Contrary to the last Asian Cup, I am not pleased Australia finished top of the group. Thanks to the misfiring North Koreans, Australia will play Iraq in the quarter-finals. Australians know only too well how fragile the Socceroos were against Iraq in the 2007 Asian Cup.
Losing 3-1 to the eventual champions in the group-stage meant facing the might of Japan in the quarter-finals.
I know we lost on penalties, and some will argue we had to play Japan at some stage. But facing Vietnam could have given us the confidence boost to advance further and start playing like we deserved to be competition favourites.
So, can Australia defeat Iraq this time?
We should be wary.
Emerton is suspended, Culina is injured and Holman’s form has been more cold than hot the last two games. It should be said our backline didn’t even look that strong against Bahrain with North and Ognenovski exposed at times.
However, The World Game is reporting Wilkshire and Carney will be back. Although both players have not discovered their best form lately either, this will strengthen the defence and provide more options in midfield.
McKay played ok at left-back but his best position is centre-midfield, an area of the park which has been devoid of forward passing and movement of late.
But does Holger dare play only one defensive midfielder?
It would be nice to see an Oar-Jedinak-McKay-Holman midfield, but maybe a stubborn and conservative approach with Jedinak and Valeri will get the result. So long as the defence remains somewhat solid and we retain possession, Australia can win.
I am all for fluid attacking play and a return to the Hiddink days, but Iraq’s killer crosses and ability with the ball will be tough to defend.
I think Holger’s got it right: hold strong, spread the play and give it to Harry and Timmy.
GoGWS
Roar Guru
yes
Roarchild
Roar Guru
Surprised Kilkenny hasn't come on for Jedi (on a card). Could go either way this one.
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Going into extra time, Iraq looked dangerous final 10 min or so, this game is still wide open
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
90 min 0-0 Schwarzer makes excellent close range save, at other end ball cleared off line after Aust corner, Macca on
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
80 min 0-0 long range shot from HOlman, tipped over by keeper for corner,
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
70 min 0-0 two quick corners in succession for Aust, 2nd forces another save
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
65 min 0-0 good corner for Aust, ogre puts it straight down the keeper's throat
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
60 min 0-0 next goal wins
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
55 min 0-0 Iraq graze our left post with a good chance Carney and Mackay work it out well on the left
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
50 min 0-0 Matty Mackay covering a huge amount of territory already
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Back into it
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Craig Foster gives Matty Mackay a bit of a backhanded compliment: "McKay good example of player maximising impact/ability through good awareness, positioning, movement. Not most gifted, but most effective"
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Craig Foster has tweeted: " Must play through midfield"
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Tweet from Kevin Airs, 442 online editor: "So long as we rely on midfielders to be strikers, we're going to create chances and not convert them. It's an exercise in frustration"
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
HT 0-0 really liked Mackay's game so far, opportunities coming our way, Iraq doing ok generally
Walt
Guest
Iraq physical but dont seem to have any forward connection or avenue to goal Australia settling better 25th min
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
13 min 0-0 Aust playing a very fast tempo
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
5 min 0-0 well done RorD, got the formation and selections spot on, Aust putting all the pressure on at moment, Iraqis quite physical
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
'bout 20 min - as always, I will bring my expertise to the fore by writing up a minute by minute account of the game
Rawson
Guest
What time tis game would be?