July 16, 2007
Australia v Thailand - Asia Cup
Australia 4 v Thailand 0 (FT)
Beauchamp
Viduka 2
Kewell
Australia advance
This was NOT the same team that played last week. Congrats to the Aussies who now progress the the quarter-finals where they will meet Japan in Hanoi (Vietnam)
Oman 0 v Iraq 0
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This will be Australia’s final group match and against a young, enthusiastic Thai team who have entertained and thrilled their countrymen if not set them abuzz with enthralling football.
It shame we Aussies can’t say the same thing about our national team and this makes it all the more bitter as too many of us are still clinging the performances and results from Germany ‘06.
Well the honeymoon is well and truly over and it’s back to the hard work of making thing work well. Unfortunately the ‘marriage guidance counselor’ (Graham Arnold) has displayed a naivety beyond belief with some of his decisions on team selections, styles of play, substitutions, and motivational speeches have left even us novices shaking out heads in dismay. What Arnold was trying to achieve by publicly dressing down his players (actually naming some of them) is just beyond belief!!! This will assist in having players respect Arnold?? It will be more a case of treating him with distrust and suspicion - that’ll help to restore faith!!
Arnold has promised wholesale changes preferring to drop some of the ’stars’ but we won’t know the final lineup until just before kickoff and frankly I don’t think Graham Arnold is in charge of this team. I believe the players themselves will tell Arnold how it will be. Needless to say Arnold is playing for his coaching future, not just as a national coach but as a coach anywhere except maybe in Myanmar, Pakistan, Laos or Afghanistan. I’ll vote now…Graham Arnold, you are the weakest link…Goodbye!!
Frankly, I don’t think Australia deserves to advance to the next stage. There is no commitment, no national pride & no desire. This team in it’s majority, are focused on their own needs and desires and none of those has anything to do with winning this tournament. In fact the Australians may very well have shown complete disrespect toward the entire Asian Confederation by thinking they deserved to win this tournament just by turning up. That arrogance runs so deep NO ONE has stated how capable their opposition has been or acknowledged Asian football demands respect.
I hope the young Thais either draw or defeat the Aussies tonight and advance to the quarterfinals because it means more to them than to our Socceroos.
The honeymoon is over folks. Australia will be lucky, yes, LUCKY to qualify for South Africa 2010.
I hope the young Thais defeat the Aussies tonight and the quest to employ a known coach will continue. Graham Arnold is not the guy for the job and to have a assistant in Cossi is even a bigger joke. The guy was an embarrassment to the A league last year had no controll over his players or himself.
Look overseas Frank Lowy and get the best. “You get what you pay for”
Comment by Potenza — July 16, 2007 @ 9:07 am
It seems Advocate has the job according to Fairfax press
Advocaat to replace Arnold
Comment by 15black — July 16, 2007 @ 10:03 am
Quick to Jump off the Bandwagon boys - when the going gets tough lets all say we hope the Aussies lose so if they do we can all say “I Told you So”. Whatever happened to loyalty and supporting your national team at all costs?
I believe the Aussies will give it a good shake tonight and if we get through to the quarters who know’s we might just go a long way. We overachieved at the World Cup and this tournament was always going to carry a weight of expectation - we have played two bad games but we still have the personnel to be a very strong team.
Comment by D Train — July 16, 2007 @ 10:11 am
I agree about Cossi being an assistant coach is a joke but i think that arnold is doing the best that he can with the time that he has been given.
I think that aussies will get up and win very close game but GO THE AUSSIES YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!
Comment by Gold Star — July 16, 2007 @ 10:21 am
Well if Arnold is doing the best he can, someone explain why you would continue to include (for the second game) Kisnorbo & Wilkshire, have Brescha as a wide right player, bring Aloisi into midfield & leave Viduka to lug his considerable frame around with little support up front and then leave out the likes of Carle (one of the few players with technical skill). If that’s the best, it’s not good enough.
Comment by Blackjack — July 16, 2007 @ 10:45 am
Well if Arnold is doing the best he can, someone explain why you would continue to include (for the second game) Kisnorbo & Wilkshire, have Brescha as a wide right player, bring Aloisi into midfield & leave Viduka to lug his considerable frame around with little support up front and then leave out the likes of Carle (one of the few players with technical skill). If that’s the best, it’s not good enough.
D-Train it’s not about being disloyal it’s about opening your eyes and being honest. Do we do support our team at all cost but I’m not going to condone poor play, poor management and disrespect just so we can get to the next round. If you found out your wife was playing up would you stand by and allow it to happen just because you love her?? I hope you’d act in some way rather than just turn around and say, “I love you honey!!!”
Comment by Blackjack — July 16, 2007 @ 10:49 am
lol blackjack thats an interesting comparison, arnold got caught up in the heat of the moment, and has now said that those harsh words were an attempt to motivate his players as they are proud people. After this tournament is done FFA must look at themselves and realise they must re assess how they will tackle this next time, should players and coaches be giving interviews straight after a match?
Comment by Borat — July 16, 2007 @ 11:12 am
ha ha that is an interesting one Blackjack! i agree they have been ordinary but i think we are all jumping the gun a little early!
Comment by D Train — July 16, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Certainly not jumping the gun a little early D Train, they need to win their last game of the group stage where they have played teams that are all ranked below us in the fifa world standings, not won a game and played very poorly, this is it last chance really, backs against the wall where only a result will do, playing well and losing will do australia no good….
Comment by Borat — July 16, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
lets be honest win, lose or draw i think aronold would have to be gone…….. the tactics are useless so far and he has not got anything from some pretty good personnel!!!
but at the same time surely we wouldn’t honestly go for thailand…. NO WAY….. support the boys through the good times and the bad!! and i am with blackjack get NICKY CARLE on and create something!!!
Comment by Corey Smith — July 16, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
actually agree with you on this one Corey support good times and bad - which TRUE Australian football supporter would not want them to win??
Comment by D Train — July 16, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
Arnold’s performance as coach tends to suggest he is the same, if not worse, coach than Frank Farina. We have to remember that he was appointed as assistant to Farina.
They will still beat Thailand, 4-0 I reckon, with a stand out performance from one of the reserve players like Carle, Thompson or Milligan.
Comment by Danny G — July 16, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Ok, then I’ll reserve my enthusiasm. Sitting quietly and if we win playing positive and entertaining football I’ll celebrate the Australia’s success. Until then I guess I’ll just have to be a TRUE ‘Football’ supporter rather than a blind patriotic nationalist.
Comment by Blackjack — July 16, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
average again but took chances……
schwarzer was shaky, wilkshire useless again and needs to be dropped, beauchamp solid, milligan solid, emerton solid, carney was quality and deserves the left back spot and i have said it all along, bresciano is ordinary at present and i would drop him for cahill, culina solid, grella solid, viduka lacked sharpness and got lucky and then got a good 2nd goal but needs support, aloisi struggled which is disappointing, kewell better in the short burst but need to get him the ball more……. really disappointed nicky carle didnt play still!! Would have to say after watching Japan that we are gone in the next game though…. thanks dukes and arnold for your service but see you later!!
Comment by Corey Smith — July 17, 2007 @ 12:31 am
Thanks for the regular update!!! The Asian Cup website is way behind and fourfourtwo has crashed!!!
Comment by 1878 — July 17, 2007 @ 12:32 am
The person who judged the man of the match award to Viduka obviously wasn’t watching the match.
Comment by 15black — July 17, 2007 @ 1:11 am
The 4-0 scoreline flatters our Aussies. The Thai team were not anywhere near as bad as the scoreline might suggest. The pressure created by the Thais and we absorbed in the second half was a bit more than the new backline was destined to take on debut, but all power to Emerton (who needs Lucas Neil), Beachamp & Milligan. I was pleased to see the likes of Milligan have the confidence to step through the Thai attacking line on more than one occasion. I was also satisfied to see young Carney have a solid, if not spectacular debut. Viduka, Kewell & Aloisi both look like a couple of all battle weary old dreadnoughts, with similar turning ability and agility. Kewell especially look reluctant to test that groin by turning any tighter than the entire width of the park or pull up in less than 50 metres. I’m still a bit perplexed why Nicky Carle or Carl Valeri didn’t get a look in. The only reason would be Carle’s reluctance to out and out defend, much preferring to attack.
So the team has a few days in which to recover and regroup before taking on a very impressive Japanese team. In all honesty they will need every ounce of strength they can muster as this is a rampant Japan team who made the previously impressive Vietnam squad look positively ordinary.
I hold grave fears for the next encounter and frankly can’t see the Aussies lifting even more (they need to be twice as good) to create the upset they will need.
Comment by Blackjack — July 17, 2007 @ 7:03 am
BJ I think you need a quick prescription of enthusiasm pills. The 4-0 scoreline did flatter a bit but lets give credit where it is due. Australia performed far in advance of their previous performances and weathered a concerted attack from the Thais in the second half. Emerton was excellent in a slightly unusual role, Milligan impressed and Carney was very solid. Following the previous two matches I have been highly critical of Bresciano and saw little last night to change my mind. He consistently got caught in posession, ran into dead ends and created little for all bar about 15 minutes of the game. It is no insignificant to me that we scored more goals after he left the park than in the two and three quarter games prior to this that he was on it. The other player that continues to disappoint was Grella….solid defensively but his passing…..I would suggest that 40-50% of his passes go straight to opposition players.
Viduka scored a great goal and, while I agree he looks slow that could also be due to the conmparative size of the people around him…he is after all a big lad. Aloisi looked awful…..nothing more to say. It looks like I am not the only one that can’t understand why Carle can’t get a run. Holman also looked like a chook with the head removed when he came on…if that is the best there is to step in up front it is little wonder that Viduka and co are still in the limelight.
What really bothers me of course is the fact that AGAIN I agree with almost everythiong Corey has said…with the exception that Viduka would still be selected in my team….we just have to get the ball to him when he doesn’t have to turn and beat three at a time…as he proved late in the game last night.
WELL DONE AUSSIE! Pride saved and some faith restored. Japan will be tough and I don’t see Carle getting a run there either. C’mon Arnold…give Bresciano a rest…you can always bring him back at half time if it isn’t working but give the youngster a go.
Finally credit to Danny G who pedicted the score and I guess can also get some credit for calling a good game from Milligan…although the other two he thought might do well actually didn’t start.
Comment by A Whisper — July 17, 2007 @ 9:27 am
Nothing has changed. Lucky to be through. Why do we continue to play Viduka.
Even if by chase we beat Japan…Nothing has changed….Need a new coach and out with dukes.
Comment by Potenza — July 17, 2007 @ 9:31 am
GO THE GOLD AND GREEN yeah baby thats right rough old game but they got there result doesn’t matter how they got it they got the result they needed.
Comment by Gold Star — July 17, 2007 @ 11:04 am
I agree wish most of the comments here and would like also like to see nicky carle get a run for at least 15-20mins, I thought Cahill was very good when he came on.
You don’t like Kewell do u BJ? at least he finishes that goal nicely
Comment by Grella — July 17, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Wasn’t all doom and gloom though BJ….
Forgot to mention Beauchamp too…had a good game I thought. Be a long time before we see poor Paddy again I think.
Do ya think someone like John Terry could find an Australian in his heritage somewhere?
Comment by A Whisper — July 17, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Interesting to see lot of people say Viduka shouldnt start, the bloke scored two quality goals last night and for years has played as a one out striker usually closely marked by two defenders. Is brilliant at holding the ball up and plays better as a front two - Aloisi or another stiker should start in the Japan Game. I thought Milligan was very good last night, I thought Grella Struggled. Viduka is a very good leader and deserves a bit of credit the bloke scores 20+ in the premiership and would be in most starting 11’s in that league - agree Harry can be a bit precious at times - Beauchamp looked a lot more solid than Our mate Kinsorbo (that bloke will be lucky to play for Australia again
Comment by D Train — July 17, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Agree with D Train. For the life of me can’t see why everyone is bagging Viduka. In the second half when Australia had their backs to the wall he scored two brilliant goals which completely turned the game. One would have to admit a Thai equaliser was looking almost a certainty at that stage… Cahill brilliant as usual.
Comment by BG 60 MIN — July 17, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
yeah have to agree…… I dont think anyone is blind to viduka’s overall talent but in the asian cup he lacks support and lacks sharpness…. the first goal against thailand was not great as if u watch the replay it was debatably not even on target until it hit the unfortunate thai……. i would personally like someone like a nicky carle in the side and then play viduka up front with two guys sitting off him slightly deep such as a kewell and thompson?? to be honest i would like to know what formation the players would prefer because it seems ludacris that we sit back so far and are so defensive against inferior opponents……
Comment by Corey Smith — July 17, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
I’d just like to note that it was pretty good refereeing over the whole game by the ref, and good to see an Asian team not diving and rolling around on the ground all day, ala Oman and to a lesser extent Iraq!
Thailand played well, unlucky not to make the most of their chances, although obviously we deserved to win for putting away ours. 2 classic Viduka goals, and a clinical Kewell one that you knew was going in far corner from the moment he got it. Cahill setting 2 of those last 3 up brilliantly. Anyone suggesting Kewell & Viduka don’t belong on the team are kidding themselves, they are a class above, and age/injuries may prevent them from giving 90mins of quality like they used to/do for their clubs, but as seen towards the end, they can do enough in 30mins for them to have an influence on the result.
Comment by Ril — July 17, 2007 @ 6:08 pm
BJ
How can you say size and stature isn’t effective? Surely against the more lightweight opponents his ariel dominance and strength on the ball count double?
If you need proof then look at his first goal which was created purely from his own strength on the ball
Comment by BG 60 MIN — July 17, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
BG 60 min…. viduka’s strength on the ball…. strength in the air and his ability to bring others into the game is as good as anyones…… problem i have with him in this team is how are we going to use that when graham arnold leaves him isolated 1 on 4 a lot of the time? we also don’t get to the bi-line enough and whip crosses in that he has any chance gettin to? timmy cahill’s service was great as is kewell’s delivery a lot of the time…….. i think this is where nicky carle comes in!!! probably wont happen and no doubt we will watch one of the worst players in international football in wilkshire attempting dead balls and long balls to dukes with 4 surrounding him….. in this case i think that is where you maybe play archie or aloisi who can give a chase atleast?
Comment by Corey Smith — July 18, 2007 @ 9:42 am
Vidukas australians most important player…hands down. Didnt take blackjack an co. long to get back on the socceroos bandwagon! after watching japan the other night australia dont have much of a chance. they are looking awesome.
Comment by jd — July 18, 2007 @ 9:58 am
agreed corey wilkshire is a monkey - dukes needs a fellow front man who is quick and can run off him - look at his striker partners in the Premiership rarely did he play one-out with Borough and at Newcastle i would expect Owen and Him will do some serious damage, we need an owen-esque striker!
Comment by D Train — July 18, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Archie is quality A league player but hasn’t proved himself on the global stage or outside Australia is he good enough is the question I pose? A league not as strong as European leagues! Be interesting to see how McDonald goes in Scotland, what about Josh Kennedy? (injured i thinK)
Comment by D Train — July 18, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Well Corey is that a fault of Viduka’s or Arnold’s?
Comment by BG 60 MIN — July 18, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
D train - yeah Kennedy is injured. Kennedy would be a very useful player to have on the bench, if not starting, for australia throughout this asian cup. As you stated before, Archie thompson probably isnt good enough to get a run, but honestly, wouldnt you prefer archie over that Holman bloke, he was dreadful.
Comment by Leon — July 18, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
magine carle around vidukas first touch, that would be interesting.
Thing about carle is he isnt that good a finisher, and i dont understand how some people say he’s technically better than most of the starting 11 when he only uses his right leg to stand on. not saying hes technique is bad, man i wish i had it but lads and felads think about it
Comment by Borat — July 18, 2007 @ 9:04 pm