Australian player Vince Grella (right) during the Socceroos pre-match training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. AAP Image/Luis Enrique Ascui
Forget about the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Brett Emerton, Craig Moore and Lucas Neill being the Socceroos most important players at the World Cup.
The first 11 picks themselves and if any of the above players that I mentioned are fit or near it on June 14 they will be shaking hands with German players while under their breath saying “wir sind dabei, Ihren ausgezeichneten englischen sprechenden deutschen Arsch zu kicken” which roughly translates to “we’re going to kick your excellent English speaking German arse”
(I think I am in love with Google translate, and I want to tell it in all sorts of different languages).
The most important Socceroos that will be picked in the 23 man squad will be the next 11. The reason I say this rather daft comment is that nine of the potential first 11 will be over 30 years old.
Only Jason Culina and Luke Wilkshire are in their twenties. There are five days between games during the group stage and I don’t really think everyone in the first team will be able to play every minute of the Aussies three group games.
So here is my fantasy 23 man World Cup Socceroo squad:
GK: Mark Schwarzer, Adam Federeci, Mitch Langerak (3)
DEF: Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Mark Milligan, Scott Chipperfield, Luke Wilkshire, Ryhs Williams, Matthew Spiranovc, David Carney (8)
MID: Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Nicky Carle, Vince Grella, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Mark Bresciano, Brett Holman, (8)
Strikers: Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Nikita Rukavystya, Brett Holman (4)
And my first team 11 against Germany playing Pim’s famous 4-2-3-1 is:
—————–Mark Schwarzer—————–
Luke Wilkshire–Craig Moore–Lucas Neill–Scott Chipperfield
———–Vince Grella—–Jason Culina————
—–Brett Emerton—Tim Cahill—Mark Bresciano—–
——————-Harry Kewell——————–
Unlucky to miss out:
Scott McDonald, Richard Garcia, Mile Sterjovski, Simon Colisimo, Dario Vidosic, Jade North, Tommy Oar.
Are we there yet?
I have tried to be conservative due to Pims’ 4-2-3-1 formation with my choices; I guess the most controversial is not picking Scott McDonald.
Instead I have picked Nikita Ruckavytsa because he fits into that formation better than Scott McDonald, but I suspect Pim might take Dario Vidosic instead.
Both have the ability to get behind the defence and the team need some pace. It’s all speculation anyway and the man that counts is Pim Verbeek, but I’m not sure about you but I would rather forgo the all speculation, pre-game analysis and hype just so I can hear the whistle blow when the Socceroos take the field against Ze Germans on 14 June at 4:30am sharp.
Fred
Guest
reminds me of when the Socceroos were playing Italy in the WC and the stupid courier mail had 2 Gattusos on the field the left and the right Gattusso. lol . I think you would have to take Scott McDonald he is a bandit for scoring in the 90min. I thought Adam Federeci was playing for Italy?
DaMan3000
Guest
Holman wasn't counted in the midfield's 8 so Scotty is back out.
Tom
Guest
That squad is twenty-four players if you include McDonald. Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Nicky Carle, Vince Grella, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Mark Bresciano, Brett Holman. You have nine midfielders, not eight. I suspect Carle will be the unlucky ninth who misses out. Langerak is an excellent prospect for the future but I doubt he'll make the squad. Petkovic, Jones or Galekovic are more likely, I think. Spiranovic would be a surprise slection as he hasn't been playing in Japan. Colosimo is more likely. Ognenovski would probably be a better choice but I don't think Pim is going to select too many new players at this point. As for strikers, I agree that two out of Vidosic, McDonald and Rukavystya will get in. Hard to split them, really. They all add something different to the squad. I'd be sorry to see Vidosic miss out though because I think he's looked pretty good when he's appeared for the Socceroos.
Con Stamocostas
Roar Pro
I have included Milligan in my squad
Rudy Arts
Guest
Where is Mark Milligan. One of our best versatile and experience player? Think about him!
matty1974
Guest
Spiranovic has looked very classy every time i have seen him play, but he's probably only played a handful of top flight games in the last 12 months, so he might be too much of a risk. Really hope Ruka gets a gig. He could be a real x factor, as few other teams will have seen much of him and his pace is something the squad sorely lacks. Galekovic would also be very unlucky to miss out, has consistently been the best keeper in Oz the last couple of seasons.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I think it is the height of hypocrisy that Craig Moore seems to be on the plane when every player has been told they have to be playing or training at a professional level to be considered. If Beeker is going to be fair dinkum, Craig Morre should not be going.
Con Stamocostas
Roar Pro
Hey Guys Sorry for that Brett Holman double selection. Sometimes the way he plays makes me see double. You can find the edited version here. http://afootballstory.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-return-flight-to-world-cup-please.html It's a longer version of the article where I did some research into the games and goals by the Socceroos key players. I compare the games and goals statistics by those players for the 05/06 season to the 09/10 season's leading up to the 06 and 2010 World Cups. .
Rusty0256
Guest
Uggh...the thought of thought of TWO Brett Holmans running around like headless chooks is almost too much to bear!
Australian Football
Roar Guru
I would dearly like to Leckie taken over as a reserve player---one for the future---he would not disappoint. _____ AF
stevo
Guest
its the waiting i cant stand, does anyone know when the squad will be announced?
Con Stamocostas
Roar Pro
Hahahaha Alright then in you go Scotty.
Midfielder
Guest
Con My side is the same as yours with Scotty in... here is my fantasy 23 man World Cup Socceroo squad: GK: Mark Schwarzer, Adam Federeci, Mitch Langerak (3) DEF: Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Mark Milligan, Scott Chipperfield, Luke Wilkshire, Ryhs Williams, Matthew Spiranovc, David Carney (8) MID: Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Jason Culina, Nicky Carle, Vince Grella, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Mark Bresciano, Brett Holman, (8) Strikers: Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Nikita Rukavystya, Scotty McDonald (4) My first team 11 against Germany playing Pim’s famous 4-2-3-1 is: —————–Mark Schwarzer—————– Ryhs Williams_____Matthew Spiranov____Lucas Neill–Scott Chipperfield ———–Vince Grella—–—Luke Wilkshire—— —–Brett Emerton—Tim Cahill—Mark Bresciano—– ——————-Harry Kewell——————– Dario Vidosic, Tommy Oar & Richard Garcia ...could make it ... they would replace Brett Holman, Scott Chipperfield, & Brett Emerton...
Midfielder
Guest
LOL Das ... Con maybe you can get Scotty in now.
dasilva
Guest
um One Holman is questionable enough But picking two Brett Holman in a squad?