Socceroo Mark Bresciano has dismissed the idea that younger players lack the passion to wear the green and gold but says ideally Australia will take a mix of youth and experience to the 2014 World Cup.
The 33-year-old, speaking after Australia beat Canada 3-0 in London, said with a new coach soon to be appointed “no-one should be a first choice pick”.
Captain Lucas Neill has come under fire for suggesting the next generation of players are lacking hunger and desire.
Bresciano for one begs to differ.
“You can say a lot of things but I don’t think anyone comes here and doesn’t have that desire to play for the national team,” he told reporters at Craven Cottage.
“Everyone wants to play for the national team. It’s a dream for any footballer especially going to a World Cup.
“We are a team in transition with the younger boys coming in and they had a great performance tonight.”
When a new coach was appointed to replace the sacked Holger Osieck every player should start on the same level, Bresciano said on Tuesday.
“No-one should be a first choice pick. Everyone should be on the same level and everyone should have a chance and the coach who comes in should just play the best team available for him.”
The Al-Gharafa player said heading into Brazil the Socceroos needed a balanced side.
“If we can get that right combination I think it will be better but I guess we do have to look at the future,” he said.
“Some of the young boys should step up and have a chance. If they prove themselves right they stay in the team.”
Up-and-coming striker Mathew Leckie scored one of Australia’s three goals at Craven Cottage in front of 4000 fans.
He insisted the younger players who came on in the second half weren’t out of place.
“We got on the ball and tried to create things,” the 22-year-old said.
“I don’t think the chances stopped when we came on – there were just as many chances.”
Young guns Olivier Bozanic and Jackson Irvine were handed debuts off the bench in the second half while Mat Ryan was given 45 minutes in goal.
Jon Stevens
Guest
Yes
bribieboy
Guest
I think Midfielder has got it pretty much right I notice two missing which I totally agree with and with the A League just started lets hope we can find a few more
Punter
Guest
Always seen Zelic as a classy defender then a creative playmaker.
Midfielder
Guest
This side could run all day ... and has a great mix of skill, speed and being strong ....
Midfielder
Guest
Re Bresh and give youth a go ... this is my side to develop for the WC and Asia... Ryan (Gk) Herd, Williams, Sainsbury, Davidson (Fullbacks) Bresciano, Milligan [Cap] (DMs) Kruse Cahill Oar (AMs) Leckie (Striker) Subs: Vidosic, Kennedy, Langerak, McGowan, Lowry, Luongo, Ruka, Troisi, Holland, Jedi, Rogic, Olly This is 23 players which I think is the number for a WC squad..
nachos supreme
Guest
No love for N.Zelic?
Jukes
Guest
The problem with Jedinak is a number of things. He was brought into Crystal Palace because he fits into a style of play that suited Crystal Palace and other "Championship standard" teams. He is big strong, great in the tackle, fantastic in the air. He is the perfect footballer for route 1 football, he is surrounded by a team that understands his limitations and also his abilities and is made to look much better than he actually is. Its not a criticism of Mile either, he is not a TECHNICALLY GIFTED footballer. The role we are asking him to play in the midfield is bearing this out where he has little or no outlets, he holds onto the ball too long and turns it over. As good as a defender he is, and he is a good defender, Mile needs to be given limited opportunities to have the ball at his feet, hence why I have been calling for him to be a centre back for as long as I can remember.
realfootball
Guest
Jedinak, in particular, has shown nothing for the national team to suggest he is up to starting, let alone captain.
Punter
Guest
Could start with Schwarzer v Bozza in goals.
Midfielder
Guest
We should get another thread going to name the all time Australia 11 and the back up 11...
Punter
Guest
Trouble is neither of these players can be considered as a certain starters either.
mahonjt
Guest
LOL. "get of my lawn". "Kids today with their rap music and such". "I died in 3 world wars for this country!" And "don't get me started on aians!" Seriously mate - you and your type are now just light comedy relief for football fans and most right thinking people around here. Smell the fear.
Bart
Guest
The important thing is that you are reading Football news and talking about it.
SVB
Guest
12 dollars in his bank account.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Williams, Jedinak & Milligan have all shown their capacity to Captain at club level and should be considered.
Titus
Guest
12 fingers.
Midfielder
Guest
Ben agree ....
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
But, isn't punching more fun for real Strayian blokes? Or, perhaps, you're one of these New Age Bogans - who doesn't drink beer, but drinks UDLs - and prefers to "brush up against other boys" ... not that there's anything wrong with that?
realfootball
Guest
Bresc should not be captain, simply because he is unlikely to be a starting 11 player. He has the touch but no longer the pace, nor the engine for the role. He's almost 34 people. Forget it. Sentimentality has no part in this decision. It has to be someone younger, like Rhys Williams.
realfootball
Guest
12 years old or 12 IQ points. Take your pick.