With the game against Egypt, it may be Holger Osieck’s last look at his Socceroo team before he picks his Asian Cup squad. Save the possibility of a final trial game against the United Arab Emirates in the lead-up to the Cup, but by then the squad would have already been chosen.
You start to wonder what Holger’s selection policy will be for the Asian Cup squad following the Egypt game.
A man renowned for his ability to spot and nurture young talent, will he pick younger players to give them some international tournament experience to start the long build up to the qualification process for Brazil 2014? Or with players like Sasa Ogenovski in red hot form, will he pick his best available team, irrespective of age, and leave the team re-building with the younger players til after the Asian Cup?
I guess it depends on how the players respond in the Egypt game and what talent he has in mind to nurture. This is probably one of the Big O’s and others like him most important game in their international careers. But Ogenovski is already 31 years of age and will be 35 by the time Brazil comes around.
In fact, there are a number of regular Socceroo first choice players who are good for the Asian Cup, but will be 32 years or older when it comes time to pull on their boots for Brazil. Players like: Schwarzer (currently 38), Neill (32), Wilkshire (29), North (28), Emerton (31), Culina (30), Cahill (30), Garcia (29), Galekovic (29), McKain (28), Beauchamp (29), Chipperfield (34), Moore (34), Kisnorbo (29), Bresciano (30), Grella (31), Sterjovski (31), Carle (28), Harry Kewell (32) and Josh Kennedy (29).
Balance that with the young brigade, who are demanding a chance to prove themselves worthy enough to play for their country. We need these young stars to step forward and fill the boots of the retiring players of the Socceroo’s second golden age: Langerack (22), Velaphi (23), Vukovic (24), Federici (25), Carney (26), Spiranovic (22), Lowry (21), Williams (22), Milligan (25), DeVere (21), Jamieson (22), Oar (18), Holland (22), Leckie (19), Zullo (22), Rukyavytsa (23), Djite (23), Burns (22), Amini (17), Bulut (19), Kantarovski (18) and many others, some yet to be discovered, are all looking to make a regular place for themselves in the national team.
I suspect Osieck will pick his best available squad for the Asian Cup with a major part the older brigade and then with a sprinkling of the younger brigade thrown in for the experience.
He will then look for a combination of the outgoing experienced players and the younger up and coming players during the World Cup qualification period.
I’m confident Holger will steer the Socceroos on the right course with the right blend of players.
The Socceroos will perform well in the Asian Cup and then qualify for another World Cup in Brazil.
There is certainly no shortage of players to nurture or develop and bring on as senior Socceroos.
This looks to be one of the most interesting and exciting periods in the Socceroos development as we head towards the third golden age of Australian football.
jimbo
Roar Guru
"Bulut played for his Czech Republic side FK Mlada Boleslav against FK Brno in a domestic Czech Liga game the following day, August 16." He couldn't get from Berala in Sydney to Boeslav, Czech Republic in a day - might be mistaken identity.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
You can't make excuses for behaviour like this.. If found guilty he should be banned from representative Australian Football. Until he can prove he has become a worthy person again to wear the shirt. Also has shown remorse for those stupid actions if he is found guilty of them..
The Special One
Guest
Unfortunately he seems to be in serious trouble. Young Socceroo 'On Gang Charges' http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/189224,young-socceroo-on-gang-charges.aspx
jimbo
Roar Guru
I'd give Bulut a go - he couldn't score less goals than Macdonald.
Midfielder
Guest
Me thinks we need some of the U 20 team in.... 4 IMO maybe 5....
jimbo
Roar Guru
Very challenging few weeks for Osieck before the Asian CUp and his selection dilemma. In a way it was good that we were beaten so convincingly. I have to agree that some of the older players just don't cut it any more and are getting too slow for the pacy attackers they mark. As much as I admire Lucas Neill, the second Egyptian goal was Neill's fault - he didn' anticipate the pass and was too slow. He also gave away the penalty because he was a metre behind his attacker, although it was a very soft penalty awarded. I'm sure these young lads will step up and deliver just like Neill and co did when they were first called up.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
The trouble with Valeri, of course, when compared to Jedinak, is that he is a bench sitter in Serie B, while Jedinak is playing regularly in the Turkish Superlig. That, for me, tips the scales. If Valeri were to move and play regularly, he would be a no brainer ahead of Mile, but he's not. But I agree, Kilkenny and a bunch of others should be given a look. Incidentally, Chook, Davidson is playing in Portugal, not Spain, so it's the Liga Sagres, not La Liga.
Vesh
Guest
Kilkenny is a good player and someone who I possibly overlooked. I personally feel that jedinak is lucky to be in the side. Kilkenny could easily play in his place. I know people rate jedinak but I have my doubts especially when culina and valeri play a similar game. With osieck only playing 1 holding midfield Kilkenny could get a start alongside -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
tommy_doleman
Roar Pro
Vesh, liking the thinking with the younger blood. Thought it has to be done sooner rather than later to maximise the potential of these players. They will only grow from playing with the likes of Cahill. I still can't believe Kilkenny doesn't get a game, I might be biased because I'm a Leeds fan, but the guy plays week in week out and looks very assured on the ball. Just because he fell out with Arnold shouldn't mean he's ruled out permanently!
Chook
Guest
Wheres Kilkenny in the picture? He plays regular football for Leeds and is doing well. I would like to see Leckie, Devere, Matthew Fletcher ( Sunderland), Bulut, Jason Davidson ( playing La Liga for Pacos de Ferreira), Stephen Domenici ( Vicenza), Theo Markelis ( Vicenza), Kearyn Baccus ( Le Mans), Brent McGrath. they are worth a shot.
Vesh
Guest
In any sense they need to be putting out a side that has the best of both worlds. Play younger players alongside the older players as other nations do. I'm open to comment but I see the squad looking something like this: Schwarzer Federici Bouzanis Wilkshere Neill Lowry Spiranovic Carney Gulum (didn't play for turkey so can dream) Beachamp Culina Cahill Amini Valeri Oar Jedinak Kantarovski Kewell Kennedy Bulut Leckie Mcdonald Rukavysta The squad has a good mix of youth and seniority and will let us develop for brazil. I would like to see a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 going to Asian cup though the latter is my prefered. The way we are shaping for the future it looks like the wayforward. I realist I've opened myself up for comment and yes mcdonald is there but I think he will show everyone exactly what he's about very soon. Might I add people were worried about 12 months ago where our national side would be and I think we are looking good. The emergence of a player like Amini isgood for the game. Anyone who watched themin the Asian Cup would know the talent that we have coming through. And matter of fact could we possibly have our first real out and out goalscorer in Bulut. He looks the goods -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Robbie Di Fabio
Roar Guru
The result against Egypt it a bit concerning but I wouldn't press the panic button at this stage. I agree Jimbo, the squad does need some fresh players coming into the International set-up. It will be interesting to see the differences in the Asian Cup squad as opposed to the World Cup squad this year. I think some players like Tommy Oar and Williams (depending on his injury situation) for instance will get a chance come the Asian Cup. Hopefully some fresh blood steps up in this tournament.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Jimbo - I'll give Holger some advice North, Garcia Carney and MacDonald should not play for Australia ever again. Neill is on last legs and Asia Cup should be his swansong. Jury still out with the Og Monster. Can see him being the the Asia Cup squad but too old for 2014 campaign as his lack of pace is a concern
tommy_doleman
Roar Pro
Gee, talk about a lacklustre performance last night... no energy, no speed and no plan B. Reminds me very much of the Pim era. Egypt are a good side and there's no shame losing in Cairo but the manner of the defeat was extremely dissapointing. Maybe Holger should start taking advice from Ange Postecoglu, it might help them play better football! AF - I agree McDonald needs to be cut now, he's had his chance and failed to impress. (Even if it was all long-ball stuff to him) The defence was of most concern though. Carney can't defend, Lucas Neill's form is EXTREMELY worrying, and how coaches refuse to be more experimental in these games is beyond me. This game should have been an opportunity for fringe and A-League players to push for the squad and play with no fear - Instead it was all a waste of time and we go into the tournament on the back of a thrashing. Well done Holger.
jimbo
Roar Guru
Yes disappointing result and not the best performance. What was that penalty for????? Probably the kick in the backside that Holger and the Socceroos needed leading into a major tournament. Will be very interesting to see what his sel;ection policy will be now - wholesale changes or give the older guys another chance. The Big O played well enough and will probably get a spot now.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
Well that was a surprise being beaten by the 11 best team in the world in their home grown with Kewell and Kennedy withdrawing at the last minute. I didn't see the game, but let's not panic, this is an important tournament and we need harden experienced players for it. But surly Maccas has to go and new blood in there up front.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Who not to select for the Asian Cup - at least half the team that fronted up this morning against Egypt. Too old, too slow, too talentless, too predicable. Why bother putting out the same players that are clearly not good enough for international football. Get to work Holger. Honeymoon is over.