Socceroo’s coach Pim Verbeek chats with Harry Kewell during a training session at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Thursday, June 19, 2008. The Socceroo’s take on China in a World Cup qualifying match this Sunday, June 22. AAP Image/Dean Lewins
After a comprehensive 3-0 rout of Ireland in their recent friendly in Limerick, the Socceroos will be out to extend their winning streak when they take on Korea Republic in Seoul.
But without the talismanic Tim Cahill in their midst, Australia may need to find a new match-winner when they run out at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday night.
Time is slowly ticking down for several players to confirm their place in Pim Verbeek’s 2010 World Cup plans.
North Queensland Fury defender Shane Stefanutto gets his chance in the absence of the reliable Scott Chipperfield.
Chipperfield picked up his second Man-of-the-Match award in ten days in FC Basel’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Young Boys Bern, but recent knocks means the versatile veteran won’t be risked in the South Korean capital.
Another possibly playing for his international future is Michael Beauchamp.
The tall defender appears to be on the outer at Danish club Aalborg, with Beauchamp – like so many of his Socceroos team-mates – currently struggling for game time.
Ironically, it’s the much-maligned Brett Holman who is playing regularly and seemingly in form.
Not only will he run out for his club side AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Champions League group stage this season, but Holman also scored the opener in the Dutch champion’s most recent 2-1 win over Willem II.
Whether he can demonstrate some more composure in a Socceroos jersey remains to be seen, but the Pim Verbeek-favourite is one Socceroo who appears in no danger of missing the World Cup squad.
The same can’t be said of Nicky Carle – recently denied a loan move to FC Seoul by Crystal Palace coach Neil Warnock, despite the fact that Warnock has shown little propensity to actually play the creative midfielder this season.
Mile Jedinak just switched clubs to gain more first team football, while a frustrated Jade North no doubt wishes he’d done the same, with several of the Socceroos far from first choice players for their respective sides.
So it will come as a relief that youngster Dario Vidosic turned in a bright performance for German outfit 1. FC Nürnberg last weekend, while Nikita Rukavytsya is another youngster looking to make his mark with the World Cup finals inching ever closer.
Both are likely to start on the bench, with Celtic striker Scott McDonald getting his wish as he looks set to be paired alongside the towering Josh Kennedy in a classic “little-man, big-man” combination up front.
Meanwhile the Korean Football Association pulled a swift one with the naming of their squad, with several overseas-based players named in a preliminary squad subsequently dropping out.
There were always going to be changes with no goalkeepers named in the original squad.
But with the KFA and the K-League routinely at loggerheads over scheduling, a full round of K-League action next Sunday makes the inclusion of thirteen local-based players somewhat surprising.
Lee Young-Pyo – once briefly a team-mate of Jason Culina’s at PSV Eindhoven – slammed the K-League for its reluctance to release domestic players for national team duty.
The Al-Hilal defender was named in the final squad, however 2002 World Cup star Ahn Jung-Hwan was ultimately overlooked.
Bundesliga club Freiburg refused to release Cha Du-Ri – whose father Cha Bum-Kun is arguably the most famous Asian player of all time.
Not an ideal situation for coach Huh Jung-Moo, although he can at least call upon Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung for the clash, while exciting Monaco youngster Park Chu-Young is another to watch out for.
And after topping a tough-looking World Cup qualifying group, the South Koreans will be no pushovers in the capital.
If it’s squad depth the Socceroos are looking to test, they’ve got the perfect opportunity to do in Seoul.
The result is relatively unimportant, but with no Lucas Neill or Tim Cahill in the line-up, now is an ideal time for some fringe Socceroos to step up and leave their mark on the national team.
Mackey
Guest
That is a worry, but Vidosic, Holman, Culina and Macdonald have all been in scoring form for their clubs, hopefully they can take that confidence into the match. Hell, even Williams was banging them in for Boro a few weeks ago in pre-season.
The Bear
Roar Pro
only if Arnold, Verbeek or another Feyenoord old boy is in charge : /
David
Guest
LMAO bit harsh but very funny here is a fun fact in this squad only 20 national goals have been scored between the players 17 of them were scored by ether Bresc n Kennedy LMAO
Mackey
Guest
I would like --------Kennedy-------- -----------Macdonald--- Bresc-------------Holman* ------Grella---Culina----- Stef-North--Millsy--Williams ---------Schwarz--------- *Please note I don't actually WANT him there, I just acknowledge that Pim is a far superior coach than I will ever be and he will play, so am just getting used to the fact. If he 'reverse' headers it again or stands on the ball I will have a coronary.
dasilva
Guest
I expect Stefanutto at left back Milligan and North at centre back Williams at right back This would be consistent with Pims selection during the WCQ We know that Stefanutto is the back up when Carney and Chipperfield are unavailable We know Williams is the back up to Emerton and Wilkshire Milligan is the first choice back up centre defence to Coyne and Neill. This is shown by the fact that Milligan was selected for the Bahrain match when Neill was suspended When Milligan was rested as he was on the yellow card, North took over for the japan match (North also replaced Coyne in the Bahrain match in the 78th minute as well). So if he is consistent then those will be the defence selected (unless Pim wants to be experimental and test out other players) Here is my expected XI The only doubt for me is whether Jedinak is there or Holman. Kennedy Bresciano McDonald Holman/Culina Grella Culina/Jedinak Stefanuto North milligan Williams
Ando
Guest
Kisnorbo, sweet jesus. I'm a Leeds Fan and still think the guy is poo. I'd love to see him win a ball in the air with his forehead for once, instead of the back of his skull. Pair Beauchamp and Spira in the middle. Milligan and Stefanutto out wide, and send Kisnorbo back to under 6's to learn how to play.
Mackey
Guest
Oh and I forgot Jade North too!
these_are_words
Guest
Holminho to score a hattrick
elmarso
Guest
Good to see Robbie gettin' crazy in the red hot Adelaide club scene, bringing the game into disrepute & hopefully never getting a call up again :)
Mackey
Guest
While all the talk is of Holman, what about the back 4? That's a huge headache trying to pick a starting combination from Stefanutto, Kisnorbo, Spiranovic, Williams, Milligan and Beauchamp?
elmarso
Guest
Hoping Ruka really steps it up in these friendlies now it seems Viduka is all but gone
Ando
Guest
Did he fall over the ball and carry it into the net?
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Sorry mate, he wil likely be in the starting line up on Saturday. He is the only Ausie playing in the ECL and he scored a goal on the weekend. He will be captain by 2014 :P
Ando
Guest
If Holman plays another minute for Australia then I will burn my jersey and support New Zealand. The guy is a hack. It's almost as bad as cornthwaite being capped.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
A good chance for Milligan to show his wares. I agree that a Troisi call-up would be welcome.
David
Guest
Dear god i hope Craig moore never players for Australia again his way to slow, old and his just no good
Mr
Guest
Garcia is on my bolter list, hopefully he comes back from his injury in good shape. Williams has added the dimension at the back, that alongwith Wilkshire may free up Emerton for that true winger role that he loves.
Mr
Guest
This will be the first time our entire first choice backline is not available; Wilkshire, Emmerton, Neill, Moore, Coyne, Chipperfield, Carney. If anything the team still looks very strong, despite being experimental as you put it. That just shows the depth than Pim has created in the past 20 months in charge. Sprianovic played the last 20 mins against Ireland, hopefully he gets another shot on Saturday, likewise Carle. The teamsheet has only 5 players who have scored for the Socceroos - 20 goals in total. 17 of those are between Bresc & Kennedy who should both start. Will be interesting to see Macca playing through from the CAM area. Himself and Kennedy for the senior team when played together have not been on a losing team. Bresc on the left, and Culina on the right with Jedi & Grella taking care of the DM roles should provide an agressive set up. I read that Scwarzer had to have a fitness test at half time last weekend after a knock on his thigh. He's a strong character, I wonder whether he would allow Covic & Petkovic to step up. Probably unlikely with the new backline being tested but food for thought. Ireland played 45 mins each for their keepers last month.
Mackey
Guest
Holy crap! This will be a real experimental team!
Mackey
Guest
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, I would never stoop to that level! (yes I would)