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Socceroos' explosive split before World Cup match

22nd June, 2011
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22nd June, 2011
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The Australian is reporting esteemed SBS analyst and broadcaster Les Murray has revealed an explosive split in the Socceroos camp in the minutes before Australia’s opening 2010 World Cup game against Germany in South Africa.

Murray’s book, The World Game, describes a players revolt, in excerpts obtained by The Australian.

Murray alleges captain Lucas Neill led the rebellion, asking coach Pim Verbeek to leave the change room moments before the game.

Murray goes on to allege that behind closed doors, Neill rubbished Verbeek’s strategy, telling players to ignore “this bullshit” and “play like we normally play”. Verbeek’s original plan was defensive-minded, void of attack and strike options.

“The problem was that the team had already been named, and it contained not a solitary forward with Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy and Brett Holman, accomplished attacking players, all omitted,” writes Murray.

“In the confusion there was so much delay that the point was reached when a FIFA match official knocked on the Australian change-room door and, pointing to his watch, warned the Australians that if they didn’t take to the field immediately they would have to forfeit the match.

This goes some way to explaining the mess that Australia fronted the Germans with, as they lost the match 4-0 and largely nullified their chances of progressing beyond the Group stage.

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