He’s Australia’s most celebrated soccer player. And though many wouldn’t have believed it in 2001 it looks as though Harry Kewell will play in three World Cups.
With Robbie Kruse’s heartbreaking ACL tear virtually ruling the 25-year-old out of Brazil, Kewell’s stocks took a boost. Now back from his own injury woes, there is a groundswell of support for the talisman.
But he needs to convince one more man – Ange Postecoglou.
After failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, it seemed Harry Kewell would suffer the fate of so many great Aussie soccer players. The World Cup looked the impossible dream after Uruguay gave the Socceroos another taste of ‘so close yet so far’.
Australia then went on to reach the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup with Harry Kewell playing a role on both occasions.
Kewell’s late goal against Croatia sent Australia through to the knockout stage in Germany but his experience in South Africa was nightmarish. Brought down in the box against Ghana and ignored, he was later red carded for handball.
Good and bad, Kewell has seen it all, and the wealth of knowledge at his disposal can only benefit the youth around him.
Kewell’s chances of travelling to Brazil looked slim just over a month ago, when he had yet to complete 90 minutes for Melbourne Heart.
But gradually Kewell has built up match fitness, and it’s no coincidence that Melbourne Heart’s on-field fortunes have taken a turn for the better since his return.
Coinciding with Kewell’s lift in form and game time was the devastating news of Robbie Kruse’s ACL injury. The 25-year-old attacker will need to perform a miracle to be ready by May 13, when the preliminary 30-man squad is announced.
The standard recovery time for ACL injuries is a minimum of six months before the individual can return to the high impact activity which soccer involves, and Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou is a staunch advocate of players with game time under their belt.
This fact virtually rules Kruse out.
It all comes down to Postecoglou. Is there some lingering discontent between Kewell and Postecoglou after Harry’s departure from Melbourne Victory in 2012?
Will the manager dig in stubbornly against the tide of momentum being built by Kewell’s form, and advocates such as Slater and Harper?
The two were heard in pre- and post-match discussions on Friday night’s telecast of the Melbourne Heart’s win over Sydney FC, building the case for Kewell.
Even opposition manager Frank Farina conceded, “Harry Kewell was outstanding tonight, he out-muscled us.”
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Postecoglou has any bitterness toward Kewell as an unconfirmed friendly with Ecuador is planned for March 5. His form warrants selection, and there are few other striking options.
Over to you Ange.
Claude Bottom
Guest
I'm merely maintaining standards.
Jorji Costava
Guest
Kewell Cahill in 2006 yes, not in 2014. Sort of like Greg Chappell would be an ideal first drop for Australia in 1980, not 2014.
Franko
Guest
You would think a Kewell-Cahill combination up front has as much chance of scoring as any others we have (considering we are now minus Kruse). Can see him playing a role, be it supporting Oar, or helping out Kennedy in attack. Hopefully he can stay fit, get a couple of months of good football under his belt and get on that plane.
sean
Guest
Kewell is still the best that this country has ever produced ,yes he has lost a few yards in pace but he has the smarts and the ability to create space for other players .Ange would be crazy not to take a fit Harry , I don't expect that he would play full games however he is the ideal man for second half cameo's
Realfootbal
Guest
K is, I regret, past it as an international footballer. His pace has gone completely. Can anyone seriously suggest playing him instead of Rogic? And no, he's not a striker, never has been. He is at best an occasional goal scorer - more occasional with every season. He's an average to good A League player. He's not a Roo any more. He would not, for example, be a starting 11 player at Brisbane. In fact, he would be pushing to make the bench. Kewell has had a good run.This K for the WC is sentimental nonsense. Time to move on.
Jorji Costava
Guest
Back luck for Kewell Ange Postecoglou is the boss. If Ange gets the boot before the cup Harry has a chance.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
Mile J will be captain. Cahil and Kewell will not play 90 minutes.
Ken Oldman
Guest
What the hell has this post got to do with the article from Les Woods ?
AGO74
Guest
Yep. I have thought perhaps Bresh as well but in midfield his fitness and age would be brutally exposed by our opponents.
Daniel Hackett
Roar Rookie
As an out and out striker, yes I think Kewell could be fantastic. he's no longer quick enough for the wing and hasn't the stamina or agilty for CM but in the past few years has bulked up a lot and seems to be very strong. His heading is also vastly underrated - could be the new viduka for us.
Stevo
Guest
Hahahaha, love is a strong word but glad to have him back after the horror that was the reign of JA. But Merrick has re-modelled the Nux into more of a possession based side and it's paying off marvellously for them. JVS has a football brain and defn out coached Farina last Friday. I reckon he could have a future at MelbourneCityHeartFC in a development role, definitely.
fadida
Guest
Kewell Mid? A good signing. Smart footballer, excellent technically, still athletic
my left foot
Guest
No love for JVS? There has been a huge difference to Heart since he came back, though Merrick has done well and I'm glad. There were a lot of people who thought he would be no good, egg on face much?
jupiter53
Guest
It depends on how Ange is planning to play. If he is looking to sit deep and hit balls over the top for someone quick to run into then that is obviously not Kewell now [it was at Leeds but not since his injuries started]. However if he wants to be able to play forward to someone with strength, nous and great touch for others to play off then it is hard to think who would be better at this role than Kewell.
Bondy
Guest
Stevo The crowd for the Nix in "Auckland " yesterday was just over 18 k combined with a solid win is impressive . Mid I dont think K Seung Y can be truly assessed until 4-5 solid games under his belt, the heat maybe a concern for a while if he's still in the Northern Hemisphere.
Stevo
Guest
I'm happy for the Nux and Merrick is doing a great job over there. HAL coach of the year IMO.
Midfielder
Guest
fadida Good or bad signing IYO....
Midfielder
Guest
Go Jets with Carney and Zac on the field could be a dangerous place to watch a match... http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/2042793673-football--phoenix-could-be-on-the-move
fadida
Guest
He's lost his terrifying pace of old but he's still quick enough to be very competive
fadida
Guest
A "lemon"? Kewell was wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool in his peak. He was a star, up there in the Giggs bracket until injuries destroyed him. But according to the great unwashed he has always been a "lemon"