World Cup 2006

[- L1n -]

Not just passing, but also the composure on the ball is so much better. Under Farina is just seemed like we weren't organised and didn't go anywhere. If a team were to pressure us we'd lose posession or just boot the ball up field to no one.

In terms of flair, yes Kewell is the only player that would be considered 'flairy' for Australia. Regarding Bresc. He might be considered a bench to most, but IMO, he would be able to do a very good job when called upon. For his career (And Grella's career) sake i hope he moves on from Parma. The only way he'll be able to show that he's a great is at a bigger club. Just wait and see.

Many Australian fans are cluless when it comes to Asian teams. They think Korea is crap. They think Iran are crap. They think Japan are crap. They think Saudi... Okay, disregard the final one. Point is, Japan are good but if we're to compare player by player Australia's players are superior. Just. History at the WC means nothing. 2002 France and Argentina were the clear favourites. Both bombed out. Turkey did amazingly considering they had only qualified for one (Yes, one) WC prior to Japorea 2002. We don't even need to consider Senegal because we saw what they did. Mind you, we could do a China or Saudi Arabia and bomb out, but it's unlikely the magnitude would be as big. Also, remember, in 2002 Japan and Korea had the support of the home crowd. That goes a long way. It's clear that Japan won't have the same level of support. Brasil and Croatia especially, probably will. However, so will Australia. The team won over a lot of fans due to their confederation's cup performance (Which was shocking, but we scored goals against very reputable teams). I wouldn't be suprised if the German fans cheer Australia on.

Croatia drew with Iran overnight/two nights ago, 2-all. They might've beaten Argentina 4-3, but it shows they can leak goals. No doubt we can as well, however, we've only conceeded what? 3 goals under Hiddink (One of which was when he wasn't even in charge of proceedings). Our defence, as you said, is still clearly our weakest point. That's probably only because we lack sufficient depth at this point. There's a lot of talk about Beauchamp, but he's for the future. Popovic is past it and a hack now. Miligan is a possible future candidate as well. But for this moment if Moore and Neill are fine, then the defence isn't so weak.

BTW Lin, i've noticed that you're from Sydney. Which part specifically? I'm meaning to go back and visit my home town. =D
Follow Sydney FC much?

Yeh but u see China has an excuse for bombing out 1st ever world cup, no one expected much. Saudi was a different story they clearly had the experience and sucked. True we conceded 3 goals under Hiddink but look at who we played even though we beat Uruguay i still doubt we stll can when Forlan is there only thing uruguay sucked at against Australia was putting away the chances given Zayleta is friggin crap, Forlan shits all over him. And Greece i don't rate them the only real test so far for Australia will be Netherlands after that match i think we can clearly asses where we r interms of strengths and weaknesses against world class opposition. With Van nistelrooy up front kalac or Swarchz r gonna either eat crap or be a hero. It's make or break if u ask me.


Regarding SYdney, Northern beaches region is where i'm at. Not a fan of Sydney FC after they tried to lower Litbarski's wages and made him leave, thats just stupid by the sydney FC Board his worth that much. I hope they bomb out this yr becos of their stupidity. But even though they won 1st season it was unconvincing if the Aussie league is based on League + Cup format Sydney would only be considered Aussie Cup winners rather than A League Champions.

[Neo26988]

Yeh but u see China has an excuse for bombing out 1st ever world cup, no one expected much. Saudi was a different story they clearly had the experience and sucked. True we conceded 3 goals under Hiddink but look at who we played even though we beat Uruguay i still doubt we stll can when Forlan is there only thing uruguay sucked at against Australia was putting away the chances given Zayleta is friggin crap, Forlan shits all over him. And Greece i don't rate them the only real test so far for Australia will be Netherlands after that match i think we can clearly asses where we r interms of strengths and weaknesses against world class opposition. With Van nistelrooy up front kalac or Swarchz r gonna either eat crap or be a hero. It's make or break if u ask me.

Yes i know, i was just using both as an example.

Regarding our opposition. Yes, it's true we haven't had the stronest opposition. However, by no means were they push overs. Regarding Jamaica, prior to our last meeting with them we struggled against them. They really, really pushed us. Against Hiddink it was the first time we showed that we could contain teams and dominate (In the recent era, at least). That's been our biggest problem in the past.

Regarding Uruguay. We were without Moore. Taking everything into perspective, Moore was a bigger loss to us than Folan were to them. Uruguay were never a one man team to start off with either. I do admit, however, that if Pandiani and Chevanton had made themselves available than the result could've been different.

Also, i don't see how you cannot rate Greece. They have very good players, and one of the reasons why they didn't qualify for the WC was because of their group. Look at who were in it. It was one tough group.

Again, i reiterate. By no means am i talking up Australia saying they dead set will qualify to the round of 16. I just believe respect should be given where it's due and that the battle for 2nd spot is a lot closer than a lot of people realise.

[chelsea_fan]

it's odd that Robben's not the 1st choice for Netherland n Gerrard playing just behind the lone striker that day in the friendly.

[chelsea_fan]

Oh man....Lampard missed a penalty that day and now Crouch. And i remembered Beckham missing a couple too last time.

[Black Night Sea]

Beckham missed one against Turkey during the qualifying rounds of Euro 04’ and another in a decisive penalty shootout against Portugal later in the quarter-finals.

England’s penalty record during big games speaks for itself :

World Cup Italia 90’ (Semi-finals) West Germany V England Result: 1-1 (aet: pens 4-3)

European Championship England 96’ (Semi-finals) England V Germany Result: 1-1 (aet: pens 5-6)

World Cup France 98’ (Stage 2) Argentina V England Result: 2-2 (aet: pens 4-3)

European Championship Portugal 04’ (Quarter-finals) Portugal V England Result: 2-2 (aet: pens 6-5)

[chelsea_fan]

Beckham missed one against Turkey during the qualifying rounds of Euro 04’ and another in a decisive penalty shootout against Portugal later in the quarter-finals.

England’s penalty record during big games speaks for itself :

World Cup Germany 90’ (Semi-finals) West Germany V England Result: 1-1 (aet: pens 4-3)

European Championship England 96’ (Semi-finals) England V Germany Result: 1-1 (aet: pens 5-6)

World Cup France 98’ (Stage 2) Argentina V England Result: 2-2 (aet: pens 4-3)

European Championship Portugal 04’ (Quarter-finals) Portugal V England Result: 2-2 (aet: pens 6-5)

Eek then lets just hope England wont force a draw during the World Cup. i heard Lampard's still the preferred penalty taker for England.

[Neo26988]

Just finished watching Australia vs Holland. Not overly impressed.

Negatives:
- We seemed intimidated in the first half.
- We seemed lathargic.
- Our passing seems to suffer when there isn't a key man in midfield. Bresc and Sterj were too wide to be that, whereas Culina was a bit quiet.
- Wilkshire and Sterjovski will be bench warmers at best. I'd move Emerton too, however, then you'd need a replacement in central defence with Neill's imminant move to right back.
- First half we seemed lost.
- Moore and Neill was dominated by van Nistelrooij. Mind you, Adriano and Ronaldo won't be as strong in the air as Ruud. Klose, however, will be.
- Final pass still missing. That's still a concern. This has always seemed to be a problem as far as i can remember.

Overall we just didn't seem ourselves in that first half.

Positives:
- Schwarzer will be number one. Good bye Kalac.
- Cahill came off the bench and did reasonably well.
- Once we got on a role we started to create a bit.

Overall i wasn't too impressed. Mind you, Sterjovski and Wilkshire definately won't be starting whereas i think Skoko's influence and passing was missed.

vs Japan i'd probably go:

------------------------Schwarzer
-----------Moore--------Neill------Popovic
Emerton---------------Grella--------------Chipperfield
-------Bresciano-------Culina------Kewell
-------------------------Viduka

Cahill off the bench. Moore, Neill and Popovic are all capable of dominating at set peices without needing Cahill there.

Mind you, this isn't a set back at all. If anything, it shows character that we were able to hold out.

[yittz]

Didn't watch the game. Local newspaper seems quite impressed with the fact AU drew 1-1 with 3rd ranked team...blah blah. Just wondering how hard were the Dutch trying? 1-1 is an awesome score no?

[Neo26988]

Didn't watch the game. Local newspaper seems quite impressed with the fact AU drew 1-1 with 3rd ranked team...blah blah. Just wondering how hard were the Dutch trying? 1-1 is an awesome score no?

Local Aussie or Dutch newspapers?

Anyway, overall it was a battling performance. There were a lot of instances however, where the scoreline would've been a blowout if it wasn't for Mark Schwarzer.

Result wise, 1-1 against Holland is magnificent. I'd be stoked if we get that against Brasil. Actual performance wise, it shows we desperately need Kewell and Cahill on the park. A lot of balls were sprayed. Again, maybe it would've been wise to start Skoko, but who am i to tell Guus who to play?

(With the exception of Sterjovski)

[yittz]

Local Aussie or Dutch newspapers?

Anyway, overall it was a battling performance. There were a lot of instances however, where the scoreline would've been a blowout if it wasn't for Mark Schwarzer.

Result wise, 1-1 against Holland is magnificent. I'd be stoked if we get that against Brasil. Actual performance wise, it shows we desperately need Kewell and Cahill on the park. A lot of balls were sprayed. Again, maybe it would've been wise to start Skoko, but who am i to tell Guus who to play?

(With the exception of Sterjovski)

Aussie. So holland didn't get ball in net and put away the opportunities.

Which country has the best defence on paper?

How is the Czech team? (kinda hoping they will be the black horse that rattle everyone)

[Neo26988]

Aussie. So holland didn't get ball in net and put away the opportunities.

Which country has the best defence on paper?

How is the Czech team? (kinda hoping they will be the black horse that rattle everyone)

Best defence on paper in the WC? It's hard to say. You have England, Brasil and Argentina with quality defenders. Personally, i'd probably say Brasil or maybe Italy. The other nations don't have a complete balance in defensive quality IMO. Mind you, i don't rate Neville highly and i certainly do think Ferdinand's over rated a lot of the time.

The Czech team looks very good. They have very capable players in top leagues. I'm just wondering what the line up will be like. I think everyone knows what the Czech's are capable of. They're very much like Spain and Ukraine in that they have so much potential but they never make it further.

[owbjhx]

Which country has the best defence on paper?

Personally, i'd probably say Brasil or maybe Italy.

Surely Italy. An Italian back four of Zambrotta/Oddo/Nesta/Cannavaro must be superior to a Brazilian back four of R.Carlos/Cafu/Lucio/Juan. On paper, the latter bunch will be found to have conceded at least 20% more league goals over this season than the Italians, and this would still be understating the difference because half of the Brazilians play in the German league (much inferior to the Italian league, and fewer matches, too).

Without getting nerdishly quantitative, Brazil's full-backs are geriatrics, while Italy's are possibly the two best in the world in their positions. Carlos in particular is a liability. If you Aussies have a good right-sided winger, you might get some joy down that flank. Maybe put Kewell there for a bit.

[Black Night Sea]

Surely Italy. An Italian back four of Zambrotta/Oddo/Nesta/Cannavaro must be superior to a Brazilian back four of R.Carlos/Cafu/Lucio/Juan.

Also not to discount Buffon in this impressive Italian defensive line, who’s regarded by many as the greatest goalkeeper on the planet. His pedigree in the Champions League may not be something that’s worth boasting about but he’s probably the main reason why Juventus continue with their run of consecutive league titles. That’s if his club Juventus was not found guilty of supposedly match-fixing in the Serie A.

In addition, wasn’t there a time when even the defenders of Brazil were scoring goals almost as much as their respective forwards? If that’s the case, I think it’s what sets this national team apart from others all due to a plethora of players who’ve adopted their own kind of attacking mentality. This might outweigh any known vulnerabilities in their area of defence since Brazil are known to concede goals and don’t always get clean sheets in their winning matches.

When looking at their team closely, normally you wouldn’t expect any right-backs of any domestic/national teams bombing it down the entire right flanks like how that Cafu-guy does it. Nor do you ever see such swerving free-kicks from left-backs that are a trademark of R.Carlos’. All in all, teams will probably have to think about containing the whole 11 yellow shirts on the field if it comes to the worst.

If you Aussies have a good right-sided winger, you might get some joy down that flank. Maybe put Kewell there for a bit.

I don’t think Kewell has ever played on the right before, at least it’s not a position I’ve seen him try in his career for Liverpool. As a matter of fact, he’s been asserted as left-footed.

[owbjhx]

In addition, wasn’t there a time when even the defenders of Brazil were scoring goals almost as much as their respective forwards? If that’s the case, I think it’s what sets this national team apart from others all due to a plethora of players who’ve adopted their own kind of attacking mentality.

I suppose they know they can risk committing resources forward because they're confident about being able to outscore the opposition. As you suggest, their attacking talent does outweight their defensive vulnerabilities.

When looking at their team closely, normally you wouldn’t expect any right-backs of any domestic/national teams bombing it down the entire right flanks like how that Cafu-guy does it. Nor do you ever see such swerving free-kicks from left-backs that are a trademark of R.Carlos’.

Roberto Carlos is great to watch, but nowadays his trademark is the defensive howler for Real Madrid rather than the free kick swerving into row Z. Brazil have a more clinical set-piece specialist in Juninho, but the team's so good that he won't even make the starting eleven.

I don’t think Kewell has ever played on the right before, at least it’s not a position I’ve seen him try in his career for Liverpool. As a matter of fact, he’s been asserted as left-footed.

He might not have played on the right for a whole match, and sure he's left-footed, but I was just thinking the Aussie coach might have him try a few runs at Carlos (unless the team have a better naturally right-sided winger). I'm sure he's occasionally drifted onto that flank for the 'Pool, anyway. Being left-footed might even help him cut inside and put Carlos on his weaker foot.

So...how does one go about beating Brazil? What do you see as their weaknesses?

[Black Night Sea]

Roberto Carlos's free kicks usually swerve into row Z, and his defensive howlers for Real Madrid are just as much of a trademark. Brazil have a more clinical set-piece specialist in Juninho, but the team's so good that he won't even make the starting eleven. I've heard Cafu's still going, but at almost 36, those joints must be creaking.

It’s been quite a while since Real have won a trophy let alone a major trophy; it’s not surprising that a fall in confidence levels between Ronaldo, Carlos and Robinho (shocking signing btw) are affecting their work level. But will their poor performances domestically be a good reflection of how their World Cup campaign is going to start? Adriano hasn’t been doing too well with Inter as of late, but the fact remains that he’s a proven goalscorer in big games and he’s the one that single-handedly led the team to win the Confederations Cup (not mentioning Ronaldinho). I also suspect that Beckham is underperforming at Real, but he still had it in him for his country when he made that inch-perfect cross to Gerrard enough to butt it into the net during a friendly. Performing for country and performing for domestic club may not go in accordance. But I must say that Ronaldo did appear 'stuffed' the last time I saw him.

Being left-footed might even help him cut inside and put Carlos on his weaker foot.

Well, you do know for a fact that players speeding down the right flanks normally feed crosses to their team mates into the penalty box, for that to happen your dominant foot must be the right-foot andvice-versa with a player on the left wing. These are just my superficial views on what kind of players are normally selected to suit which positions. But even having said that, I’ve also heard that players who’ve played in positions not particularly suitable for their favoured foot allowed them that awkwardness in their play which became as a result of it confusing and difficult to play against for opposing wingers or full-backs.

But is the coach seriously prepared to take such a risk ? We’ll just have to see what kind of performance the selected right-wingers will put in.

Regarding Brazil‘s group, I’ve also heard between the lines from some player in Japan FC that their team have thrown in the towel when it came to facing Brazil. Their main focus and perhaps realistic achievement for them is to get to 2nd place of the group. They’ve turned their attention to Australia who will be their target team to try and beat…or so he says. That’s mind games for you.

So...how does one go about beating Brazil? What do you see as their weaknesses?

You and I have already mentioned it amongst ourselves: it’s their defence. I’m actually in support of your suggestion of trying to expose Carlos down the right, since the midfield is probably going to be where guys like Kaka and Ronaldinho occupy, and there’s perhaps little doubt that they’re going to get most of the possession.

Moreover, Spain are supposed to be one of the teams that exploited weaknesses in Brazil’s defence and midfield. Never watched their games though.

[Neo26988]

On reputation alone Italy's defence is by far the strongest. Mind you, Nesta hasn't been in his great self. I don't think Oddo will start on the right. Probably Zaccardo. Not too sure on this minor detail though.

Personally, i think Lucio and Juan are very capable defenders. Lucio in particular, was touted as being one of the best centre backs in the game a few years ago. he can play the ball out from defence quite well also. Carlos and Cafu certainly are liabilities in defence though. However, i disagree that Oddo is a world class fullback. He's good, don't get me wrong. But there are certainly others out there who supass him. One of which, should be in this world cup but was over looked. A certain former Argentine captain. :angry:

As you suggest, their attacking talent does outweight their defensive vulnerabilities.

Besides from the flanks, the real vulnerbility that Brasil have is probably Ze Roberto playing beside Emerson. Mind you, it's breakable. I just think teams are more worried about their attack to actually focus on taking their opportunities.

If you Aussies have a good right-sided winger, you might get some joy down that flank. Maybe put Kewell there for a bit.

Kewell's shocking on the right. Simple as that. We'll probably have Bresciano and Culina roam out there with Emerton down the flanks. Oh god how i pray that Emerton gets back to the form he had 3 or 4 years ago. :'(

I'm actually more enticed by the Chipperfield/Cafu battle. It's my opinion that Kewell would skim Cafu, mainly on speed alone. Chipperfield, you would think, is also faster than Cafu now. And he's also improved a helluva lot. Never ever puts in bad performances for the national team. He'd do a pretty decent job on Cafu when Cafu attacks as well.

Regarding Brazil‘s group, I’ve also heard between the lines from some player in Japan FC that their team have thrown in the towel when it came to facing Brazil. Their main focus and perhaps realistic achievement for them is to get to 2nd place of the group. They’ve turned their attention to Australia who will be their target team to try and beat…or so he says. That’s mind games for you.

There's no way Japan will throw in the towel. They know they can match it with Brasil. Their players pace is just phenomonal. The only question mark on this is whether their fowards can control the ball while going at pace. That seemed like it was a problem for them at the Confed Cup. Their defence is also suspect in the air, so expect the likes of Adriano, Viduka, Cahill and Prso to fully take advantage of Japan.

[Black Night Sea]

But there are certainly others out there who supass him. One of which, should be in this world cup but was over looked. A certain former Argentine captain. :angry:

Was it by any chance Roberto Ayala? Coz he's apparently confirmed to be in the Argentinian squad.

[fulim1410]

Was it by any chance Roberto Ayala? Coz he's apparently confirmed to be in the Argentinian squad.

I think he mean J. Zannetti . Funny how come he never get the nod while Heinze that is injured the whole season get to go to Germany. J. Zannetti is the definition of wingback. GOod speed , quality defender and totally like a rock at Inter defense.

Zanetti can make mince meat out of R. Carlos or Cafu anyday.

[Neo26988]

I think he mean J. Zannetti . Funny how come he never get the nod while Heinze that is injured the whole season get to go to Germany. J. Zannetti is the definition of wingback. GOod speed , quality defender and totally like a rock at Inter defense.

Zanetti can make mince meat out of R. Carlos or Cafu anyday.

Bingo.

And can you believe that Peckerman chose Scaloni ahead of Javier??? Total disgrace IMHO.

[c13:4567]

I also suspect that Beckham is underperforming at Real, but he still had it in him for his country when he made that inch-perfect cross to Gerrard enough to butt it into the net during a friendly. Performing for country and performing for domestic club may not go in accordance. But I must say that Ronaldo did appear 'stuffed' the last time I saw him.

Regarding Brazil‘s group, I’ve also heard between the lines from some player in Japan FC that their team have thrown in the towel when it came to facing Brazil. Their main focus and perhaps realistic achievement for them is to get to 2nd place of the group. They’ve turned their attention to Australia who will be their target team to try and beat…or so he says. That’s mind games for you.

Australia isn't my fav team but I really hope we end up 2nd in the group to deny Japan and thrash them 15-0 in the process, haha.

I never liked beckham (too 1 dimensional, imo) but he hasn't
underperformed at Real this season. the guy led the la liga in assists again, with the 2nd guy way behind him in the chart. It is just that Real basically has been a galactic mess for the past few years with the despot Perez at the helm. If one wants to talk about underperforming, Raul should be mentioned, the fella is a disgrace. alas, how far he has fallen.
Ronaldo is also packing way too many pounds for his own good.