other teams with ball composure at times.
This will be crucial to our success in South Africa.
Nicky Carle might break through if the media holler loud enough, but he’d need to replace the Dutch Eredivision Brett Holman. Not likely. A case of any league being better than the English Championship Nicky.
But again, I’m not expecting any changes from the above. Mile Sterjovski may quietly disappear, but another goal last night could see him remain in the pack.
Any bolters out there?
The Olympics showed our midfield depth, or lack of it. Ben Kantarovski could be an outside chance, but at the expense of who? And is he really that good at just 17?
Which leaves our strike force.
Mark Viduka will go if he’s fit and plays the season, mainly because he is the greatest strategic game plan we’ve had in years.
Tim Cahill and Marco Bresciano look much more dynamic working off the Duke, even if he can’t move anymore. Or could Bruce Djite push his way in? He needs to hurry up.
Anyone else coming through? Anyone fast?
Well, Nikita Rukavystya is the standout for me. His pace caused Argentina problems at the Olympics and that is good enough for me.
Off the bench, Nikita could frustrate us all, but you just never know. He can score.
The Aussie team is crying out for pace with or without Viduka. Nikita might just force his way in, as Pim searches for a secret weapon, albeit a rusty one, in many areas of his game.
Attackers:
20. Bruce Djite
21. Josh Kennedy
22. Harry Kewell
23. Scott McDonald
Next most likely:
24. Mark Viduka
25. Nicky Carle
26. Nikita Rukavystya
27. Matthew Spiranovic
28. Mile Jedanik
29. Pippinu and other hopefuls.
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