Socceroos: update!
by Herr Ed
Herr Hippo told you so! He informed you back in March that Australia were a decent outside bet for the World Cup, and a 3-1 victory over Japan in their first game proves he was right! He noted that the Socceroos have got some pretty good players and, under the direction of coach Guus Hiddink, could have a big World Cup. Across the midfield and attack Australia look particularly strong. Vince Grella provides solidity at the base of midfield whilst Bresciano, Cahill, Viduka et al form a competitive attacking unit that could threaten any defence in the competition.
Hiddink seems to have sorted out the core of defence as well, pairing Blackburn’s Lucas Neill (who plays his club football at right-back) with Newcastle’s Craig Moore in central defence. The Socceroos still seem to be short of one high-class player in defence though, and Bristol City midfielder Luke Wilkshire was deployed at right-back against Japan.
Next up for Australia are tournament favourites Brazil: with Ronaldhino and Roberto Carlos on their left-flank Hiddink surely needs to scrutinise the right-side of his defence. With Kaka on one flank and Ronaldhino on the other, Brazil perhaps pose more threat down the wing than they do centrally - especially with both centre-forwards, Ronaldo and Adriano, looking off-colour in their opening group match. To address this threat Hiddink could return Neill to the right-back slot, but that would weaken the heart of defence with Crystal Palace’s Tony Popovic (the likely replacement at centre-back) not inspiring sufficient confidence. So the solution might be Brett Emerton. If Tim Cahill is ready to start the game against Brazil in central midfield, someone has to make way: this issue is resolved if Emerton switches from midfield to defence. The powerful and pacy Emerton usually plays in a more advanced role than right-back, but his qualities can be put to good defensive use against Brazil - and Australian fans would surely feel more comfortable with him up against Ronaldhino than Wilkshire.
The media seem to think that all neutrals want to see Brazil waltzing into the final stages of the competition. Well I don’t - I want an end to the simpering and fawning as soon as possible! Brazil’s performance in their opening match against Croatia was pretty uninspiring: the somnabulent Ronaldo exemplified their dreary performance. And was that an imaginary yellow card I saw Ronaldhino waving at the referee when Robert Kovac felled Kaka on the edge of the box? I think it was! I therefore hope Australia beat Brazil 3-2 on Sunday (Aloisi with a second half hat-trick).
June 16th, 2006 at 8:26 am
Emerton could be a better option in defence than Wilkshire - but I’m not sure the ‘centre-flank’ distinction is very meaningful when describing a team with the fluidity of Brazil. Kaka and Ronaldhino usually present the centre-backs as much difficulty as the full-backs.
June 16th, 2006 at 9:37 am
If Australia are to beat Brazil there are a many things they will need to do. Here are a few:
- play 3-5-2 (why not?!)
- play Aloisi up front with Viduka
- play Kalac in goal
- impose themselves physically early in proceedings
- get tight to Ronaldo (controversial i know)
- stick a few balls over the top of Cafu and Roberto Carlos
- test Dida with free-kicks and corners (none taken short please)
- avoid trying to play their way out of trouble in defence
- drag Emerson around the pitch, without him in position they are considerably weaker defensively
Come on Socceroos!
June 16th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
3-2 would be nice. I’ve been betting that score each way for every game and it ain’t come up yet. Goddamn Frings.
June 17th, 2006 at 2:22 am
i’ve been out tonight watching richie hawtin, so missed all the action, and have just looked at mr james lawton’s review of argentina’s performance. was it really that good??? if so, i don’t really know what to say….the best performance ever in a world cup???
why did i have to miss that and see england last night??????
i hate watching england…..it is a criminal waste of talent that is masquerading as a national team so far…and those who think it will change overnight…………have a word. if we had wenger in charge i think we would be ok. tabloid i know but sven’s only peach has been bringing on aaron lennon (something that i suggested to this site before the squad was announced) which at last gave us an outlet to stretch the opposing back four. why is gerrard playing a lot of his stuff on the halfway line? why owen? why rio? get carragher and terry in the back line. i know this is in the wrong section but hey ho a moan is a moan is a moan, no matter where you pidgeon-hole it.
June 17th, 2006 at 9:35 am
(I’m sure there must have been something about Australia hidden in that last comment)
Australia have shown the desire and purpose that was sadly missing from the USA’s performance against the Czechs. Maybe it being their first tournament for ages is helping the Aussies as they haven’t developed an inferiority complex like Bruce Arena’s men.
If Australia manage to beat the smug Samba stars it would give this World Cup the wake-up call it so desperately needs. So far it has been far from satisfactory despite the standard of goals scored.
My tip: Brazil 2-2 Australia.
June 17th, 2006 at 10:22 am
it’s between the lines
June 17th, 2006 at 6:01 pm
Wake-up call just delivered by Ghana.
September 11th, 2006 at 4:49 am
Hello ……. well i was just droppin by to say HELLO TO THE SOCCEROOS ….. and that they did a great job at the “WORLD CUP” and even though they didnt win …… they are still AUSTRALIA’S hero’s