The Socceroos are up against Serbia tonight in Melbourne, their 2010 World Cup opponents, with both sides looking to their under-strength squads for what the future might hold. Join us ahead of the 7:30pm (AEST) kickoff as we live blog the Australia vs Serbia game.
The Socceroos beat Serbia 2-1 in the World Cup finals in South Africa which left the team on a high despite being unable to progress into the round of 16 after their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany.
However, both teams will line up differently from that night.
While Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill is likely to return from a groin injury which has troubled him during his season in Turkey, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer will be on the sidelines through injury and form concerns.
Archie Thompson could also sneak into the starting team.
Socceroos lineup (confirmed) (4-4-2): Federici (gk), Neill (c), Ognenovski, Wilkshire, Zullo, Emerton, Valeri, Jedinak, McKay, Thompson, Holman
The Serbian White Eagles are also without stars Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic and Milos Krasic, and are likely to make changes after coach Vladimir Petrovic was unhappy with their defeat at the hands of the Korea Republic, a 2-1 loss in Seoul. However, skipper Dejan Stankovic should win his 98th international cap, and will be a threat.
Serbia lineup (confirmed) (4-4-2): Kahriman (gk), Rajkokic, Tomovic, Tosic, Ljajic, Stankovic (c), Damjanovic, Petrovic, Obradovic, Vilotic, Kuzmanovic
The match is just the second between the two sides, and both teams should be well supported with Melbourne’s large Serbian population likely out to cheer their side on under the closed roof at Etihad.
With players looking to impress a big crowd and their managers, it’s expected the game will be played expansively and at a fast pace. Tough one to pick, but the home advantage should boost the Socceroos – 2-1.
Odds:
Australia $2.00
Draw $3.25
Serbia $3.35
Australia vs Serbia – 7:30pm kickoff from Etihad Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne.
Join us for all the action with live blog and scores – and send in your predictions for the game below.
FINAL SCORE: Australia 0 – Serbia 0 – an entertaining clash with a fair result. A good test of Australia’s mettle ahead of their first World Cup qualifier in September.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Just saw a replay of the Troisi chance, sorry, might have been Valeri that made that final pass?
Victer
Guest
Aami park would have been great for this match
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Thanks, and thanks to all for contributions throughout, including The Cattery, who seemed to be a step ahead of me! Cheers for joining in, and check out Davidde Corran's thoughts on the youngsters who played against New Zealand, and tonight: Socceroos youngsters shine bright after friendlies http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/07/socceroos-youngsters-shine-bright/
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Plenty of quality on the Serb side, but as Harps said often during the call, not much there in front of goals. Australian performance a bit patchy, no real stand outs in gold, a bit of ball was given away in the middle of the park, but what is not in doubt is that the two best chances of the game fell to Australia, and both involved good passing. The first chance was Arch finding Holman with a cheeky back heeler as he cut in from a central position to the true right wing position. Hold the tape right there. We effectively have our two strikers on the right wing, the numbers win out, and Holman makes the goal line for the cross (only just it has to be said!), But if your two strikers are on the right wing, who is waiting for the cross? Ah well, this is a story in itself. Jedi had done really well to almost make Holman's cross at the top of the 6 yard box, but he was always going to be outnumbered. The second chance completely opened up for the Socceroos. Robbie Kruse, from the top of the D, releases Troisi into space on the left, through a mass of Serb legs, for a one on one agaisnt the keeper, bit of an angle, Troisi had time, but so did the keeper to get into a perfect position and he was on the spot to win that particular battle.
jamesb
Guest
great commentary guys, well done. its matches like these that gives the socceroos lesser like players valuable experience.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Final thoughts, a 0-0 draw tonight was far better than the 3-0 win against New Zealand. Serbia very classy, impressed and put on a good show after a full season of European football. Lynchpin Stankovic was very impressive.
Bondy
Guest
Well done everyone.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
The Cattery
Roar Guru
yes, definitely, Serbs shone in midfield, but ultimately, it was Australia creating the two very best chances of the game
whiskeymac
Guest
sounds fair too tbh - wld that be right?
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90'+2 Good defence from Valeri to get across, reading the play well to deny Serbia.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90'+1 Tosic off with Miric on for Serbia 0-0 looks likely now
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Thanks! Tense final minutes
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' Federici called into action again!!! Great save! Scrambles to his right to deny Serbia. Fourth good save. Corner to Serbs
The Cattery
Roar Guru
3 min of extra time
Tristan Rayner
Editor
88' Holman close again!! Mckay comes down the left, sends in a cross, and Holman again close, this time off a header... in the end, he can't turn a ball into the goal in a third clear chance for the Australian
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Well in by Matty Mckay again - not the best header from Holman - should have at least forced a save.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
87' Free kick sent in by Serbia a great ball but eventually bounces out for a goal kick after causing some consternation. Despotovic can't get enough on header Still 0-0
Tristan Rayner
Editor
86' Petrovic almost feed in a quality ball to Tosic, good work from Mckay to deny and cut it out.
whiskeymac
Guest
hope the news tmrw is about the game and not the flares... good commentary