It’s that time again: the Socceroos World Cup squad has been announced for just the third time in the history. The squad can now be dissected by everyone from the mug punter (me) to “experts” like Robbie Slater. This was sure to spark debate from the moment it was announced, til the end of the campaign.
Looking at the squad, there are only a few bolters, and many familiar faces.
Socceroo veterans like Kewell, Neil, and Schwarzer are in the squad, although injury clouds Kewell’s involvement.
This has seen Verbeek include an extra four players in his provisional squad.
Only 1 current A-League player – Jason Culina – has made the official squad, despite the rumours that Simon Colosimo would make the cut.
This is fair since there were very few A-League players in contention other than Culina.
Tommy Oar, Shane Lowry and James Holland are the only new names that have made it. From these, I think Lowry has the best chance to make South Africa.
He’s a versatile player, and a vital factor in Verbeek’s solid but defensive squad.
As for Holland and Oar, I think they are one World Cup off being regulars.
Oar, has only just left Australia for the Dutch league, and will be as good as Cahill and Kewell, however, still he needs to play in Europe before becoming a regular in the Socceroos squad.
Holland needs first team football to get a foot in the door.
The squad picked by Verbeek is not perfect, and does have some flaws.
I believe that Eugene Galekovic deserved a place at South Africa. He will only go if one of Jones Federici or Schwarzer gets injured. Eugene played a full season, and was easily Adelaide United’s best player.
Brad Jones didn’t play much football this season for Middlesbrough, I feel his age should have given way for a new generation. Nick Carle was a bad selection and should miss the 23 man squad.
In Verbeek’s formation, he doesn’t do enough when the Socceroos don’t have the ball, and that’s unforgivable.
Also ,despite their feud, Joel Griffiths needed to be named. He provides that spark that the Socceroos lack.
Overall, Verbeek has got the squad right, it gets my tick of approval. It provides some quality defenders mixed with an attacking midfield.
Now the squad has been picked, let’s get on with the action.
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